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Revision 3
April, 2011
Prepared for Vernon Parks and Recreation
By the Vernon Greenways Volunteers
VERNON
TRAIL SYSTEM
2
E
CK
ER
PO
ND
RAIL
TRAI
L
Hartf
ord T
pk Bolton Rd
We
st S
t
Ta
lcott
ville
Rd
La
ke S
t
South St
Tu
nne
l Rd
Ve
rnon
Av
Taylor St
Center R
d
Ph
oen
ix S
t
Regan Rd
Union St
Ba
mfo
rt h R
d
Grand Av
Grove St
Valley F
alls R
d
Hatch Hill Rd
Warr
en Av
Ea
st S
t
East Main St
Dart H ill Rd
Elm Hill RdM
ain
St
West Main StWin
dsor A
v
Do
bso
n Rd
Maple AvW
ashington
St
Snipsic S
t
Th
ral l R
d
Windsorville Rd
We
l les R
d
Naek Rd
Res
ervo
ir Rd
(/3 1
(/3 0
(/30
.-,84
.-,8 4
EXIT 67
EXIT 66
EXIT 66E
EXIT 66W
HO
CKA
NUM
RI V
ER
HO
CK
ANU
M R
IVE
R
#
HOCKANUM RIVER
BO
LT
ON
LA
KE
S
RISLE Y
PO ND
WA LK ER
RES E RV OIRS
TANKERHOOSEN RIVER
TAN
KER
H OO
SE
N RI V
ER
1
2
3
4
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
ELLINGTON
BOLTON
SO
UT
H W
IND
SO
R
MANCHESTER
TO
LL
AN
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NT
RY
3
2
(/74
(/74
(/8 3
(/8 3
(/83
(/3 0
10
VERNON TRAIL SYSTEM
Pg 1
3
2
4
5
6
78
9
10
11
N
EW
S
0.2 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 Miles
1
LEGENDROADSRIVERS & STREAMSRAILS-TO-TRAILS
1212
1
0.2 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 Miles
N
EW
S
11
10
9
87
6
5
4
2
3
Pg 1
VERNON TRAIL SYSTEM
12
Revision 3, April 2011
TRAILS:RISLEY POND LOOPRAILS-TO-TRAILS; HOP RIVER LINEAR PARKRAILS-TO-TRAILS; ROCKVILLE SPURHOCKANUM RIVER LINEAR PARKINDIAN TRAILS (NCLT)VERNON CENTER MIDDLE SCHOOLBELDING WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAVALLEY FALLS (SOME NCLT)BRAILLE TRAIL, VALLEY FALLSSHENIPSIT TRAILWALKER'S RESERVOIRTALCOTT RAVINE (NCLT)
1
:
:
PARK (SOME NCLT) PARK
3
TYPE AND VARIETY OF TRAILS IN VERNON, CT
This document provides historical and practical information to complement the enclosed maps. All trails in this
publication are open to the public. Copies are available at the office of Vernon Parks and Recreation at Henry
Park, 120 South St., Vernon, Ct. 06066. Phone (860) 870-3520. In 1998, Vernon received the Connecticut Trail
Town Award from the Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CFPA).
1. RISLEY POND LOOP TRAIL
This trail consists of 3.7 miles of blazed loop trails and a trek up to the ridge of Box Mountain in Vernon. The
feature option is a scenic walk through mixed growth forest to a vista overlooking historic Railroad Valley.
Shorter, less aggressive options are indicated on the map. Swimming and boating are not allowed in the pond
which is a water source; however, ice skating is allowed in the winter and fishing year round. The trail is permit-
ted on properties both privately owned and deeded to the Manchester Conservation Land Trust. Trail construc-
tion and maintenance is provided entirely by volunteers from the Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CFPA
now manages over 800 miles of trails). Parking (ample) is available just off Lake Street near Amy Drive.
2. RAILS‑TO‑TRAILS: HOP RIVER LINEAR PARK TRAIL
This multi‑use greenway consists of 5.1 miles of trail along an abandoned railway (Hartford, Providence and
Fishkill RR) from the Vernon/Manchester town line east, then south to the Vernon/Bolton town line. This is the
Vernon segment of the HOP RIVER LINEAR PARK Trail that runs 21 miles from Manchester to Willimantic*
where you can make connection with the 40 mile AIRLINE LINEAR PARK Trail. These trails are permitted on
Connecticut DOT property that is used by the Connecticut DEP and managed by the DEP or the town within
which they are situated (Vernon manages its segment). This Vernon section was re‑graded by the Connecticut
National Guard ‑ Bravo Company of the 242nd Engineer Battalion and was then covered with stone dust by the
town of Vernon. The funding was obtained by the Vernon Hockanum River Linear Park Committee from the
State via ISTEA funding and grants. This popular trail is used for biking, hiking, jogging, walking, cross‑-
country skiing, and horseback riding. Handicap usage is encouraged. The trail is maintained by the Vernon Parks
and Recreation Department and the Vernon Greenways Volunteers. The trail is included in the Hockanum River
Master Plan of Development which is approved by the Town of Vernon; hereafter, indicated as the 'Master Plan'.
Parking is available at Church Street (ample), Tunnel Road (5 cars) and Valley Falls Park (ample). On-Site trail
maps are available at the Church Street and Tunnel Road parking lots. Portable bathroom facilities are available
year-round at the Church Street parking lot.
*Please note: Twelve miles into the trail from the trail-head in Manchester, the Route 316 bridge (near the inter-
section with Route 6 in Andover) is not yet installed. To continue towards Willimantic go down the hill and
crossover Route 316. Go up Monument Lane, a paved road. Turn right at the end of the lane to return to the
Hop River Linear Park Trail.
3. RAILS‑TO‑TRAILS: ROCKVILLE SPUR
This multi‑use greenway consists of 4.1 miles of trail along an abandoned railway that was originally constructed
in 1862 to supply an already industrialized Rockville, Ct. It splits from the HOP RIVER LINEAR PARK Trail
and heads north into the town’s historic center. The trail includes a foot bridge across the Tankerhoosen River.
The foot bridge funding was obtained by the Vernon Hockanum River Linear Park Committee from the State via
ISTEA funding and grants. This popular trail is used for biking, hiking, jogging, walking, cross‑country skiing,
and horseback riding. Handicap usage is encouraged. The trail is located on State DOT property for use by the
State DEP. The trail is maintained by the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department and the Vernon Greenways
Volunteers. The trail is included in the Master Plan. Parking is available at Sacred Heart Church (ample),
Church Street (ample), and Rau Street (4 cars). Portable bathroom facilities and trail maps are available year-
round at the Church Street parking lot.
