Camp Aya Po consists of 178 acres formerly owned by the YWCA and purchased by the town of Somers in 2014. There are several trails located on the property – one that encompasses Hurds Lake and others leading to the summit of Perkins Mountain. This property is open during daylight hours for non-motorized, passive recreation activities both on the trails and on the water. Hurds Lake is approximately 20 acres created by a dam on the westerly side of Camp Road. The lake can be used for fishing and limited kayak or canoe use. A small boat ramp is located at the west end of the dam. Hurds Lake is not tested by the LHD and there is no lifeguard on duty, so swimming is at users' own risk.
The Lakeside Trail offers an easy loop hike of approximately one mile around the shore of the lake. It is an excellent trail for bird watching as well as for family walks. It is marked with blue blazes and begins and ends at the parking area on Camp Road.
The orange-blazed Perkins Mountain Trail leads from the parking area up through the former camp area and continues on to the summit of Perkins Mountain. It is a gradual climb for most of its length with a steeper section just before reaching the summit. From the summit, the trail continues down the east side of the mountain connecting to the yellow-blazed Lower Trail, which can be followed back to the parking area.
The green-blazed Old Shenipsit Trail loops around the west side of the property before connecting to the Perkins Mountain Trail for an alternate route to the top of Perkins Mountain. For much of the way, it follows a discontinued portion of the Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CFPA)’s Shenipsit Trail.
All trails except the Lakeside Trail are multiuse trails open to equestrians and mountain bikers as well as hikers.
Follow Main Street to Turnpike Road. Take Turnpike Road north for 0.8 miles. Turn right onto Mountain Road. In 1.9 miles, turn left onto Camp Road. In 0.1 miles, the parking area is on the left.
Follow Main Street west and continue straight onto West Stafford Road. Continue for 1.3 miles. At the traffic circle, take the second exit into CT-190 West. Continue on CT-190 West for 1.3 miles. Make a slight right on Old Springfield Road. Follow for 3.8 miles and turn left to stay on Old Springfield Road. Continue straight as it turns into Mountain Road. In half a mile, turn right onto Camp Road. In 0.1 miles, the parking area is on the left.
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