Spring Has Sprung
Hike #130
Tunxis Trail
Farmington River Turnpike to Ski Sundown (New Hartford, CT)
Hike Distance: 5.6 Miles
Section Distance (Per CFPA Walk Book): 2.9 Miles
Date Hiked: 4/12/2015
Date Published: 4/12/2015
Hike #130
Tunxis Trail
Farmington River Turnpike to Ski Sundown (New Hartford, CT)
Hike Distance: 5.6 Miles
Section Distance (Per CFPA Walk Book): 2.9 Miles
Date Hiked: 4/12/2015
Date Published: 4/12/2015
Note: Prior to the hike described in this recap, I completed four
local hikes…two at Case Mountain in Manchester, CT and two at Gay City State
Park in Hebron, CT. On the second Gay
City hike, I covered every step of every blazed trail in the entire park for a
total of 12.2 miles. I’ve previously recapped those trail
networks (Hikes # 7, 8, 9, 11 and 12) so I’m not going to recap them again
here. However, those four hikes added 35.4
miles to my total for 2015, bringing my mile count to 168.3.
On our previous Tunxis hike, Roscoe and I made our way southbound through the snow from Farmington River Turnpike in New Hartford, CT to Route 202. I knew the next section, northbound from the same spot on Farmington River Turnpike to Ski Sundown would be a lot more challenging so I decided to delay it until weather conditions improved. Now that spring has finally sprung, it was time to get off the local trails and set out on the next section of the Tunxis Trail.
To reach the parking location from Hartford:
Follow Route 44 West through Canton. Just before the Canton/New Hartford town line, turn right on Breezy Hill Road. Make a quick left on Farmington River Turnpike. Pass Frey Road (on the right) and continue straight to the parking area.
Below is what the parking area looked like two months ago and what it looks like now...
On our previous Tunxis hike, Roscoe and I made our way southbound through the snow from Farmington River Turnpike in New Hartford, CT to Route 202. I knew the next section, northbound from the same spot on Farmington River Turnpike to Ski Sundown would be a lot more challenging so I decided to delay it until weather conditions improved. Now that spring has finally sprung, it was time to get off the local trails and set out on the next section of the Tunxis Trail.
To reach the parking location from Hartford:
Follow Route 44 West through Canton. Just before the Canton/New Hartford town line, turn right on Breezy Hill Road. Make a quick left on Farmington River Turnpike. Pass Frey Road (on the right) and continue straight to the parking area.
Below is what the parking area looked like two months ago and what it looks like now...
The
parking location is just north of the trailhead. So, we started our hike by following the road
due south for a bit prior to picking up the trail…
After
a brief walk, we made a left turn and started following blue blazes in a
northeasterly direction over a series of steep switchbacks.
Approximately 3/10 of a mile in, we reached a paved driveway…
Approximately 3/10 of a mile in, we reached a paved driveway…
The
trail doesn’t follow the driveway for long.
It quickly bears left and heads downhill for a bit, which gave me a
chance to catch my breath…
Roughly
6/10 of a mile in, after ascending steeply again and crossing under some power lines,
we reached the paved driveway again…
We
also crossed from New Hartford to Canton and back again in a short amount of
time…
We’d
reached the highpoint of this hike and, while still hilly in some areas, the
remaining outbound trek wasn’t too exhausting.
Approximately 1.0 mile in, we reached this trail register…
Approximately 1.0 mile in, we reached this trail register…
The
Walk Book notes this is the “Little Brook Register”, which makes sense because
there is a small brook crossing the trail here. There is also a very nice note at the
beginning of the journal, which explains this register is dedicated to the
memory of Lillian Zirolli Barkyoumb. It
reads:
Lillian Zirolli Barkyoumb was my mom. She passed away 5 years ago never having a chance to write in this journal. She gave her children the love of hiking through the woods. I dedicate this journal to her and all those whose love of the unspoiled woodlands of the country keep the forest spirits alive. 8/13/10
I was moved by this dedication. The register is in a beautiful spot with seasonal views of the surrounding hills and the location next to the brook is perfect to wash out any traffic noise from nearby Route 44.
From the register, the trail bears right and heads slightly uphill for a bit. Note: there is what looks like an unmarked trail which heads straight, downhill away from the register so keep your eyes peeled for blazes.
Roughly 1.7 miles in, while following a woods road and descending we reached and crossed Ratlum Brook on a stone and earthen bridge just south of a pond and dam…
Lillian Zirolli Barkyoumb was my mom. She passed away 5 years ago never having a chance to write in this journal. She gave her children the love of hiking through the woods. I dedicate this journal to her and all those whose love of the unspoiled woodlands of the country keep the forest spirits alive. 8/13/10
I was moved by this dedication. The register is in a beautiful spot with seasonal views of the surrounding hills and the location next to the brook is perfect to wash out any traffic noise from nearby Route 44.
From the register, the trail bears right and heads slightly uphill for a bit. Note: there is what looks like an unmarked trail which heads straight, downhill away from the register so keep your eyes peeled for blazes.
Roughly 1.7 miles in, while following a woods road and descending we reached and crossed Ratlum Brook on a stone and earthen bridge just south of a pond and dam…
Beyond
the bridge and dam, the trail looks like it might be confusing. I had difficulty seeing the next blaze
because it is halfway up a hill and the rising sun was washing it out. There is a blue arrow painted on a nearby
fallen tree, which was helpful, but I didn’t see it right away. All of this caused a bit of hesitation. It wasn’t anything overly serious…it just
goes to show how out of practice I am…
Approximately
2.3 miles in, we crossed Ratlum Road…
There
is room for a few cars on the north side of the road.
Roughly 2.6 miles in, I noticed some seasonal views of Ski Sundown…
Roughly 2.6 miles in, I noticed some seasonal views of Ski Sundown…
I
was surprised to see the ski runs haven’t quite shed their winter coats just
yet.
At this point, the trail begins to descend back to Ratlum Road, over a few switchbacks.
Approximately 2.7 miles in, we reached Ratlum Road again…this time near the parking area for Ski Sundown…
At this point, the trail begins to descend back to Ratlum Road, over a few switchbacks.
Approximately 2.7 miles in, we reached Ratlum Road again…this time near the parking area for Ski Sundown…
Originally
opened in 1963, Ski Sundown currently boasts 16 trails (15 of which are lighted
at night). They are now closed for the
season but are advertising for a beer fest in June. Check them out if beer and/or skiing is your
thing.
I was disappointed to find the parking area gated off and no trespassing signs. I had hoped to park here on my next Tunxis hike. So, we walked down Ratlum Road a little more and eventually I found what I think will be suitable parking for next time.
Roughly 2.8 miles in, we turned around and started the trek back to the car. Along the way, I refueled with a power bar while Roscoe stared at some wild turkeys and later enjoyed a swim…
I was disappointed to find the parking area gated off and no trespassing signs. I had hoped to park here on my next Tunxis hike. So, we walked down Ratlum Road a little more and eventually I found what I think will be suitable parking for next time.
Roughly 2.8 miles in, we turned around and started the trek back to the car. Along the way, I refueled with a power bar while Roscoe stared at some wild turkeys and later enjoyed a swim…
This
was a short but fun and challenging hike.
It has been a while since I’ve had the experience of getting out of the
car and immediately making a steep climb.
I was happy to find I’m not too out of shape from the winter of 2015.
Until next time…
Until next time…
For a map of this hike, along with elevation data, please click here.
Total 2015 Distance: 173.9
(326.1 to Goal)