2
4
4. HOCKANUM RIVER LINEAR PARK (Hockanum River and Dart Hill Park Trails)
These trails include 2.3 miles of orange blazed trails that begin at the Water Treatment Plant on Windsorville
Road (Rte 74) and parallels the Hockanum River in Vernon. The trail is as close to the river bank as possible
and provides a means of accessing the river for clean‑up purposes. This trail, also, provides a beautiful scenic
hike with mixed forest, water wildlife and river views. Alternate routes are provided where access is limited in
the early spring and very wet weather periods. The trail is permitted on properties which are owned by the
town and private land owners. Fishing is popular. There are, also, 3.5 more miles of stone dust, alternate and
loop trails. Trail construction and maintenance is provided by the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department
and the Vernon Greenways Volunteers. These trails are included in the Master Plan.
Vernon is part of a larger plan to create a continuous river walk along the Hockanum
River in Ellington, Vernon, Manchester and East Hartford. See the Hockanum River
Watershed Association web page for specifics at www.hockanumriverwa.org
4. A & B HOCKANUM RIVER TRAILS (A is North and B South of Dart Hill Road)
There are two types of trails: (1) a riverside hiking trail and (2) a wide, flat walking trail. The trails can be ac-
cessed from several parking sites and are intersected by several alternate trails at various points. The riverside
hiking trail is 2.3 miles long and blazed with orange markers. It begins at the Water Treatment Plant on
Windsorville Road (Rt. 74) and runs south 1.4 miles to Dart Hill Road. A 0.3 mile walk west along Dart Hill
Road connects to a continuation of the trail south of Dart Hill Road. In 0.6 miles it joins the walking trail. The
walking trail, a.k.a. the Stone Dust Trail, is 1.0 miles long. It begins at the Dart Hill South parking lot and is
ideal for easy walking in a natural environment while perpetuating a feeling of safety. This trail features three
historic markers with seating to view the river landscape and picnic. Parking is available at the Water Treat-
ment Plant (5 cars), Dart Hill North Park (ample), Dart Hill South Park (ample) and Naek Road cul-de-sac (8
cars). On-Site trail maps are available at the Water Treatment Plant and Dart Hill South Park parking lots.
4C. DART HILL PARK TRAILS (No separate map)
This park contains 1.1 miles of loop trails, as well as, playground and picnic facilities. The park is entirely on
Vernon town property and was dedicated on July 21, 1997. The funding was obtained by the Hockanum River
Linear Park Committee from the State via recreational funding and grants. The construction of this trail was
included in the contract and the maintenance is provided by the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department and
the Vernon Greenways Volunteers. This park is included in the Master Plan. Parking and On-Site Trail maps
are available at the Dart Hill South Park parking lot.
5. INDIAN TRAILS, NORTHERN CONNECTICUT LAND TRUST (NCLT)
There are 1.4 miles of blazed loop trails on two adjoining parcels of land that were deeded to the NCLT. The
trails are accessed at the corner of Bolton Rd and Indian Trail. Although the lower trail is wet in the spring, the
trail provides opportunities for viewing wildlife and birds. The trails are constructed and maintained by NCLT
volunteers. Other NCLT trails include two loop trails (Trail 8) located around the Boulder Crest Soccer Field
which are partially on NCLT property, as is the Blue/red bike access trail on Valley Falls Road. See Talcott
Ravine (Trail 12) for the remaining NCLT trail.
6. VERNON CENTER MIDDLE SCHOOL TRAILS
This school trail on town property contains 1.9 miles of blazed trails. The trails are used by the students going
to and from school and by the public for hiking or cross‑country skiing through woods, on hills and around a
pond. The pond trail facilitates clean‑up along the shoreline and provides an opportunity for the study of pond
environments. The school track athletes also train on the trails. The construction and maintenance are provided
by the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department and the Vernon Greenways Volunteers. Ample parking is
available in the extreme northeast corner of the parking lot.
3
5
7. BELDING WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA TRAILS
This 282 acre Belding Wildlife Management Area was deeded to the Connecticut DEP by Maxwell Belding in the
1980s. In 2002 the Belding family established a trust to manage the property. In accordance with that trust the
property is used for conservation educational programs and an untold number of local children have benefited from
its existence. The formal dedication was on August 24, 2005. The property is managed as a 'catch and release'
fishing area for trout and is located along the Tankerhoosen River. There are 1.64 miles of blue blazed Shenipsit
Trail in a beautiful mixed growth woods, along the river and a scenic pond. An alternate trail, yellow blazed Beld-
ing Path, could be used by those who wish to return to Valley Falls. There are also several miles of woods roads.
Fishing, picnicking, hiking, cross‑country skiing and wildlife observation are popular. The river and pond trails
facilitate water clean‑up activities. These trails are managed by a DEP wildlife biologist and maintained by DEP
employees and volunteers from the Connecticut Forest and Park Association. Parking is available on Bread and
Milk Road (ample) and Reservoir Road (4 cars).
8. VALLEY FALLS PARK TRAILS
There are several miles of overlapping blazed trails in Valley Falls Park, as well as, picnic facilities, a pond, a pa-
vilion, bathroom facilities and a swimming beach. The park is located on town property. Portions of the park con-
tain ruins of textile mills and an early trout hatchery. A section of the park has been declared a National Historic
Site. The Vernon Parks and Recreation Department conducts programs including swimming lessons, a nature
camp and educational programs at this site. The park is heavily used for swimming, picnicking, hiking, x‑ctry ski-
ing, fishing, wild flower and wildlife observation and scenic vistas. The park is a favorite place for activities with
mentally and physically challenged groups. The park is located only 2.5 miles from a commuter parking lot at exit
67 on I‑84. No bicycles are allowed in this park because of past trail damage caused by heavy bike usage (rallies).
Trail construction and maintenance is done by the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department, Boy Scouts and vol-
unteers (The Friends of Valley Falls, Vernon Greenways Volunteers and Connecticut Forest and Park Association).
Parking is available in a large formal lot just off Valley Falls Road. On-Site trail maps are available near the begin-
ning of the Main Road Trail (red blazed) just before the pavilion. There are permanent bathroom facilities avail-
able in the summer and portable facilities year-round. Admission is charged in the summer.
9. BRAILLE TRAIL, VALLEY FALLS PARK
The Braille Trail was constructed on Valley Falls Park town property. The original trail loop construction was by
Boy Scouts of Vernon Troop 223 under the direction of an Eagle Scout. It was later extended to connect with Val-
ley Falls Park trails. A complete renovation was accomplished in 2009 and 2010 through a DEP grant awarded to
The Friends of Valley Falls. To complement the renovation the Vernon Greenways Volunteers obtained a grant
from Pratt and Whitney, removed all invasive plants from this 1 ½ acre site and planted 105 native plants in this
natural setting. There is a guide rope to follow to the 17 braille signs that contain both Braille and English expla-
nations of historic and natural interest. The trail is located on the National Historic Site described in the Valley
Falls Park description. The trail is maintained by the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department and the Vernon
Greenways Volunteers. Parking (ample) is at the Valley Falls parking lot.
