The trailhead for the Union Pond Loop officially starts just east of Union Pond Park. The east section of the Union Pond Loop Trail passes through mature forest and near Saint Bridget Cemetery. Further north, the trail climbs the woodland crest and then back down close to the pond and over a scenic footbridge built by the Hockanum River Linear Park Committee (HRLPC) in 2003. As the path continues upstream, the quiet pond waters are interrupted by the rushing river that enters the pond. This part of the Hockanum River is known as the Rapids and is challenging to kayakers and canoeists as it descends over a series of sandstone ledges during the Class-II swift water. Here, the trail footing gets more challenging. After crossing under the Tolland Turnpike, a short climb leads to a footbridge that crosses the river and turns back south.
Please note: The section of the Trail between the Oakland Mills buildings and the River has recently been closed off by the Town of Manchester due to the deteriorating condition of the buildings. Hikers are therefore urged to avoid this stretch of the trail.
Heading south on the west side of Union Pond, Northwest Park offers paved trails as well as an observation deck, baseball fields, an all-abilities playscape, and picnicking. South of Northwest Park, the path curves and heads back into the woods along the water until it follows sidewalks on Union Place, Union Street, Kerry Street, North Street, Golway Street, and back along North School Street. The HRLPC website has a detailed description of the Union Pond Loop.
The Union Pond Loop Trail connects to Union Pond Park. The Park features paved, accessible trails, an observation platform, benches, and picnic tables. The centerpiece of Union Pond Park is the Jay Howroyd Fitness Trail with eight fitness stations around the 0.5 mile loop overlooking the pond. The equipment ranges from simple (steps at varying heights, parallel bars, an overhead ladder) to intricate (including the Combi 2, a graduated workout space featuring an incline bench, push up bar, decline bench, horizontal ladder, and pull up station).
Union Pond hosts a large number of water birds - Canada geese, sea gulls, mallards, cormorants, and other birds year round. More infrequent visitors include osprey, great blue heron, great egret, and passing Bald Eagles looking for open water in winter. The Union Pond Trail is also part of the Hockanum River Linear Park, with connections to the Oakland Trail to the north, an additional loop on both sides of the Hockanum River, and the Pitkin Trail on the south.
From I-84, Take Exit 63. If coming from I-84W, take a right on Deming Street and then a right onto Route 83/Oakland Street. If coming from I-84E, continue straight onto Route 83S/Oakland Street. After 0.8 miles, turn right onto North School Street. Parking is available on either side of street at Union Pond Park or Robertson Park.
From I-84, take Exit 63. If coming from I-84W, take a right on Deming Street and then a right on Tolland Turnpike. If coming from I-84E, take a right onto Route 30 and a left onto Tolland Turnpike. After 0.8 miles, turn left to Northwest Park.
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