Shenipsit : Dark Hollow Brook to Flat Brook Falls

Blue Blaze Shenipsit Trail and Connecticut State Forest

in Glastonbury, CT

Parking:

Trail Map         Trails: 5 miles       Rating: ★★★☆☆


This section of the Shenipsit Trail, north of Rt. 2 through a parcel of the Meshomasic State Forest is an interesting mix of old and new trail that passes the culverts under Rt.2, climbs a ridgeline, and has a short spur to Flat Brook Falls until reaching Diamond Lake Rd for a total of about five miles one way.

Hiking

Heading north from the parking at the end of Tollgate Rd the trail parallels Rt. passing the Glastonbury Gun Range and then a group of cement pillars before reaching the infamous culverts under Rt. 2.  Over the last ten years there have been a few attempts to move the Shenipsit under Rt. 2 through the culverts instead of the long road walk around.  The DOT shot down the plan for a small ledge to run along the side of the culverts that would allow hikers a more direct route.  I explored the culverts in 2016 and think the plan is entirely feasible.

From here the trail turns north and heads into the forest quickly gaining elevation on rocky scrambles to a tiny overlook.  The forest changes ecosystems a few times as you follow this series of hills.  There is another forested overlook atop a high ridge though the view isn’t much.  Soon after you reach the very short spur trail to Flat Brook Falls.  I visited the falls in 2018 after Fall rains to see the cascades that drop about 30ft.

Another .6 miles up the trail reaches Imperial Drive, a designated CFPA parking area for the trail.  There is a tall curb to get to the parking area so it is better suited SUVs and pickups.  The next stretch passes a seemingly man-made earthen dam and pond until Diamond Lake Rd. Where a very brief road walk with an overgrown entrance takes you through a largely forgotten section next to a pond in the Grayledge Open Space.

Shenipsit Trail

History:


Links:

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Last updated June 11th, 2023

Visited 2400 times, 1 Visits today

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