10. SHENIPSIT TRAIL
The Vernon portion of the Shenipsit Trail contains 4.8 miles of blue blazed trails and is in the central portion of this
44 mile trail. It is a very popular for hiking and x‑ctry skiing since it encompasses Rails‑To‑Trails, Valley Falls
Park, vistas, ponds, rivers, wild flowers, wildlife and many tree species. The trail is permitted on state, town and
private property. This trail is part of the Connecticut Greenway System. The trail construction and maintenance is
done by volunteers from the Connecticut Forest and Park Association (a non‑profit organization which manages
800 miles of Connecticut trails).
4
6
11. WALKER’S RESERVOIR TRAIL
This blazed trail is a short (0.8 mile) scenic loop around the shores of Walker East Reservoir. Ducks and geese are
commonly seen. The trail is located on town property. Fishing is popular. Curling, hockey and skating are possi-
ble in winter. Across the street is a commuter parking lot at exit 67 for I‑84. There is access to the blue blazed
Shenipsit Trail directly across the street from the Walker’s Reservoir parking lot. Trail maintenance is done by
Vernon Parks and Recreation and the Vernon Greenways Volunteers. Parking (ample) is in a formal On-Site lot.
12. TALCOTT RAVINE, NORTHERN CONNECTICUT LAND TRUST (NCLT)
Talcott Ravine was a generous gift by the Talcott family to the NCLT. Dedication was on Valentine’s Day 2011.
Points of interest include glacial geologic features, the Tankerhoosen River, Dobsonville Dam, mill ruins and flora
including Umbrella Magnolia. A 1.83 mile loop trail. There is a historic marker located at the cul-de-sac trail-
head. Parking (ample) is at the Main Street cul-de-sac.
SUMMARY:
The Vernon trail system contains nodes which are widely dispersed throughout the town, providing convenient
access for all of its citizens. Vernon’s central location with easy access from I‑84 makes these trails convenient
for most of Connecticut’s citizenry, as well. Many of the trails are scenic with rivers, ponds, mixed growth for-
ests, wild flowers, wildlife and vistas. The enclosed maps with their descriptions and mileage indications make all
trails user friendly. For these reasons, these trails are popular for hikes led by the CT chapter of the Appalachian
Mountain Club. They are, also, popular for wellness walks sponsored by local health organizations and commu-
nity walks sponsored by the Northern Connecticut Land Trust and the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department.
Where the trails parallel the two town rivers (Hockanum and Tankerhoosen), clean‑up efforts are facilitated and
citizen awareness increased, contributing to an improvement in water quality. They, also, provide access for non‑-
motorized use by kayaks, rafts and canoes, where authorized.
The Rails‑To‑Trails divides the town into four approximately equal quadrants and access is easy from most of the
major town roads. It abuts the high school property and is within minutes of several other schools. It connects
with the CT Greenway System and the National East Coast Greenway System. Therefore, these trails provide for
non‑motorized use by hikers, bicyclists, walkers, joggers, x‑ctry skiers and equestrians.
The following private, non-profit citizen organizations coordinate with the Vernon Parks and Recreation Depart-
ment in the construction of new trails, the maintenance of existing trails and the proper usage of the trails.
Appalachian Mountain Club, Connecticut Chapter
Connecticut Forest and Park Association
Friends of Hockanum River Linear Park
Friends of Valley Falls
Northern Connecticut Land Trust
Vernon Greenways Volunteers
Revision 3, April 2011
5
7
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2. RAILS-TO-TRAILS: HOP RIVER LINEAR PARK
3. RAILS-TO-TRAILS: ROCKVILLE SPUR
Revision 3, April 2011
HOP RIVER LINEAR PARK
Unblazed, 5.1 miles;
Direction of travel - clockwise
Miles
0.0 Manchester Town Line
0.1 Taylor St.
0.7 Elm Hill Rd.
1.4 Dobson Rd.
1.8 Phoenix St.
2.7 Tunnel Rd.
3.7 Valley Falls Loop Trail B/y
5.1 Vernon Town Line
(Pavilion on left is private
please do not trespass)
RAILS‑TO‑TRAILS;
ROCKVILLE SPUR
Unblazed; 4.1 miles;
Direction of travel ‑ S to N
Miles
0.0 Phoenix St.
0.30 Maple Ave.
0.45 Tankerhoosen River Bridge
0.65 I‑84 Underpass
0.80 Rt. 30, Hartford Turnpike
2.00 Center Rd.
2.25 Regan Rd.
3.30 West St.
3.70 Rau St.
4.10 Vernon Ave.
PARKING
Church St (W off Phoenix St) , Sacred Heart Church on
Hartford Tpke (Rt 30) & Rau St (N off Grand Ave) – All
On-Grade parking. Trail Maps and year round portable
bathroom facilities at Church St.
Tunnel Road – Uphill path to trail from road side park-
ing on the south side of the tunnel. Trail Maps.
Valley Falls Parking Lot (No bikes in park)
Hiking Access – Blue blazed Shenipsit Trail to
the south.
Bicycles Access– Red/blue Jeep Trail on Valley
N
EW
S
0.4 0 0.4 0.8 Miles
(/3 0
(/30
(/74
(/83
(/83
(/30
VAL LEY
FAL LS
PAR K2
3
P
Hartf
ord T
pk
Bolton Rd
We
st S
t
Ta
lcottvill
e R
d
Lake S
t
South St
Re
se
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i r R
d
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ne
l Rd
Ve
rno
n A
v
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Center R
d
Ph
oe
ni x
St
Regan Rd
Union St
Bam
forth
Rd
Grand Av
Grove St
Valley Falls Rd Hatch Hill Rd
W arren Av
East Main St
Dart Hill Rd
Elm H
i ll RdM
ain
St
West Main StWindsor A
v
Dob
son
Rd
Windsorville Rd
Bo
lton R
d
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P
P
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ER
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ikin
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O
ran
ge
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.4 M
iles
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es D
escr
ipti
on
0.0
F
rom
Win
dso
rvil
le R
oad
(R
t. 7
4)
ente
r
W
ater
Tre
atm
ent
Pla
nt
dri
vew
ay.
Par
k i
n
d
irt
lot
on r
ight
next
to k
iosk
(w
tra
il m
aps)
.
Sta
rt h
ike
on o
uts
ide
of
WT
P f
ence
in
wo
od
ed a
rea.
