My wife and I are section hikers, and in June we're planning to stop in CT while driving from PA to NH. We'd like to hike 3 or 4 miles, tent camp for the night, then hike back to our car the next day. Are there are any parts of the trail in CT you might recommend to us?
Many thanks,
Will
_Will_ Start at Rt. 55 in NY,about 20 miles from Kent. Good parking area just West of AT with blue blazed spur to AT, go North on AT, will pass scenic Nuclear Lake, reach overlook at Cat Rocks at about 4 miles, Telephone Pioneers shelter just beyond that. In June should be lots of Laurel blooming. Minor ups and downs, no big climbs. Other great choice near Kent is the shelter where the Ten Mile River joins the Housatonic.
_Aesop_ There's certanly an opportunity to do what you'd like in Kent. However, to hit Kent on the way from PA to NH is terribly out of your way! If you choose to stop in Kent I recommend that you go north on NY I87, I84 East to NY Route 22 North, to NY, then CT Route 55 East, to US Route 7 North into Kent and the junction with Route 341 West. Follow Route 341 West over a bridge and take the first right onto Skiff Mountain Road. Follow Skiff Mountain Road along the Housatonic River, and when the road veers away from the river uphill, take your first (and only) Right onto a dirt road. Follow the dirt road along the river to a gate (it's a couple of miles). Park at the gate and follow the AT North for 1.3 miles to the Stewart Hollow Shelter and campsite. Alternatively, stay on Route 341 past the Skiff Mountain turnoff for about a third of a mile and look for a white oval AT trail crossing sign. Park at the turnout across from the sign and hike south, steeply uphill for .3 miles to Mount Algo shelter and campsite. Please note that no fires are permitted on the AT in Connecticut and that you need to stay at designated campsites. Our protected trail corridor is very narrow and stealth camping may put you on private property. To continue to NH from Kent, go North on Route 7 into MA and follow Route 7 into Stockbridge. In Stockbridge, Route 7 will go right at a stop sign, pass through Main Street. Just after "downtown" watch for Route 102. Go straight on Route 102 where Route 7 veers away to the left. Route 102 takes you to the Mass Pike, I90, which will get you to the highways to reach NH.
_The Walking Stomach, AMC Ridgerunner Kent,CT_ I would say do Bear mountain at north end of CT. Park on the road out of Salisbury at the AT parking lot then hike up to Lions Head, wonderfull view, hike onto bear mountain where there are some campsites and a shelter.Hike back down in the morning.
_Sly dog_ wherever you end up in this area, definitely check yourselves for deer ticks, there are lots in CT and NY areas. HAVE FUN~! P.S. i really enjoy Rands View section. Great place to camp..
_goldilocks_