Peoples State Forest
3059 acres in Barkhamsted, CT
Parking:
- Main parking with large lots near 106 E River Rd, Barkhamsted, CT
- Small pull-off for the Elliot Bronson Trail near 1 Park Rd, Barkhamsted, CT
- Other small pull-offs for Agnes Bowen/Jessie Gerard trail farther down East River Rd
Trail Map Trails: 9.2 miles Rating: ★★★★★
Hiking
Agnes Bowen Trail – Blue/Red Blazes – 2.2 miles
- Unexplored
Elliot Bronson Trail – Red Blazes – 2 Miles
- From the main parking area the trail crosses over Greenwoods Road and begins a long steep ascent up and over the ridge before descending the other side to the far southeastern side of the property. There is an alternate parking area
- Walt Landgraf Trail to Indian Rock Shelter
- This short 0.2 mile trail climbs slightly uphill among the rocks and moss, you will soon see the start of the ledges off to your right as you navigate the trail through the boulders. Before you know it you’re at the large white ledge with a small overhang. Not much for a shelter, but certainly an interesting spot worth checking out.
Falls Cut Off Trail – Red Blazes – 0.2 miles
- This extremely steep trail climbs from East River Road up atop the ridge. Stone steps have been labriously set to assist in the climb, but it remains a challenge and may require the use of your hands. You are rewarded at each step with new views of the waterfall the courses down along the trail until switching backing to join the Jessie Gerard/Robert Ross trails.
Jessie Gerard Trail – Yellow Blazes – 1.3 miles
- Actually broken into two sections, interrupted by either the Falls Cut Off Trail or the Robert Ross Trail. This trail is highlighted by a steep climb to two fantastic overlooks. The first southwest looking out over the seemingly undeveloped river valley and to American Legion State Forest. The second northwest with a better view of the river, but houses and roads too. The trail is rugged, rocky, and wet in patches, but some of the state’s best hiking.
- Lighthouse Trail – This short interpretive trail has a handful of stops highlighting the history of the village and area. There is a cemetery for the community members dating back to the 1800s, a quarry and foundation, a grinding stone, and a charcoal kiln.
Robert Ross Trail
- Unexplored
History:
On October 4th, 1920 the original 400 acres were accepted by the state in the presence of 2,500 people including Governor Charles A. Templeton. It is Connecticut’s eight state forest.
The Stone Museum was built by the men of CCC Camp White from 1934-35. It closed in the early 1950s, and was reopened in 1992 after standing unused for many years. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 4th, 1986.
It was the site of the Connecticut State Forest Nursery until the flood of 1955 after which it was transferred to Voluntown at modern day Pachaug State Forest.
This state forest was featured as part of the 2019 and 2024 Sky’s the Limit Hiking Challenges.
Links:
- Peter Marteka – A Pair Of Connecticut’s Grand Vistas In The People’s Forest (2014)
- Peter Marteka – The ‘Lighthouse’ In The Forest (2011)
- CTMQ – Peoples State Forest Trails (2007)
- Peter Marteka – State Sets Aside Funds for Peoples State Forest Projects (2007)
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Last updated November 25th, 2019
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