The Pachaug Trail runs 25 miles running through Voluntown, Sterling, Plainfield, and Griswold. The trail passes ponds and reservoirs, Hell Hollow, the overlook at Mount Misery, and the Rhododendron Sanctuary.
The trail is the southern terminus, navigating some deep woods to climb up and over Mt. Misery.
Rhododendron Trail – 0.4 miles
And short easy and flat trail that is the closest you’ll get to a jungle in Connecticut. “The Rhododendron Sanctuary in Pachaug Forest is one of those rare, unique places that must be on the to-see list of anyone who loves the outdoors. It is one of the state’s eight National Natural Landmarks. It is set in the middle of Connecticut’s largest state forest. And the shrubs grow in the heart of a rare Atlantic white cedar swamp.”
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This section of trail overlaps significantly with the Pachaug State Forest Enduro Trail so you will likely come across dirt bikes or ATVs. There isn’t much to point out in this two mile stretch. It passes through tall pines on wet rutted trail before paralleling one of the improved dirt roads through the forest. The trail finally leaves the enduro section, crosses a stream, and follows the marshy portion of Phillip’s Pond.
I hiked this section as part of my 30 mile backpacking loop with Mat Jobin in 2019, though in covering that distance this section doesn’t really stand out in my memory when writing this a couple years later.
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Green Fall Pond is one of the most complete outdoor experience areas in the state. It serves as the junction of three long trails and offers camping, backpacking, swimming, and boating. There is a waterfall, ravine, mill ruins, glacial fields and so much more.
This section of the Narragansett starts from the eastern side coming from a road walk on Sand Hill Road. The 1.21 mile trail is a less traveled section but is easy to follow with a few interesting rock features. You’ll soon reach a dirt section of Green Fall Road which heads downhill before taking a left just before the Green Fall River. The mouth of the ravine features the remains of an old mill with a cairn that once held a wooden sluiceway aloft. The foundations of the mill are said to be off near the river, but I couldn’t spot them on my last visit.
The ravine is impressive and newly built bridges and boardwalks make this section a hidden gem. The trails then continues along cut into the steep bank until reach the outflow waterfall at the southern end of Green Fall Pond. The trail climbs up the side of the retaining wall for a view of the pond before skirting it’s edge for just over a half mile.
Among thick mountain laurel you’ll turn away from the pond and head into the forest. There is a newer red blazed trail not marked on the trail map above which heads north. Not far past that trail is a small clearing with an unmarked access trail to the Peg Mill lean-to backpacking shelter. Just a bit west is Peg Mill brook as a water source and the remains of the eponymous Peg Mill.
The southern terminus of the Pachaug Trail starts just west of the camping area heading north. It was a bit difficult to find on my last visit in 2019. The first feature is a “Fat Man’s Squeeze” a narrow curving break in a large boulder. The trail then ascends a boulder field following a forested ridgeline towards the multi-purpose trail. This deep forest section feels remote and alternates between narrow trail, occasional ATV track, marshy areas, and steep hillsides until reaching Rt 138.
Next section: —
Nehantic Trail
I hiked this 2.45 section in summer 2019 as part of a 30 mile Pachuag Loop, but unfortunately don’t remember much of note in this stretch.
Pond Loop
The 1.9 mile loop features many secluded views of the pond. Though rocky in many spots the is well maintained and well traveled by all.
The 48 acre Green Fall Pond is also known as Green Fall Reservoir. There is a dirt boat launch a bit before the camping area. No internal combustion engines are allowed so you’ll mainly see kayaks out on the water. Paddling around the pond will take about an hour and there are a few small islands.
Camping
The Green Falls Campground in Pachaug State Forest will be open for the 2021 season, from April 9 through October 11 (daily). The campground has 18 wooded sites. One pet per site is allowed. Alcohol prohibited.
The picnic areas, camping sites, earthen dam and even the road to the pond were built in the 1930s and early 1940s by the Civilian Conservation Corps’ Camp Lonergan; the camp was named after Connecticut Representative and Senator Augustine Lonergan. A nice footbridge crosses a stream in the campground; it was designed and built in May 2001 as an Eagle Scout project by Brian Hedler of Troop 75 Preston, Connecticut.
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While far more popular as a boat launch Beach Pond has great rugged hiking as well. I hiked this section in June 2019 as part of a group hike with Mat Jobin for Connecticut Trails Day.
Hiking
Beach Pond is trailed by the blue blaze Pachaug Trail which heads north next to the entrance to the lot and south next to the boat launch.
Heading north the trail immediately climbs among the rocks winding through outcrops and ridges. The terrain alternates between rugged and wet areas with a few trees down obscuring the trail. At 1.1 miles the trail crosses the dirt Bassett Mills Rd.
Heading south the trail follows the curve of the water briefly until turning uphill into rocky and hilly terrain. The trail follows rock washes and the edge of high rock walls next to a marsh. At the CT/RI border this is a logbook and the trails switch from the classic light blue to Rhode Island’s dark blue. The Rhode Island section follows the east slope of the water punctuated by rocky views of the pond. After about 2.3 miles the trail reaches Rt. 165 next to Finn Beach.
Boating
Beach Pond is a 346 acre lake on the border of Connecticut and Rhode Island that gets as deep as 60ft.
Fishing and boating are allowed, but swimming and picnicking along the shore are not because the majority of the shoreline is private property.
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.
