5 MORE GREAT HIKES IN HARTFORD COUNTY
Hartford County is home to countless parks, preserves, and trails.
Here are 5 more great hikes in Hartford County. Click here to see the my first list of 5 great hikes in Hartford County.
WEST HARTFORD RESERVOIR / RESERVOIR 6
West Hartford, Connecticut
ABOUT THE HIKE
Offering a large network of trails, beautiful architecture, and stunning water views, it’s no wonder that the West Hartford Reservoirs are one of the area’s most popular recreation destinations. The West Hartford Reservoirs and Reservoir 6 are part of the Metropolitan District (MDC), which supply drinking water to nearby municipalities.
What might seem an unlikely location for natural beauty is home to more than 3,000 acres of woodlands and pathways frequented by bikers, dog walkers and hikers alike.
For an easy, accessible walk, take one of the numerous paved paths that run alongside the reservoirs.
The red trail near Reservoirs 3 and 6 provides access to the 62-mile Metacomet Trail, which continues to Talcott Mountain State Park.
DISTANCE: 2.0 - 9.2 miles
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Easy
PARKING
Ample parking is available in lots located just inside the MDC property entrances.
QUARRY PARK
Rocky Hill, Connecticut
ABOUT THE HIKE
One of the region’s most unique hiking destinations, Quarry Park is the former site of Rocky Hill Stone Company. For nearly 60 years, the quarry was an active mining operation, producing more than 1.5 million tons of traprock. Today the 84-acre property is a state owned, town managed park with a small network of trails.
From the parking lot, follow the blue trail to the lookout point, then continue down the hill towards the railroad tracks. The area around the former compressor house is now a public arts space. The colorful graffiti backdrop makes this an ideal spot for an artsy photoshoot.
DISTANCE: 1.8 miles
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Easy
PARKING
Parking is available in a small lot at 34A Old Main Street.
CRESCENT LAKE
Southington, Connecticut
ABOUT THE HIKE
Crescent Lake, also known as the Plainville Reservoir, in Southington, Connecticut is a popular destination for boating, fishing, mountain biking, and hiking.
For a flat, easy walk, follow the red trail 1.4 miles around the perimeter of the lake. If you’re up for a slightly more challenging hike, take the 2.4 mile loop that meets up with the Metacomet / New England Trail. A vista atop Bradley Mountain offers with a spectacular view - and the perfect place to enjoy a sunset.
DISTANCE: 2.4 miles
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Easy / Moderate
PARKING
The lot near the boat launch is the best place to park for trail access.
COMPOUNCE MOUNTAIN / JULIAN'S ROCK
Southington, Connecticut
ABOUT THE HIKE
If you’re up for a challenge, you won’t want to miss the hike up Compounce Mountain to Julian’s Rock. The route is part of the Tunxis Trail, which runs over 83 miles north into Massachusetts. The trailhead is located at the end of a cul-de-sac in a residential neighborhood on Panthorn Trail - that’s the name of the road. The hike to the top is idyllic, passing over streams and small waterfalls. It’s also incredibly steep with about 650 feet of elevation gain. This is definitely not a hike recommended for beginners.
There are several looks along the way that offer spectacular views. My favorite contains the remains of the SkyRide chairlift that used to transport visitors up the mountain from the Lake Compounce amusement park. The attraction was in use for 20 years before it permanently closed in 2017.
DISTANCE: 2.2 - 4.7 miles
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Moderate / Hard
PARKING
Street parking is available in the residential neighborhood
INDIAN COUNCIL CAVES
Barkhamsted, Connecticut
ABOUT THE HIKE
The hike to to the Indian Council Caves follows the 83-mile-long Tunxis Trail. The origins of the location’s name remain somewhat mysterious, as there is no evidence that Native Americans ever used the site as a meeting place. Photos are unable to convey just how massive these boulders are.
The hike is a moderately difficult trail, 4.5 miles out and back.
DISTANCE: 4.5 miles
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Moderate
PARKING
Limited street parking is available at 199 E Hartland Road in Barkhamsted.
