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:
- CTMQ – Lillinonah Trail (2008)
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Last updated May 26, 2024
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