This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
09/20/2018 12:00 AMAs the cooler temps of fall offer us more comfortable biking and hiking, the Connecticut shoreline has some phenomenal spots to try. From hikes with the family to narrow single tracks for the avid mountain biker, locals clued us in to their favorites. Expect varying trail levels, views, and bird watching.
Rockland Preserve & Singletracks of Rockland: Madison
With more than 15 miles of mountain bike trails, the Singletracks of Rockland are a draw for people from all over the state. If biking isn't your thing, walkers and hikers are encouraged to explore the vast property consisting of "rounded, rocky hills, steep gray cliffs, ledges, and lovely wooded areas" according to madisonct.org. In addition, Coan Pond in Rockland offers a chance to see frogs, turtles, and beaver.
Maps and details can be found at madisonct.org under Beaches & Parks.
Supply Pond & Queach Preserve: Branford
Trails here run along the ponds and further into land trust property. With some small bridges that may require beginners to walk bikes across, these trails offer varied terrain for all skill levels. Stay on trails close to the ponds for short walking, hiking, or biking, or venture further into the woods for longer treks and runs up or down rocky trails under powerlines.
Maps and details can be found at branfordlandtrust.org.
Westwoods: Guilford
With 39 miles and 1,200 acres plus more than 20 miles of mapped trails, this area is popular for mountain biking as well as hiking. The area offers "natural formations such as cave structures, water falls, salt and fresh water marshes, inland tidal lake, carved rock sculptures, and rock formations," according to the Guilford Land Trust. The website offers trail descriptions and maps of the area.
Maps and details can be found at guilfordlandtrust.org/wordpress/properties/westwoods.
Shoreline Greenway Trail: New Haven, East Haven, Branford, Guilford, Madison
The hope of this group is to eventually have a 25-mile corridor from New Haven to Madison to improve bicycle and pedestrian options across the towns. There are approximately three miles completed and more in construction. One of the most popular sections is in Madison, running from Salt Meadow Park to the western end of Hammonasset State Park.
Updated trail info, maps, and details can be found at shorelinegreenwaytrail.org.
Cockaponset State Forest/Pattaconk Reservoir: Chester
Connecticut's second largest state forest (Pachaug in Voluntown, CT is the largest), this area offers walking, hiking, mountain biking, and a reservoir for swimming. Miles of trails tie together the towns of Haddam, Chester, Deep River, Killingworth, Clinton, and Westbrook.
Maps and details can be found at www.ct.gov/deep/cockaponset.
Bushy Hill Nature Center: Ivoryton
This beautiful spot with hikes all around Bushy Hill Lake is open to the public from Sept. 1 to June 1. (Closed to public during the summer due to camps in session.) While trails vary in difficulty, most are considered "moderate." There are loops of 3.5, 2.5, and 1.5 miles for hiking. (Bikes not permitted here. Dogs on leash are welcome.)
Maps, details, and restrictions can be found at bushyhill.org.
Peter's Memorial Woods: Clinton
This popular Clinton spot is found on Valley Road and offers numerous trails, all good for hiking while some are good for mountain biking cautiously due to ledges throughout. Enjoy vernal pools, brooks, ledges, caves, wild flowers, frogs, turtles, and more as you explore this property.
Maps and details can be found at clintonlandtrust.org.
Farm River State Park: East Haven
While one of Connecticut's smaller parks, Farm River offers a peaceful area to walk. It offers beautiful views and wildlife. The website recommends visiting at low tide for the best views of plants and animals in the tidal areas.
Maps and details can be found at www.ct.gov/deep/farmriver.
Sleeping Giant: North Haven
Named after its landscape profile of a sleeping giant, this state park was forced to close after tornado damage during May of this year.
While it remains closed as of press-time, the park is hoping to be open by fall. With a wide, 1.5 mile winding trail up to the top of the mountain, visitors can take their time or train for marathons as they find their way to the stone observation tower at the top. There are also various cut-throughs to challenge yourself up a steeper incline, and even more trails around the perimeter.
Maps, details, and closure info can be found at www.ct.gov/deep/sleepinggiant.
Find more land trust properties and trails at sites noted below. Check with each for rules and restrictions for hikers/mountain bikers. Printable maps may be found on several land trust and park websites.
Branford/North Branford/Northford
Shoreline Trolley Trail: www.branfordlandtrust.org
Branford Land Trust: www.branfordlandtrust.org
North Branford Land Conservation Trust: www.nblandtrust.org
North Haven
Peter's Rock Association: http://scrcog.org/wp-content/uploads/trails/north_haven/RecTrails_NOH2_6-2-16.pdf
Quinnipiac River State Park: www.ct.gov/deep/qunnipiacriver
North Haven Land Trust: www.northhavenlandtrust.org
East Haven
East Haven Land Trust: www.easthavenlandtrust.org
Guilford
Timberland Preserve: www.visitguilfordct.com/todo/timberlands
Guilford Land Conservation Trust: www.guilfordlandtrust.org
Madison/Killingworth
Chatfield Hollow: www.ct.gov/deep/chatfieldhollow
Hammonasset Beach State Park: www.ct.gov/deep/hammonasset
Madison Land Conservation Trust: www.madisonlandtrust.org
Killingworth Land Conservation Trust: www.killingworthlandconservationtrust.org
Clinton
Clinton Land Conservation Trust: www.clintonlandtrust.org
Westbrook
Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge: www.fws.gov/refuge/stewart_b_mckinney
Westbrook Land Conservation Trust: www.westbrookct.us/land-use.php
Old Saybrook
The Preserve Trails: www.oslt.org
Old Saybrook Land Trust: www.oslt.org
Essex/Chester/Deep River
Essex Land Trust: www.essexlandtrust.org (Maps available on website)
Deep River Land Trust: www.deepriverlandtrust.org
Chester Land Trust: www.chesterlandtrust.org
For more information on all trails in Connecticut, visit www.ct.gov/deep.
Get the Gear: Biking
Bike Lights:
Evening rides in the fall mean good lights are crucial so you can see and be seen. Try the Cygolite Expillion for up to 38 hours of run time, $120
Lightweight, packable jacket:
Be ready for cooler temps, light rain, or bugs with a lightweight jacket that can pack into your seat bag. Pak Jak, $64.99
Hydration:
Camelbak may not be a new name, but it is constantly evolving technology. This 3-liter "mule" offers a lumbar reservoir so you "don't feel like you're wearing three liters of water," says Bob Bourdeau, general manager of Action Sports. $150
All noted biking options can be found at Action Sports in Branford & Old Saybrook. Actionsportsct.com
Get the Gear: Hiking
Water bottle:
The Klean Kanteen promises to keep drinks iced for 50 hours with its double-wall vacuum insulation. Bonus, they are available in many colors! $30.95
Hiking boots:
Vasque Breeze is available for men and women, and is waterproof with Gore-Tex. Starting at $179.99.
Lightweight backpack:
Osprey's Daylite bag comes in a variety of colors and offers pockets for hydration packs, easy organization, and more. Starting at $50.
Dehydrated Meals:
Going for longer than a day hike? Forget the boring hiking foods of the past. Good To-Go offers dehydrated meals that just require boiling water to complete a full meal. Options include Pad Thai, Classic Marinara With Penne, and more, starting at $6.75.
All noted hiking options can be found at Denali (Formerly Trailblazer) in Branford, Old Saybrook, Mohegan Sun, & more. Denalioutdoor.com.