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| Hiking | 4.02 Miles |
416 AEG |
| | Hiking | 4.02 Miles | 1 Hour 28 Mns | | 2.98 mph |
| 416 ft AEG | 7 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | After being on a plane or in a layover airport (Detroit) for 7 hours to Hartford, I wanted to get out, stretch my legs a bit, and see some Connecticut countryside. I settled on Peak Mountain, as it was close to the airport and generally on my way to my hotel in Farmington. So, after picking up my rental car, I drove about 10 minutes to the TH, which was just off the side of Newgate Road.
I hit the trail a little after 6 pm. After a somewhat steep, but short climb up the first part of the trail, the elevation gain was fairly gentle for most of the hike. Of course, what they call a "mountain" in CT would merit little more than a "hill" designation out west. That said, the trail was very enjoyable. The forest is thick, so even though you are not far from civilization, it is fairly easy to feel like you're getting away from it all.
About 1 mile in, the trail opens up on a rocky, cliff prominence that allows fairly expansive views to the west. I think this is the stopping/pay-off point for most who hike this trail. (It's also apparently where the CT graffitti "artists" have chosen to ply their trade, and some misguided prom-date seeker, as well [see photos]). The sun was just setting and there were several others up there enjoying what was not a spectacular sunset, but beautiful nonetheless. I enjoyed the views for a bit and then moved on. About another .6 mi. later I found another rock outcropping that provided similar views, but without the crowd.
After two miles, I decided to turn around, knowing that I'd finish in the dark. I brought along my headlamp and the trail was well marked [apparently all of the state trails are marked with blue rectangles painted on trees about every 30-40 feet].
The trail was empty on my way back and I spent a few minutes at the 1-mi. point outcropping, enjoying the crescent moon shining above.
The remainder of the trail was dark, quiet and peaceful.
A nice welcome-to-Connecticut hike  |
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