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Description
Shenipsit : Dark Hollow Brook to Flat Brook Falls
Blue Blaze Shenipsit Trail and Connecticut State Forest
Parking:
- Dark Hollow: At the end the road near 453 Toll Gate Rd South Glastonbury, CT
- Flat Brook Falls: Shoulder parking on Imperial Drive Glastonbury, CT
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.
Heading north: 0.3 mile road walk on Birch Mtn Rd to Garnet Ledge
Heading south: Dickinson Rd
History:
Links:
Peter Marteka – Exploring Meshomasic State Forest’s Dark Hollow Brook Will Bring Out Your Inner Child (2013)
New England Waterfalls – Flat Brook Falls
Auntie Beak – Shenipsit Trail & Dark Hollow Brook (2017)
CTMQ – Shenipsit Section 2 (2010)
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Last updated June 11th, 2023
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