Day-hiking the Connecticut Appalachian Trail: finding the trail

A day-long excursion, or even a quick hike on the Connecticut section of the Appalachian Trail (AT) can be a satisfying and rewarding experience. Winding through the northwestern corner of Connecticut, you can find 52 miles of the 2,178 mile Appalachian Trail. If you know where to look, that is. 

Driving along the scenic country roads of the Litchfield Hills, it can be easy to miss the white oval signs that modestly display the words "Appalachian Trail" in forest green lettering. These trail markers signal to motorists and hikers alike that the AT is intersecting the roadway. They are also a good indicator that a trailhead, and most likely a parking area, are also close by.

Connecticut's Appalachian Trail:  Thru-hikers who have experienced the Appalachian Trail in its entirety, from Springer Mountain in Georgia all the way to the summit of Katahdin in Maine, often have much to say about Connecticut’s portion of the AT. It's short, for one. But it’s also one of the most diverse and awe-inspiring sections of the entire trail.

Entering Connecticut at the New York border near South Kent, the AT follows the ridges that lie just west of the Housatonic River. Traveling north to the town of Salisbury, the trail ascends the Taconic Ridge. From here, it ventures off toward the northwest, where it ultimately crosses into Massachusetts, just west of Mount Riga State Park.

But you don't need to hike the entire course to get a sense of the beauty and excitement that abound the Connecticut AT. Even short segments of Connecticut's Appalachian Trail are peppered with incredible geological features and amazing vistas, that will surely make a day-hiking journey well worth your while.

Day-hike parking:  Ready to get a taste of the Connecticut AT for yourself?  You will need to locate the trailheads that lead to the AT itself.  Often, these trailheads will boast some sort of parking, ranging from a simple roadside pull-off, to a larger lot that can accommodate numerous cars. One resource to help locate these parking areas is the guide, "Parking on the AT", published and maintained on the web by a local Connecticut volunteer organization. This informative report lists locations of parking areas at each trailhead, provides driving directions, and even gives the number of vehicles the parking area can accommodate.  

So lace up your hiking boots and grab your pack!  With dozens of day-hiking options available, the picturesque allure and natural wonder of the Connecticut AT await you.