0.1
P
ass
thro
ug
h a
n o
pen
fie
ld a
nd
go
do
wn
stai
rs o
n t
he
rig
ht.
0.3
E
nte
r V
erno
n G
ard
ens
pro
per
ty.
Sta
y o
n
the
right
aro
und
the
swim
min
g p
oo
l.
0.5
C
ross
nar
row
wate
r st
ream
on w
oo
den
b
rid
ge
and
ente
r W
oo
dm
ere
pro
per
ty.
0.7
P
ass
beh
ind
the
Wo
od
mere
unit
s.
0.8
E
nte
r C
ountr
y W
oo
d p
rop
erty
. P
ass
the
tennis
co
urt
s an
d s
wim
min
g p
oo
l.
1.0
O
n s
outh
end
of
Co
untr
y W
oo
d t
wo
sid
e tr
ails
on t
he
left
lea
d t
o a
0.4
mil
e
alte
rnat
e tr
ail
loo
p (
loop
als
o a
cces
sib
le
fro
m a
dir
t p
arkin
g l
ot
by P
aul’
s P
izza
).
1.2
E
nte
r th
e no
rth e
nd
of
Dart
Hil
l N
ort
h P
ark
o
n a
hil
l to
p.
Alt
ernat
e tr
ail
to t
he
left
go
es
d
irec
tly t
o t
he
Dar
t H
ill
No
rth p
arkin
g l
ot.
1.4
A
rriv
e at
the
pic
nic
are
a b
y D
art
Hil
l R
oad
.
Acc
ess
the
par
kin
g a
rea
to y
our
left
.
Co
mp
lete
the
rem
aind
er o
f th
e V
erno
n H
ock
anu
m R
iver
Tra
il S
yst
em
by u
sin
g V
ern
on
Ho
cka
nu
m R
iver
Tra
il
(So
uth
of
Da
rt H
ill
Roa
d)
map
.
Th
ere
is a
n o
ran
ge
ma
rker
con
nec
tor
tra
il t
o E
llin
gto
n i
n
pla
ce t
ha
t st
art
s a
t th
e W
ate
r
Tre
atm
ent
Pla
nt,
go
es t
o F
rankl
in S
tree
t a
nd
tu
rns
L i
nto
a
wo
od
ed p
ark
ing
lo
t.
9 8
10
4
B V
ER
NO
N
H
OC
KA
NU
M R
IVE
R T
RA
IL
(S
ou
th o
f D
art
Hil
l R
oa
d)
T
yp
e: H
ikin
g
Ora
ng
e M
arker
s; 0
.9 M
iles
N
ote
: Im
pas
sib
le a
t 0
.4 m
iles
in v
ery w
et
w
eath
er.
Div
ert
to S
ton
e D
ust
Tra
il.
Mil
es D
escr
ipti
on
0.0
T
rail
sta
rts
at D
art
Hil
l N
ort
h P
ark a
nd
g
oes
W o
n D
art
Hil
l R
oad
. C
ross
the
Ho
ckan
um
Riv
er.
P
ass
Skin
ner
Ro
ad.
0.3
S
ho
rtly
aft
er S
kin
ner
Rd
turn
L,
cro
ss
D
art
Hil
l R
oad
, en
ter
Dar
t H
ill
So
uth
Par
k
p
rop
erty
. F
oll
ow
bla
zes
thro
ugh w
oo
ded
are
a, f
ield
and
w
oo
ded
are
a.
0.4
C
ross
wo
od
en b
rid
ge,
go
R t
hen L
.
0.5
T
urn
R t
hen L
(kee
p H
ock
anu
m R
iver
on L
).
0.6
P
ass
south
ern b
ound
ary o
f D
art
Hil
l S
outh
P
ark.
Co
nti
nue
stra
ight
(tra
il o
n R
is
alte
rnat
e
T
o S
tone
Dust
Tra
il).
0.7
T
urn
R t
o S
tone
Du
st T
rail
, tu
rn L
, p
ass
und
er
p
ow
er l
ines
. T
urn
L a
nd
fo
llo
w b
laze
s b
ack
i
nto
wo
od
s.
0.9
T
rail
rej
oin
s S
tone
Dust
Tra
il.
S
ton
e D
ust
Tra
il
T
yp
e: W
alkin
g
U
nm
ark
ed;
1.0
Mil
es
Mil
es D
escr
ipti
on
0.0
F
rom
Dar
t H
ill
So
uth
par
kin
g l
ot,
cro
ss
bri
dge
and
turn
L o
n S
tone
Du
st T
rail
.
0.1
T
rail
turn
s R
then c
onti
nu
es s
trai
ght
tow
ard
o
pen
fie
ld (
Igno
re s
ever
al s
ide
trai
ls c
om
ing
f
rom
the
rig
ht)
.
0.2
L
eave
par
k b
ound
ary i
nto
fie
ld,
conti
nue
a
long e
dge
of
wo
od
s w
ith
ho
usi
ng u
nit
s o
n
y
our
rig
ht.
0.6
C
ross
Ho
ckan
um
Blv
d.
Kee
p w
oo
ds
on l
eft.
1.0
B
rid
ge
is e
nd
of
trai
l.
Do
no
t cr
oss
.
(Bet
wee
n 0
.8 a
nd
1.0
mil
es a
re t
hre
e o
ver
loo
ks
wit
h
pla
qu
es c
on
tain
ing s
ite
his
tori
cal
info
. O
ne
has
a b
ench
and
tw
o h
ave
pic
nic
tab
les.
)
10 9
11
INDIAN TRAIL LONGER LOOP White then Yellow markers; 0.96 miles. White trail is wet. Direction of travel: see below
Miles 0.00 Park on R side of Indian Trail Rd approx 50 ft
from Bolton Rd. Enter woods by stone with plaque onto white trail S along Bolton Rd
0.10 Turn L (E) on trail. 0.20 Note house and property on R. 0.22 Cross stone wall, turn L (N) on trail approx 100
ft, then turn R (E) and go uphill with stream on L. 0.28 Stream turns to L, continue straight uphill to E
with smaller gully on L. 0.36 Near top with houses ahead, turn R on trail. 0.45 Cross a stream gully and continue S. 0.51 Turn R (W) and go downhill. Note: An alternate turn to the L (E) goes 300 ft. out to
Brandy Hill Rd on a right-of-way. There is no room to park on Rd.
0.64 Before a steeper downhill with house in sight in front of you, turn R (N)on trail.
0.72 Cross deep gully and rejoin white trail. Yel-low trail ends. Continue N on white trail with stone wall on L. (L across stone wall on white returns as you started).
0.75 Turn L (W) along stream bed. Note house and property on R.
0.81 Turn R, cross stream, go N on top of dirt bank. 0.92 Turn R (N). 0.96 Arrive back at Indian Trail Rd. approx l00 ft E of
start.
