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Appalachian Trail

51 miles of the world-famous Appalachian Trail traverse the mountains and valleys of Connecticut's northwest corner. 
Trail Activity
Hiking
Length
51.00 miles, One Way
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate, Advanced
Surface
Packed Earth/Dirt, Rock/Ledge, Paved/Cement
Pets
Permitted
Fees
No

Description

Travelling north from New York, the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) enters Connecticut at Hoyt Road in Sherman. It soon climbs Ten Mile Hill, with a view to the west including the Ten Mile River watershed. The Trail descends to the confluence of the Ten Mile and Housatonic Rivers. Crossing the Ten Mile River on the Ned Anderson Memorial Bridge, the Trail continues over the rugged Schaghticoke Mountain and Mt. Algo before descending to Macedonia Brook in the Town of Kent.

The Trail climbs through forested hills to a beautiful southern view at Caleb’s Peak. It then descends the spectacular St. Johns Ledges, before again reaching the Housatonic River. Here, the Trail follows the river for five miles, the longest riverside walk on the entire A.T. Leaving the river, the Trail ascends Silver Hill before entering the Housatonic State Forest, where it travels through hilly and wild hardwood forests. Crossing into Salisbury, the path again descends to the Housatonic River Valley. In Falls Village, there is a one-mile section of the AT considered to be accessible for wheelchair use (with some assistance).

The Trail leaves Falls Village, passes the scenic ”Great Falls of the Housatonic”, and climbs to the top of wooded Prospect Mountain. It soon reaches Rand’s View, one of the most photographed viewpoints on the A.T. The Trail descends back to the valley near Salisbury Center. It then climbs up to the Riga Plateau with views from Lions Head and continues on to the top of Bear Mountain, the highest summit in the Nutmeg State. The trail enters Massachusetts and soon enters the beguiling Sages Ravine. The CT-AMC-maintained section of the Appalachian Trail ends at the Sages Ravine brook crossing.

Other Information

Hikers need to be aware of the following guidelines specific to the proper use of the A.T. in Connecticut:

  • Fires are not permitted anywhere in any season along the A.T. in Connecticut. Please use a small backpacking stove for food preparation.
  • Park and camp only in designated areas.
  • Travel in groups of 25 or less. Camp in groups of 10 or less.
  • State and Federal law prohibits vehicles on the Trail: this includes bicycles. Foot travel only.
  • Please carry in and carry out.
  • All camping areas have bear boxes. For the safety of you and our wildlife, always use the boxes, but please do not leave extra food or trash behind when you leave.

The Appalachian Trail, completed in 1937:

  • Is a unit of the National Park System 
  • Is the nation's longest marked footpath, covering over 2,190 miles from Maine to Georgia
  • Is the first completed national scenic trail, designated in 1968.
  • Crosses six other units of the National Park System.
  • Traverses eight National Forests.
  • Touches 14 states.
  • Houses more than 2,000 occurrences of rare, threatened, endangered, and sensitive plant and animal species at about 535 sites.
  • Crosses numerous state and local forests and parks.

Trail Manager

The A.T. is managed in cooperation between land managing agencies, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and trail maintaining clubs.

In Connecticut, the A.T. is maintained by the volunteers of the Connecticut Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club. Visit their website to learn more about hiking, volunteering and giving back to the Trail in Connecticut.  

Connecticut Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club
Connecticut Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club
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View website

Trail Tips

Respect Wildlife
Avoid known animal mating or nesting areas during sensitive times.
Legend
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Trailhead Information

There are multiple parking areas with access to the Appalachian Trail. Click on one of the parking icons on the map to the right to get custom directions from your location. 

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
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