Trail Tour

This section of the proposed New England Trail would follow the Metacomet Trail over the high, rugged cliffs of the Metacomet Ridge in the Farmington River Valley and Connecticut River Valley from Farmington, Connecticut to the Massachusetts border. The Metacomet Trail is an established footway.  It features miles of scenic vistas, rare microclimate plant communities, woodland, as well as several historic sites. 

W-7.0: Talcott Mountain

Talcott Mountain is a 13 mile long traprock ridge located west of Hartford, Connecticut. The ridge is known for its miles of scenic cliffs, historic sites, microclimate ecosystems, and  many highland reservoirs. Two state parks are located on the mountain, Penwood State Park and Talcott Mountain State Park. A number of municipal agencies and non-profit organizations  manage conservation properties on Talcott Mountain. The Metropolitan District Commission owns a number of reservoirs on the east side of the mountain; the properties are open to recreation. Numerous hiking trails cross the ridge and its properties. Heublein Tower, located on the summit, was built at the turn of the century by a prominent industrialist. It is now a museum open to the public via footpath. The tower offers 360 degree views of four states. 

W-7.1: Hatchet Hill

Hatchet Hill is a traprock mountain ridge located in East Granby, Connecticut. It features cliffs, kettle ponds, and views over the Tariffville Gorge.  

W-7.2: Peak Mountain

Peak Mountain is known for its expansive views from west facing ledges overlooking the Salmon Brook Valley and historic Old Newgate Prison, a colonial era prison and copper mine.  

W-6.3: West Suffield Mountain

Is a mostly wooded traprock ridge with occasional scenic views from ledge overlooks. The Metacomet Trail ends at the north foot of the mountain; from here the proposed New England Trail would continue north via the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail into Massachusetts. 

Resources

Connecticut Forest and Park Association
NPS brochure for National Scenic Trail proposal
U.S. Congress New England National Scenic Trail Designation Act
East Granby Land Trust
Old New-Gate Prison
Suffield Land Conservancy
Farmington River Watershed Association

Talcott Mountain

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