INDIAN TRAIL SHORT LOOP White markers; 0.4 miles; Direction of travel: counterclockwise. Trail is wet.
Miles 0.00 Park on R side of Indian Trail Rd approx
50 ft from Bolton Rd. Enter woods on white trail S along Bolton Rd.
0.10 Turn L (E) on trail. 0.20 Note house and property on R. 0.22 Cross stone wall, turn L (N) on
trail approx 100 ft, then turn L and follow stream W. Note house and property on R.
0.28 Turn R, cross stream, go N on top of dirt bank.
0.36 Turn R (N). 0.40 Arrive back at Indian Trail Rd approx
100 ft E of start.
ADDITIONAL NCLT TRAILS:
See 12. Talcott Ravine Trail Map.
See 8. Valley Falls Trail Map.
Two loop trails near Boulder Crest Soccer
Fields are partially on NCLT property.
See 8. Valley Falls Trail Map.
Blue/red Jeep Trail provides access to
Rail Trail from Valley Falls Rd. near
Railroad Brook.
p
Bolton Rd
Indian Trl
Hatch Hill Rd
Valley Falls Rd
BR
AN
DY
HIL
L R
d
N
YELLOW TR
WHITE TR
200 0 200 Feet
5 INDIAN TRAILS, NCLT Revision 3, April 2011
10
12
CROSSCUT TRAIL
Red markers; this trail is 0.15 miles long, and pro-
vides a shortened loop walk when used in conjunc-
tion with the blue Hilltop Loop Trail.
11
6 VERNON CENTER MIDDLE SCHOOL TRAILS Revision 3, April 2011
Enter Vernon Center Middle School parking lot from either Hartford Turnpike (Route 30) or West Street. Park in the extreme northeast corner of the parking lot. Start from the blue blazed Hilltop Loop Trail.
HILLTOP LOOP TRAIL. Blue markers; 1.2 miles
Direction of travel is South to North
Note :Moderately steep from 0.45 to 0.7 Mi
Miles Description
0.00 Go North from the Northeast corner of the
school parking lot.
0.10 Cross wooden bridge and turn R (East) on woods
road.
0.20 Follow U shaped woods road until you reach
Ecker Pond. (Yellow marked trail goes R.) (Blue
trail that goes L is your return trail).
0.45 Turn L uphill on foot trail.
0.60 Continue uphill past red trail on L.
0.70 Turn L downhill. Continue down on woods
road past Red and Yellow trails.
0.95 Turn R (South) on woods road. (Ecker Pond now
on L).
1.10 Turn L (South) and cross bridge. Reenter parking
lot.
ECKER POND VIEW TRAIL Yellow markers; 0.5 miles; round trip distance
from parking lot is 0.9 miles. Direction of travel
is South to North.
Miles Description
0.00 Go North from the Northeast corner of the
school parking lot on the blue Hillside Loop
Trail.
0.10 Cross wooden bridge and turn R (East) on woods
road.
0.20 Follow U shaped woods road until you reach
Ecker Pond. Go R on yellow Ecker Pond View
Trail and North along shore.
0.30 Go L, crossing blue trail, on woods road which
soon turns L (South).
0.60 Turn L on woods road, joining the blue Hilltop
Loop Trail.
0.65 Turn R (South) on woods road and go South on
blue Hilltop Loop Trail to return to parking lot.
13
7 BELDING WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA TRAILS Revision 3, April 2011
SHENIPSIT TRAIL, BELDING
TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA
Blue markers; 2.00 miles; Direction of
travel ‑ South to North.
Miles Description
0.00 Leave Valley Falls parking area
and enter woods on N side of
Valley Falls Rd. Trail climbs to NE.
0.42 Pass thru stone wall, cross Bolton
Rd. Trail swings to E on other side.
0.50 Descend into rocky ravine, cross
small brook. Turn N along wall.
0.57 Pass S end of yellow Belding Path on R. Belding Path rejoins the Shenipsit via a
blue/yellow blazed connecting trail near
Reservoir Rd.
0.77 Cross woods road then turning W.
0.84 Descend and cross woods road.
0.86 Go L, follow shore of small pond.
0.94 Cross dam on bridge, turn R.
1.00 Join woods road and follow to N.
1.20 Leave woods road and turn E.
1.28 At Tankerhoosen River, go L.
1.64 Reach abandoned Snake Hill Rd. and
turn L. (Blue/Yellow Connecting Trail
crosses river on old bridge to R, inter-
sects yellow Belding Path in 0.1 mi,
then ends at small parking area on
Reservoir Rd.)
2.00 Cross Baker Rd, trail continues 1.4 mi
to I-84 Exit 67 commuter lot.
BELDING PATH
Yellow markers; 0.51 miles;
Direction: N to S.
Miles Description
0.00 Trail leaves blue/yellow Connecting
Trail and Snake Hill Rd. and goes S.
0.22 Turn L from woods road.
0.27 Cross bridge over small brook. Water
cascades over small dam to L. Join
woods road to L (S).
0.41 Leave woods road at bend, and go
straight ahead in open woods.
0.51 Jct. with blue Shenipsit Trail.
Turn L to return to Valley Falls.
12
14
13
NO
BIC
YC
LE
S A
LL
OW
ED
ON
TR
AIL
S
W
ITH
IN V
AL
LE
Y F
AL
LS
PA
RK
T
her
e is
an a
dm
issi
on c
har
ge
in t
he
sum
mer
R
AIL
RO
AD
BR
OO
K T
RA
IL
Y
ello
w m
arker
s; m
inim
um
2 m
iles
for
co
mp
lete
lo
op
. T
ravel
: N
ort
h t
o S
outh
.
Mil
es
0.0
P
arkin
g l
ot.
F
ace
po
nd
; go
R t
o e
xit
ro
ad f
rom
lo
t; g
o t
hru
gat
ew
ay;
cro
ss p
ond
dam
. C
ross
2
b
rid
ges
over
sp
illw
ays.
N
ote
wat
erfa
lls.
0.1
C
lim
b s
tair
s.
Co
nti
nue
stra
igh
t (T
rail
at
R i
s
b
lue
Shenip
sit
Tra
il a
nd
go
es u
p t
o r
ail
bed
).
0.2
C
ross
bri
dge
over
Rai
lro
ad B
roo
k.
Imm
edia
tely
trai
l tu
rns
R a
nd
fo
llo
ws
bro
ok s
outh
. (
The
t
rail
L n
ear
bri
dge
is P
ond L
oo
p T
rail
‑ o
range
m
arker
s).
0.4
C
onti
nue
south
alo
ng b
roo
k.
Cro
ss 3
mo
re
b
rid
ges
over
sm
all
feed
er s
trea
ms.
