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| Hiking | 8.98 Miles |
1,440 AEG |
| | Hiking | 8.98 Miles | 4 Hrs 56 Mns | | 2.46 mph |
| 1,440 ft AEG | 1 Hour 17 Mns Break | 15 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | Metacomet Trail: Hartford Reservoir #6 to Wintonbury Road in Simsbury
The trail started along the flat road on the western shore of the reservoir. Views of the water are filtered by the trees, and even in winter it wouldn’t be very good. I encountered lots of people walking and jogging around the lake. There was lots of poison ivy along the lake, so I reminded myself to stay on the trail. At one point, there is a pipeline dumping a large amount of water into the lake. I have to wonder where it was coming from.
The trail leaves the lake, heading sharply up the hill. Continuing straight would take me on the Talcott Mountain Bypass. What’s the point of that?
Near the boundary between the watershed property and Talcott Mountain State Park, I encountered a deer, close to the trail and apparently with no fear of me. I filmed her as I walked by. As I turned around, I realized I had walked between her and her newborn. Do not try this with a bear. [ youtube video ]
At the top of the mountain, I encountered a paved road. It appears that this is a service road only now. Although there are really nice picnic facilities at the top, you have to walk up. No driving to the top! The Heublein Tower at the top is open for visitors from 10 AM to 4 PM Friday through Monday. I would have gone in, but it was Wednesday. There are outhouses at the top as well. From here north to Wintonbury Road, the route on another famous app is incorrect.
The crossing of CT-185 on foot is a little scary, but eventually I got a break in the traffic and entered Pennwood State Park. The trail follows the shore of Gale Pond for a short way, then heads up the ridge on singletrack. Here, I got a clear recording of an eastern wood pewee. I have fun with the Merlin app.
After passing swampy Lake Louise, humid and stifling, the trail climbs to the Pinnacle, the first good viewpoint since Heublein Tower. This section finishes at the end of Wintonbury Road. |
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Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Mountain Laurel just coming into bloom. |
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