Appalachian Trail - Connecticut section

July 06, 2017 12:00 am • Last Updated: July 21, 2017 1:56 pm

Crossing a grassy meadow on the Appalachian Trail in Sharon.

Towns: Sherman, Kent, Sharon and Salisbury

Where to park: The first parking area can be found on Hoyt Rd. in Dover, NY, just over the border from Sherman, CT. Parking can also be found at several other sites along the trail, including when the trail crosses the following roads:

Connecticut Rt. 55 in Sharon

Bulls Bridge Rd. in South Kent

Macedonia Rd. in Kent

Cornwall Bridge Rd. in Sharon

West Cornwall Rd. in Sharon

U.S. Rt. 7 in Falls Village

U.S. Rt. 44 in Salisbury

U.S. Rt. 41 in Salisbury

At the northern end of the Connecticut section, parking is located at the trailhead for the Undermountain Trail on Rt. 41 or the trailhead for the AMC Northwest Cabin on Mt. Washington Rd.

Description: The Appalachian Trail stretches about 2,200 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. 51 miles of the trail are located in Connecticut. The trail ranges from a smooth dirt path to jagged rocky climbs, with several sections on paved roads. Several day hikes are possible, or one could hike the entire section in a multi-day backpacking trip.

Regulations: Campfires are prohibited and camping is permitted only at designated campsites.

Amenities: There are 14 campsites along the trail with water sources and composting privies. Seven of the sites have lean-to shelters.

Natural Features: Bear Mountain is the highest peak in Connecticut (though not the highest point, which lies on the slope of nearby Mt. Frissel, whose peak is in Massachusetts).

Fees: None

Things to note: There are many reliable water sources on the trail, but flow may be lower depending on the time of year and the recent weather.

More information: http://www.ct-amc.org/trails/index.shtm?http%3A//www.ct-amc.org/trails/content.htm

http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/connecticut

Map: http://www.ct-amc.org/trails/images/2014Appalachian-trail-map2.pdf

Read the full story of our hike on the Appalachian Trail: http://www.theday.com/entertainment/20170716/hiking-connecticut-segment-of-appalachian-trail

A flat section of the trail along the Housatonic River in Kent

The trail passes through a deep crevice in the rock just south of Pine Swamp Brook Shelter.

The race track at Lime Rock Park can be seen from an overlook (and heard for miles around).

A steep rocky climb.

Portions of the trail require walking on the road.

Iron Bridge in Falls Village.