0.5
C
ross
bri
dge
over
str
eam
. (U
nm
arked
tra
ils
to L
le
ad t
o M
ain R
oad
Tra
il).
0.8
C
ross
bri
dge
over
Rai
lro
ad B
roo
k,
conti
nue
so
uth
alo
ng b
roo
k.
1.0
Jc
t w
ith b
lue/
yel
low
(B
/Y)
mark
ed t
rail
.
O
pti
ons:
A
S
trai
ght
ahea
d o
n B
/Y t
rail
to
RR
Bro
ok
c
ross
ing (
0.2
mil
es),
then f
oll
ow
B/Y
to
red
M
ain R
oad
Tra
il (
0.5
mil
es)
. S
trai
ght
ahea
d
o
n M
ain R
oad
Tra
il to
par
kin
g l
ot
(1.4
m
iles)
. T
ota
l lo
op
2.4
mil
es.
B
R
on B
/Y t
rail
up
hil
l to
rai
l b
ed,
then
R a
gai
n
o
n b
lue
mar
ked
Shenip
sit
Tra
il t
o p
arkin
g l
ot.
T
ota
l lo
op
2.0
mil
es.
C
R
eturn
to
par
kin
g l
ot
on s
am
e tr
ail;
or
take
u
nm
arked
cuto
ff t
rail
R
to r
ed M
ain R
oad
T
rail
then
L;
or
at p
ond
tak
e o
range
Po
nd
L
oo
p T
rail
to R
. T
ota
l lo
op
2.0
mil
es.
BO
UL
DE
R C
RE
ST
SO
CC
ER
FIE
LD
TR
AIL
S
(Par
tial
ly o
n N
CL
T p
rop
erty
)
Ther
e ar
e tw
o l
oo
p t
rail
s up
near
the
socc
er f
ield
. T
he
oute
r lo
op
(0
.9 m
iles
) is
mar
ked
ora
nge
and
cro
sses
the
Val
ley F
alls
Lo
op
Tra
il (
B/Y
) tw
ice.
The
inner
lo
op
trai
l (0
.4 m
iles
) is
mar
ked
yel
low
. S
ee m
ap.
M
AIN
RO
AD
TR
AIL
Red
mar
ker
s, m
inim
um
1.6
mil
e fo
r co
mp
lete
loo
p.
Dir
ecti
on o
f tr
avel
: N
ort
h t
o S
outh
.
Mil
es
0.0
P
arkin
g l
ot.
F
ace
po
nd
, go
L a
nd
pas
s w
ith
p
avil
ion o
n R
to
unp
aved
ro
ad i
nto
wo
od
ed a
rea.
0.2
C
ross
bri
dge
bet
wee
n d
e‑
fore
sted
fie
lds.
0.3
F
oll
ow
ro
ad i
nto
wo
od
s.
Blu
e/y
ello
w t
rail
at
L.
A
t fo
rk i
n t
rail
, go
L (
Tra
il t
o R
rej
oin
s in
10
0 f
t).
0.5
C
ross
bri
dge,
co
nti
nue
on r
oad
, p
ast
sid
e tr
ail
at
R
whic
h g
oes
to
Rai
lro
ad B
roo
k.
0.5
+A
t fo
rk i
n t
rail
, go
L (
un
mar
ked
tra
il t
o R
go
es
to
Rai
lro
ad B
roo
k T
rail
).
0.6
C
ross
str
eam
0.8
Ju
nct
ion w
ith B
lue/
yel
low
tra
il.
L o
n B
/Y g
oes
up
hil
l and
then b
ack t
o p
arkin
g l
ot.
S
trai
ght
ahea
d o
n
B/Y
go
es t
o y
ello
w R
ailr
oad
Bro
ok T
rail
or
to R
ail
Tra
il t
hen
bac
k t
o p
arkin
g l
ot.
This
is
the
end
of
the
red
tra
il,
to r
eturn
to
par
kin
g l
ot
on t
he
red
tra
il i
s
0.8
mil
es.
VA
LL
EY
FA
LL
S L
OO
P T
RA
IL
Blu
e/yel
low
mar
ker
s.
3.8
mil
e lo
op
. D
irec
tio
n o
f
tra
vel
: cc
w.
Mil
es
0.0
E
xit
par
kin
g l
ot
to S
on b
lue
trai
l. P
ass
po
nd
on
L
, w
ater
fall
on R
, cr
oss
2 b
rid
ges
over
sp
illw
ays.
0.3
C
lim
b a
nd
des
cend
sta
irs,
turn
R u
p t
o r
ailb
ed.
Go
R (
S)
foll
ow
ing B
lue/y
ello
w m
arker
s o
n r
ail
bed
.
0.5
T
urn
L o
ff r
ail
bed
and
cli
mb
to
S u
p t
he
hil
l.
0.7
P
ass
socc
er f
ield
on R
. an
d e
nte
r B
ould
er R
idge
To
wn P
ark.
Cro
ss j
ct w
ith o
range
Bo
uld
er C
rest
Oute
r L
oo
p T
rail
.
1.0
C
ross
bro
ok i
n v
alle
y.
1.1
C
ross
Jee
p T
rail
. J
ct w
ith
whit
e L
oo
ko
ut
Tra
il (
go
right
to v
iew
lo
oko
uts
in 0
.3 m
iles
– 0
.6 r
ound
trip
.) G
o L
on B
/Y d
ow
n t
o r
ail
bed
.
1.2
T
urn
R (
S)
on r
ail
bed
1.9
T
urn
L o
ff
rail
bed
go
ing d
ow
n,
turn
R a
t b
ase
of
hil
l.
Yel
low
Rail
road
Bro
ok T
rail
go
es L
. (B
lue
Shenip
sit
Tra
il o
n r
ailb
ed c
onti
nues
south
to
Bo
l-
ton N
otc
h).
VA
LL
EY
FA
LL
S L
OO
P T
RA
IL (
Co
nt)
2.2
T
urn
L a
nd
cro
ss b
roo
k o
n b
rid
ge.
T
his
is
the
south
ern‑
mo
st p
oin
t o
n t
he
trai
l.
2.3
Jc
t w
ith t
rail
, tu
rn L
(N
ort
h)
(Tra
il t
o t
he
R
le
aves
the
par
k o
n p
rivat
e p
rop
erty
.).
Do
n't
tr
esp
ass!
2.6
T
urn
R o
ff j
eep
tra
il a
nd
sta
rt h
ill
clim
b.
(Jee
p
T
rail
co
nti
nues
No
rth t
o p
arkin
g l
ot
as r
ed M
ain
Ro
ad T
rail
)
3.1
P
ass
hil
l to
p o
n L
, fi
eld
on R
, an
d s
tart
do
wn a
lon
g
ravin
e.
