Crandall Park in Tolland has more to offer than most small town parks normally do. What more could you want, baseball fields, pavilions, swimming ponds, beach front, playgrounds and a Lodge that can be rented out at all times of the year.
An amazing well marked trail system that you cannot get lost on. A fully paved ADA trail allowing for wheelchairs and strollers access from either parking area along the front of this park.
Crandall Park started in 1969 as a small park with only 37 acres and now it has grown with the help of Conservation groups, donations, town and state aid; to encompass 300 amazing acres. This Examiner decided to take the high Red trail. After crossing the well made wood bridge, the red trail starts just off the ADA trail above the 1st parking lot along Cider Mill road.
But it is real tricky to find the Red Trail head, so as you enter the trail along the ADA trail look for a single straight path through the pine trees on you right. Check photo's for trail head entrance and pathway view. Then enter and you will notice the metal sign tags with red arrows.
Visit this map at the Tolland town website or click here
Red arrows dot the trail as you wind through the lower portion of the trail. The trail reaches new heights as you reach the first of many hilltops. You will pass the Blue trail, one of many trails that cut away from the red trail all leading back towards the Lodge, baseball fields and parking lots.
But don’t let the trail map fool you that Red trail is quite a challenge as it reaches at least 300 feet in elevation, although gradual going up the Red trail, it is treacherous going down the backside. With it’s steep grade along the back side you will see a Yellow trail mark with yellow arrows. This serves up as a good alternate route down the mountain once you reach the top of the Red trail.
Now during the winter months, this parks forest may not seem like it has any activity at all. After all hours go by and few hikers are ever seen. Won’t you be surprised, as this Examiner was when a half dozen deer bounded away from us into the dense forest and underbrush.
Chevy barked excited making their movements quicker as my heart pounded in anticipation of what was next and then in a moment they were gone. They were there and gone so quick my camera could not focus fast enough, making moments like that one just another one of those incredible personal experiences for this adventure seeking Examiner. Find it fast with this Quick Google map!
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