Langhammer Trail

Langhammer Trail

Ashford Town Open Space

73 acres in Ashford, CT

Parking: Small lot near 100 Lustig Rd, Ashford, CT 06278

Trail Map           Trails: 1.2 miles         Trail Difficulty: Moderate ⓘ Rating System:Easiest – Paved, Accessible Trail
Easy – Dirt, mostly smooth and wide
Moderate – Rolling terrain, variable width, standard rocks and roots
Difficult – Steep elevation and/or challenging
Strenuous – Likely long or technical segments with possible drops/exposure.     Rating: ★★☆☆☆ ⓘ Rating System:★☆☆☆☆ – Unmaintained, short hike, or not much to explore
★★☆☆☆ – Enjoyable short hike usually for locals
★★★☆☆ – Great hike with highlights, worth seeking out
★★★★☆ – Great area to explore worth repeat visits
★★★★★ – Must-see

The Langhammer Trail was an unexpected surprise when hiking the Ruby-Fenton Park.  After taking a mysterious connector and hiking clockwise around the loop I finally reached the trailhead to find out the property the trail was on.  At 1.2 miles the trail is relatively easy with only about 40ft of elevation change and is limited to foot traffic.

Several sections near Eno Brook were wet and the lone bridge does not suffice to dodge the mud.  After crossing the bridge I began to see carefully piled and balanced stones.  Just a few at first and then many more along the whole eastern side of the loop both along the trail and off in the woods.  So many in fact, that it actually made me uncomfortable, like I was intruding on someone else’s space.  It was a strange feeling.

About 1/3 of the trail is part of the Old Connecticut Path as it heads north towards Fliegal Farm Woods. Perhaps a continuation of Lustig Road before it’s improvement.  Aside from the balanced stones and a lone trailside folding chair, there aren’t many notable features.  The Langhammer Trail is a great addition to the Ruby-Fenton Park.  The GPS map of my recent hike was a combination of the two for a total of six miles which took about two hours.

History:

This property has been owned by the town of Ashford since 1959, the trail was completed in 2016 and had its grand opening on October 23rd, 2016 thanks to the Ashford Conservation Commission.

Links:

• Environmental Review Team – Langhammer Property
• Old Connecticut Path – Langhammer Conservation Area
• Kitty LeShay – Walkers and Dreamers Protecting Open Space

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Last updated July 13, 2018