3.5
T
urn
R (
N)
on r
ed M
ain R
oad
Tra
il i
nto
fie
ld.
3.8
V
alle
y F
alls
par
kin
g l
ot.
P
ON
D L
OO
P
TR
AIL
(N
ot
on m
ap)
O
range
mar
ker
s; 0
.6 m
ile
loo
p.
Tra
vel
: c
cw
.
Mil
es
0.0
P
arkin
g l
ot.
F
ace
po
nd
; go
R t
o e
xit
ro
ad f
rom
lo
; go
thru
gat
ew
ay;
cro
ss p
on
d d
am.
Cro
ss 2
b
rid
ges
over
sp
illw
ays.
N
ote
wat
erfa
lls.
0.1
C
lim
b s
tair
s.
Co
nti
nue
stra
igh
t (T
rail
at
R
is b
lue
Shen
ipsi
t T
rail
and
go
es u
p t
o r
ail
bed
).
0.2
C
ross
bri
dge
over
Rai
lro
ad B
roo
k.
Aft
er b
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ge,
Po
nd
Lo
op
Tra
il t
hen
turn
s L
. (R
ailr
oad
Bro
ok
Tra
il c
onti
nues
alo
ng b
roo
k).
0.3
G
o s
trai
ght
at i
nte
rsec
tio
n (
L g
oes
to
Val
ley F
alls
Po
nd
.
0.4
A
t jc
t w
ith M
ain
Ro
ad T
rail
(unp
aved
) tu
rn L
.
E
nte
r w
oo
ded
are
a.
0.6
C
onti
nue
pas
t p
avil
ion o
n L
to
par
kin
g l
ot.
JEE
P T
RA
IL (
Rai
l T
rail
bic
ycle
entr
y f
rom
Val
ley
Fal
ls p
arkin
g l
ot)
Blu
e/re
d m
arker
s.
To a
cco
mm
od
ate
bik
e en
try t
o t
he
Rai
l T
rail
fo
r
tho
se w
ho
par
k a
t th
e V
alle
y F
alls
par
kin
g l
ot
(No
bic
ycle
s al
low
ed i
n V
all
ey F
alls
Par
k).
E
xit
the
par
kin
g l
ot
and
go
W o
n V
alle
y F
alls
Ro
ad.
Sho
rtly
aft
er c
ross
ing t
he
bri
dge
over
Rai
lro
ad
Bro
ok t
urn
L o
nto
the
up
hil
l B
lue/
red
tra
il (
B/R
des
ignat
ion c
ease
s at
Rai
l T
rail
).
8 V
AL
LE
Y F
AL
LS
PA
RK
TR
AIL
S
15
14
N
EW
S
P
RA
IL T
RA
ILBO ULDE R CRE ST
SO CCER FIEL D
LO
OK
OU
T T
RA
IL
PRIVA TE PRO P ERTY
NO TRES PA SS ING
W
VF LOOP TRAIL
VALLEY FALLS
PARK
O
BC
OU
TE
R L
OO
P
BC
INN
ER
LO
OP
Y
B/Y
VF L
OO
P T
RA
IL
RR
BR
OO
K T
RA
I L
MAIN
RO
AD
TRA
IL
B/Y
R
B/Y
Y
Bolton Rd
Tallw
ood
Dr
Hatch Hill Rd
Echo Ridge Dr
Valley F alls Pond
Va lley FallsPa rkin g
Railr oa d Br oo k
Braille
Trail
1
234
5
6
7
8910
111213
14
15
16
17
JE
EP
TR
AIL
Valley Falls Rd
B
B
Y
Bouldercrest Ln
Bolton Rd
RR
BR
OO
K
TO
BO
LT
ON
Echo Drive
Rail trai l
Railroad Brook TrailBrail le Trai l
Valley Falls Loop Trai lBoulder Cres t Outer Loop
Boulder Cres t Inner LoopMain Road Trail
Lookout Trai lRoads
300 0 300 600 900 Feet
8. V
ALLE
Y F
ALLS
TR
AIL
S
Revis
ion 3
, A
pril 2011
Pond Loop Trail (Orange - not shown)
NO BICYCLES IN PARK
B/R
16
BRAILLE TRAIL Marked with guide rope; 1,100 ft.; Direction of travel: West from Railroad Brook Trail (yellow markers) to counter clockwise loop section and east back to Railroad Brook Trail. Station 0 Start from Valley Falls parking lot. 1 Welcome and explanation of trail. 2 History of Valley Falls Farm and Industry. 3 Dr. Charles Beach family and the swimming pool. 4 Pool filtering system and the pool. 5 Railroad Brook and its journey to Long Island Sound. 6 Ramp over gully and a sketch of Belding Wildlife Management Area. 7 The old mill foundations and the National Register of Historic Places. 8 Tree types in the areas and old guide rope damage. 9 Mill stone wall and the 18
th and 19
th century industrial era.
10 Directions to the mill center hole for the water wheel. 11 Mill site description and history. 12 The boarding house. 13 Lightning damaged tree. 14 Eleven foot diameter sugar maple and burls. 15 Railroad Brook and a feast for the senses. 16 A spring, Box Mountain property and the Rails-To-Trails. 17 Directions to return to the trail beginning.
Valley Falls Pond
Valley FallsParking
Railroad Brook
BrailleTrail
Valley Falls Rd
1
234
5
6
7
8
910
1112
13
14
15
16
17
N
0 300 600 Feet
RAILRO
AD BRO
OK
TRAIL
9. BRAILLE TRAIL, VALLEY FALLS PARK Revision 3, April 2011
15
17
N
EW
S
ECK
ER
PO
ND
RA
IL T
RAI
L
Har
tford
Tpk
Bolton Rd
West S
t
Ta
lcot tvil l
e R
d
Lake S
t
Tun
ne
l Rd
Cen
ter R
d
Ph
oen
ix S
t
Regan Rd
Ba
mfo
rth R
d
Valley Falls Rd
Hatch Hill Rd
Warre
n Av
Dob
son
Rd
Maple Av
Washington S
t
Th
rall R
d
Rese r
voi r R
d
(/30
.-, 84
CO
VE
NT
RY
TO
LLA
ND
BO
LT
ON
LA
KE
S
RIS
LE
Y
PO
ND
WALKER
RESER VOIRS
(/30
.-,84
VALLEYFALLS
PARK
CommuterLot
EXI T 67
TO
BO
LTO
N
Church St
P 2
3
BOLTON
1RISLEY POND
10
10
7
8
Bo
l ton
Rd
10 SHENIPSIT TRAIL
Revision 3, April 2011
SHENIPSIT TRAIL
0.3 0 0.3 0.6 Miles
16
18
1O SHENIPSIT TRAIL (Revision 3, April 2011) BOLTON NOTCH TO VALLEY FALLS PARK
(Blazes: Blue - Direction of Travel. S to N)
This segment traverses the undeveloped Railroad Brook Valley between Bolton Notch and Valley Falls Park in Vernon. It features rugged high ledges with views, ponds, streams, and mature hemlock and laurel growth. The trail will parallel or be coincident with the Hop River State Park Trail.
