Paugussett State Forest: Lillinonah Trail

Blue Blaze Trail and Connecticut State Forest

1048 acres in Newtown, CT

Parking:

Small pull-off near 158 Hanover Rd, Newtown, CT
Medium sized lot near 66 Echo Valley Rd, Newtown, CT

Trail Map         Trails: 11 miles     Rating: ★★★☆☆


Hiking

I started from the pull-off on Hanover Rd taking the short yellow trail to cross a small feeder stream and jump on the blue blaze Lillinonah Trail.  I hiked it clockwise doing the full 5.9 mile loop.

  • Lillinonah Trail – Blue Blaze – 5.9 miles
    • This is a moderately challenging loop with lots of ups and downs, rocks, and roots but is a very rewarding mid-distance hike.  From Hanover Road the trail closely follows the bank of the cove narrowing to Pond Brook. Heading out to a point with views of the Housatonic River.  Tall pines and old stone walls are an interesting mix here.  You’ll soon turn away from the water to your first long climb of the day.  From these deep woods your cut across the peninsula back towards the water amid rocky ledges to reach a view across Lake Lillinonah to George C Waldo State Park.  This eastern side of the loop will have you climbing and dropping between the rocks and feeder streams near the water until reaching maple tree sap lines run by CT Audubon.  Just past you’ll reach the second parking area off Echo Valley Road.  This last 1.6 miles or so are just as challenging as the shoreline with more rocks and minor ravines until returning to the original fork.  The entire trail is well blazed and maintained.
  • Upper Gussy Trail – Orange Blaze – 2 miles
  • Mulliken Trail – Yellow Blaze – 1.4 miles
  • Brody Road – Unblazed – 2 miles

History:

1,547-acre  Lake Lillinonah was created in 1955 through the creation of the Shepaug Dam.


Links:

The information shown here is for general reference purposes only. exploreCT.org gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or reliability of this data. Parking in all areas, whether designated here or not, is at your own risk. exploreCT.org is not responsible for any damage or loss to vehicles or contents.
Last updated May 26, 2024

Visited 460 times, 1 Visits today

Related Listings

Jefferson Park

Unexplored

70 Jefferson Park Rd, Madison, CT, USA

Jefferson Park and Oil Mill Brook Madison Land Trust and Connecticut State Forest 194.8 acres in Madison, CT Parking: Cul-de-sac near 70 Jefferson Park Rd, Madison, CT…

Mattabesett East Terminus

★★☆☆☆

1501 River Rd, Middletown, CT, USA

Mattabesett Trail: East Terminus Connecticut Blue Blaze Trail 508 acres in Middletown, CT Parking: East end: Small pull off near 1501 River Rd, Middletown, CT West end:…

Quinebaug Lake State Park

★★☆☆☆

59 Shepard Hill Rd, Danielson, CT, USA

Quinebaug Lake State Park Connecticut State Park 181 acres in Killingly, CT Parking: Small lot near 59 Shepard Hill Rd, Danielson, CT Trail Map       Trails: 2…