Jul 13, 2007
Appalachian Trail hike
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While some dedicated hikers take on the Appalachian Trail and conquer it in a season, there are others who will take only a brief taste of it. The section that cuts through the northwest corner of Connecticut offers some of the state’s most beautiful scenery and a variety of hiking experiences to introduce youngsters to the sport. There are several sections of the trail suitable for day hikers, including one of the easiest, beginning in the village of Kent and following the banks of the Housatonic River. This is a 7.8-mile hike that continues north to the village of Cornwall Bridge. A shorter, but steeper climb is nearby; it starts at Mt. Tom State Park, eight miles west of Litchfield Center off Route 202, and ascends 400 feet in less than half a mile. The section that ascends Bear Mountain in Salisbury is a challenge, cresting at 2,316 feet, the highest point in the state. Be sure to wear sturdy boots; the terrain can be rough. Don’t forget to take precautions against ticks and sunburn.
Details
For more information on the Connecticut section, visit www.ct-amc.org/trails/index.shtm. For more information on the whole trail, go to www.apppalachiantrail.org, the Appalachian Trail Conference site.
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