Meshomasic Forest - Shenipsit Trail - South, CT

Overview
The Shenipsit Trail runs from East Hampton, CT to Stafford, a distance of about 45 miles. It is divided into 3 main sections, south, central, and north. The south section, described here, follows wooded 4WD roads and a ridgeline path through deciduous forest. The Meshomasic State Forest is the oldest state forest in New England.


Hike
The trail is described from North to South because it gets better and better in that direction, and this leaves the steepest section as a downhill at the very end.From the north trailhead, follow the blue blazes on the trees along a dirt road that progressively becomes more difficult for driving but is suitable for walking. These roads are ridden by motorbikes and the occasional 4WD vehicle, but I only saw one bike. There are numerous side roads, but the main route is extensively marked by blue blazes. Older descriptions include a spur trail heading north to CT-2, and connecting with the central section of the trail. This link was severed by the construction of the freeway and is no longer marked.

The path soon enters Meshomasic State Forest and is almost entirely within, or on the border, of the park. The road is occasionally muddy, but there are always paths that go around the muddy bits, so you can keep your shoes clean.

About 2.7 miles, the route makes a sharp right onto Portland Reservoir Road and follows it for about a mile before making a sharp turnoff to the left. At 5.6 miles, the route turns sharply left off the road and becomes a woodland trail for the first time. From here to the south trailhead, there are many geocaches, if you enjoy hunting for them. About 0.1 miles after becoming a trail instead of a road, the path takes a surprising sharp right turn straight up the hill to go over the very top of the Bald Hill. There might be views to the west from here in winter.

At about 6 miles, the trail climbs beside a stream where the water flows over a wide, steep black rock. Be sure to take pictures! The trail off and on follows old roads again, until crossing Woodchoppers Road, a graded dirt road. This road offers parking at the trail intersection.

Then the trail climbs to the ridge, which it follows closely southwest toward the summit of Great Hill at 770’. Just after the summit, the trail drops sharply and steeply down to the left, heading to the south trailhead. Before leaving the ridge, however, be sure to take the blazed blue/white spur trail to the overlook of Great Hill Pond and the Connecticut River. This is surely the climax of this hike.

Fauna
In late spring, you may hear the songs of Ovenbird, Veery, Red-eyed Vireo, Tufted Titmouse, and Scarlet Tanager.

Flora
Several mountain laurel trees. This forest would be beautiful in the fall.

Note
Volunteers maintain this trail from the Connecticut Forest & Park Association.

2022-06-16 GrangerGuy