Hubbard Park: Castle Craig
1,800 acres in Meriden, CT
Parking: Year round lot near 999 W Main St, Meriden, CT or drive up to the tower May 1st through October 31st from 10:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m at Peak Dr, Meriden, CT
Trail Map Mobile Trail Map Trails: 10 miles Rating: ★★★★★
Among the Hanging Hills of Meridan sits Hubbard Park and atop its ridge sits Castle Craig. This park has impressive views, miles of trails, and one of Connecticut’s stone observation towers.
Hiking
All my hikes have begun from the small lot next to Mirror Lake taking the red trail, crossing the 691 overpass, and climbing up to the tower. The shortest route is about 1.2 miles up to the tower and although there is a good amount of elevation gain with a steep loose rock slope in one stretch but the reward of the tower view is worth it. Of course you could drive up to the tower May 1st through October 31st from 10:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m for the easiest option.
The park has a 3 mile section of the Metacomet Trail.
- The trail enters from the east passing Elmere Reservoir and the Anderson Property Open Space to reach the north end of Merrimere Reservoir. The trail enters a small ravine just past the reservoir and continues on a long slow climb up to the castle with several viewpoints along the way. From the castle the trail leaves the corner of the parking area to follow the East Peak cliff edge before turning and heading very steeply down to briefly meet Hubbard Park’s red trail. From there it steeply reclimbs up to West Peak for more views for a long meandering descent to Edgewood Road.
- Heading north: 1.5 mile road walk on Edgewood Rd to Short Mountain / Timberlin Park
- Heading south: Blue Hills Conservation Area
Other highlights include the white trail down to Halfway House (also known as the Fairview Observatory), Merrimere Reservoir with its Mine Island, and the overlooks from East and West Peak.
What’s Nearby:
- Kinsmen Brewing
- Ted’s Restaurant (Original steamed hamburgers)
- Cheshire Coffee
History:
Preserved in 1900. The best version is currently on the town’s website here.
Links:
- Peter Marteka – A Meriden Peak With A Giant Autumn View Of Three States (2012)
- Peter Marteka – Ditch The Car; Hike To Castle Craig (2009)
- CTMQ – Castle Craig (2007)
- Scenes From the Trail – Castle Craig Loop – Hubbard Park
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Last updated August 14th, 2022
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