Leave N side of Rt. 6/44A exit ramp off 1-384 (0.0) just to the E of commuter parking lot (ample parking). Follow
entrance road of the closed drive-in theater. Bolton Notch Pond on right. Turn R (0.2) and descend on dirt access road to Freja Park (undeveloped). Cross brook and turn R on foot path into woods on W side of pond. Cross small parking area (0.3) and pond access point and continue along W shore of pond. Turning more to the E , cross brook and climb ledge with overlooks on N side of pond. Trail follows ridge to N (0.5) through overarching laurel, passes above pond outlet and Railroad Brook. Descend to and cross old woods road. (Follow woods road to R, cross wooden bridge to Hop River State Park Rail Trail, not marked or blazed). Continue N from woods road (0.6) and with short steep climb reach top of ridge. On top turn R and then to L, through heavy laurel. Trail comes out to edge of high ledge (0.8) with views to E and of Railroad Brook and the rail bed below. Skirt large upturned ledge (1.0) and descend steeply to rail bed. Junction with Hop River Trail. Shenipsit Trail turns to the L and runs N on rail bed. (For loop walk turn to the R on the rail bed, passing beneath the high ledges that were just crossed. In 0.4 m. turn R, cross wooden bridge, rejoin Shenipsit.) Follow rail bed with private land on either side (1.3). Small brook down on the L. Pavilion on the right is private (Please do not trespass). The S boundary of Valley Falls Park is passed on the R (1.6). Shortly, join the blue/yellow blazed Valley Falls Loop Trail. (R descends from rail trail and makes a CCW loop around E side of the park, rejoining the main trail @ 2.6, or go straight ahead to 2.6.) High ledges on the L and Railroad Brook is now below on R. Trail passes base of steep cliff on the L (2.3). Turn R into Valley Falls Park (2.6) at junction with blue/yellow blazed Valley Falls Loop Trail. Jct. with yellow blazed Valley Falls park Trail (2.7) on W shore of Valley Falls Pond). Shenipsit Trail turns L with the pond on the R and ledges covered with moss and ferns on the L. Continue to the N end of the pond and the parking area, 50 cars, on Valley Fails Rd. (2.9). Admission to park is charged in summer. Park is popular for picnicking, hiking, swimming, nature study, ice skating and cross-country skiing.
SEE “7 BELDING MANAGEMENT AREA TRAILS”
for a description of this next section of the Shenipsit Trail that extends from Valley Falls Park to Baker Rd.
This segment, established in 1995, proceeds N from Valley Falls Park through the Belding Wildlife Management Area. The WMA was donated to DEP by Maxwell Belding and he established a trust for maintenance. It is rich in laurel and old-growth trees and features a cascade, pond, and a walk on the banks of the Tankerhoosen River. A loop walk of 2.8 m. from Valley Falls Park is possible utilizing the yellow blazed Belding Path.
BELDING WMA TO I-84 EXIT 67
(Blazes: Blue - Direction of Travel. S to N)
This segment was completed in 2003. It connects from the Belding WMA, across Baker Rd. in Vernon, along the south side of I-84, around scenic Walker Reservoir West to the commuter lot at Exit 67.
Main trail goes on dirt Snake Hill Rd. from jct. with blue/yellow connecting trail at iron bridge (0.0) L off woods rd. (0.3) along small brook. Cross Baker Rd. (0.4) and slab R up small hill. Cross small brook (0.5). Proceed uphill with I-84 fence on L (0.7). Height of land (0.8), view of Box Mtn. on R. Cross a wet highway drainage area (1.1), views of Walker Reservoir West on R. L at jct. with Reservoir Rd. (1.5), views of Vernon recreational park, Walker Reservoir East straight ahead. The park is popular for hiking, picnicking, bird watching, and ice skating. There is a yellow blazed trail which skirts the L side of the reservoir. Parking for 25 cars at the park. Reach end of this section (1.8) at entrance drive for I-84 interchange #67 commuter parking lot with ample parking.
17
19
11. WALKER’S RESERVOIR TRAIL Revision 3, April 2011
WALKER’S RESERVOIR TRAIL Yellow markers; 0.8 miles; Direction of travel: counterclockwise. (Easy access to blue blazed Shenipsit Trail, directly across the street from the parking lot.) Miles 0.00 From Walker’s Reservoir parking lot on Reservoir Rd, go S along road with pond on L. 0.10 Turn L from road along pond shore with pond on L. 0.24 Cross dam at S end of pond and turn N with pond on L. 0.50 Reach N end of pond. 0.60 Reach Mile Hill Rd. 0.70 Go N (Mile Hill Road on R) then S (Reservoir Road on R). Reach N end of pond. 0.80 Arrive back at starting point in parking lot.
18
Res
ervoir
Rd
Mile Hill Rd
Loehr Rd
Walker's Reservior E
Tankerhoosen River
COMMUTE R
LO T
EXIT 67
#
WALKER'S RESERVOIR
TRAIL
I-84
#
P
N
0.1 0 0.1 0.2 Miles
20
This trail passes through a scenic and historic ravine that was donated to the North-ern Connecticut Land Trust by the Talcott family in 2011. Some of the points of inter-est include glacial geologic features, the Tankerhoosen River, the Dobsonville dam, mill ruins, flora features including Umbrella Magnolia.
The Talcott Ravine loop trail starts at the parking area at the Main St cul-de-sac. Walk east along Talcottville Pond and pass around the trail gate. Continue past the pond, along the Tankerhoosen River and at 0.25 miles, cross a wooden bridge. At 0.43 miles, the trail turns north and away from the river and there is a trail juncture. Continue on the trail straight ahead. (The trail to the right follows the river to a large rock outcrop and a partial view of the dam.) The trail turns east and gradually climbs to Dobson Rd at 0.56 miles. Turn right on the sidewalk, cross the dam and continue to the junction with the Rail Trail at 0.73 miles. Turn right on the Rail Trail. (Left goes to parking at Church St in 0.25 mile.) Continue west on Rail Trail to Elm Hill Rd at 1.44 miles. Turn right on Elm Hill Rd and follow to Main St at 1.64 miles. Turn right on Main St and follow to the cul-de-sac at 1.83 miles.
12. TALCOTT RAVINE TRAIL - NCLT
19
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