Pistapaug Mountain

This property is trailed entirely by a 1.7 mile stretch of the blue blaze Mattabesett Trail part of the 235 mile New England Trail. Coming from Route 17  the trail starts right behind the end of the guard rail at this curve in the road.  There is room for a car or two to pull-off on the shoulder here though due to the busy traffic I’d recommend parking on the quieter Howd Rd side.

From Rt-17 the trail climbs straight uphill and crosses a rocky stream. Then begins a long slog of a climb.  It isn’t particularly steep and perhaps I was just a bit tired but the trail felt like a long slow climb with rocky footing and dense understory.  As the trail turns north again the forest opens up a bit and continues to climb. There are at least three overlooks here, the third and final overlook provides the most classic experience with clearing and a rocky outcrop. Just a bit beyond this, a bit more of a climb is a cairn but the trail almost certainly misses the summit.

Then begins a long rocky descent including deep ravines, steep hillsides, and terribly rocky footing making for a beautiful but challenging section of trail no matter which side you start from.

It is also the second prominent feature of the Metacomet Ridge that you experience thru-hiking the NET.

Heading north: Tri-Mountain State Park

Heading south: 0.5 mile road walk coming from Bluff Head

• Auntie Beak – Mattabesett Trail, Pistapaug Pond (2015)