20 acres in Canton, CT
Parking: Medium lot behind apartments near 80 Dunne Ave Canton, CT
Trail Map Trails: 1.55 miles Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Parking for Sweetheart Mountain is up one-way Dunne Avenue between two apartment buildings. Up the driveway a bit at the parking link above is a good sized lot for the trailhead.
The trails start next to the lower rope tow gear on yellow blazed trail that heads uphill. The blue trail splits off to the right through a thicket before a half mile simple loop.
The red and yellow trails are more interesting and and provide access to the old ski lift machinery and ruins. The yellow trail is a steep climb but short enough to not be overwhelming. Taking the red trail (which used to be called Mothers Meadow Trail) provides an overlook view of Collinsville and the Farmington River and you could climb up to the ski lift machinery from here, but the yellow trail provides much easier access later.
At the top of the hill is the yellow loop (which used to be called the Hickory Loop) through mountain laurel just below the houses built on the ridge. The backside of the loop abuts MDC property which is blocked with a chainlink fence and several No Trespassing signs, which is a shame because there is a good view of the Nepaug Reservoir in that direction.
A couple steep descents (or climbs depending on your direction) loops you back towards the parking area.
See the NELSAP link below. I don’t have a date for when the Canton Land Trust acquired the property but it was dedicated in 1992.
New England Lost Ski Areas – Canton Ski Club/Sweetheart Hill (Text 2000, Photos 2005)
CTMQ – CLCT: Sweetheart Mountain (2018)
The information shown here is for general reference purposes only. exploreCT.org gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or reliability of this data. Parking in all areas, whether designated here or not, is at your own risk. exploreCT.org is not responsible for any damage or loss to vehicles or contents. Last updated November 9th, 2020
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