Shenipsit Trail – South Terminus at Great Hill
Connecticut Blue Blaze Trail – Shenipsit
in Portland, CT
Parking: Small lot and shoulder parking off gravel Gadpouch Rd
Trail Map Trails: 3 miles Trail Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult Rating: ★★★☆☆
The current terminus of the Shenipsit Trail is pretty unassuming but has a long history as one of the first properties acquired by the state in 1917. Just off a dirt section of Gadpouch Rd the trail starts in the Meshomasic State Forest. A sign at the trailhead honors the men of the Civilian Conservation Corps at Camp Jenkins from 1933-36.
The trail quickly and steeply climbs Great Hill and forks as it crests the hill. Heading left takes you to a fantastic overlook from a rocky pegmatite ledge with views south over the Connecticut River. Heading right at the fork continues along the Shenipsit. The trail is straightforward following a spine of hills along the Portland/East Hampton border passing a narrow vista or two on rocky outcrops.
The trail continues until crossing the gravel Woodchoppers Rd. Although the CFPA doesn’t list parking there, several cars were parked at the gates on either side on my last hike there. Total distance is about 2 miles.
An interesting feature along this section is the old quarry, one of many that dot the forest here. The Shenipsit passes next to one that I believe is called State Forest Quarry No. 1 and the trail has bits of mica sparkling underfoot. Before the crash of my website in 2020 I had done some decent research into the history of the quarries here though what I wrote is now lost. I hope to return to this page and “dig into it” again.
The trail then continues through rolling terrain crossing Carr Brook at about 1 mile from Woodchopper Rd which has a small cascade. The waterfall is a stone slope that fans to a small and shallow pool. The trail then heads uphill again and over Bald Hill. Total distance out was 3.25 miles and that is as far as I’ve explored as of May 2020.
History:
The original 40 acre ‘Great Hill parcel’ was acquired by the state in 1917. It was later rolled into the Meshomasic State Forest.
Links:
- Peter Marteka – A snowy climb to the top of Great Hill Mountain in East Hampton after the season’s first snowfall (2019)
- Dean Remembers East Hampton – CCC Camp Jenkins Secret Society 1933 (2015)
- CTMQ – Shenipsit Trail: Section 1 (2009)
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Last updated May 25th, 2020
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