Man, Connecticut, you were super funny.

There are a little over 50 miles of the Appalachian Trail (AT) that runs through Connecticut, which isn’t much compared to other states that make up the AT. But man, is it a nice stretch of trail and scenery.

To Connecticut we go

Leaving New York heading north on the trail, I encountered a host of natural wonders in Connecticut, including stunning rivers, mountain views, fresh landscapes, lots of beautiful spring wildflowers, pastures surrounded by forests, and I almost stepped on a rather rare rattlesnake sunning itself on a rock on the trail. Oh!

Sunrise with mountain views for camping.

Wildflower: Red Trillium.

Trail culture

While in Connecticut hiking a well-maintained trail, I passed the 1,500 mile mark on the AT. I met several people hiking in Connecticut who also volunteered their time and maintained the many aspects that make up the trail. His joy of living For being outdoors and hiking, as well as taking pride in keeping your section of the AT in good working order for others to enjoy, as an AT user you are greatly appreciated. Also, I may be biased, as in another life I helped build improved, ventilated pit latrines in Africa, so there is an affinity for these structures and their use, but the rotting outhouses in Connecticut were probably the best I’ve ever experienced. The volunteers who build these structures, provide information on how to properly use them, and why their byproduct is important to forest ecology, deserve high praise. They really are well maintained and help accommodate the thousands of hikers who use the AT annually in Connecticut.

A nice milestone.

A decadent top quality toilet.

Mountains

For me, Lion’s Head and Connecticut’s highest peak/mountain, Bear Mountain, certainly had good, vigorous hiking with great natural beauty and views of the area at the top. Descending the latter was quite a challenge.

On Bear Mountain.

fun times

Connecticut had in its ~50 mile stretch pretty much everything I was looking for in a trail and then some in terms of varied topography, a positive hiking culture, towns that appreciate hikers, and people who wanted to share the AT experience with you. I’m glad I slowed down, spent time in the state, and met some wonderful day and section hikers, as well as trail volunteers who explained the nuances of that section of the AT. Bravo, Connecticut, you were fun and that’s what I was looking to experience!

A stellar campsite on the mountain ledge.

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