VERNON
TRAIL SYSTEM
Revision 6
April, 2015
Prepared for Vernon Parks and Recreation
By the Vernon Greenways Volunteers
Page 2
Page 3
TYPE AND VARIETY OF TRAILS IN VERNON, CT
This document provides historical and practical information to complement the enclosed maps. All trails
in this publication are open to the public. Copies are available at the office of Vernon Parks and
Recreation at Henry Park, 120 South St., Vernon, Ct. 06066. Phone (860) 870-3520. In 1998, Vernon
received the Connecticut Trail Town Award from the Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CFPA).
1. RISLEY POND LOOP TRAIL
This trail consists of 3.7 miles of blazed loop trails and a trek up to the ridge of Box Mountain in Vernon.
The feature option is a scenic walk through mixed growth forest to a vista overlooking historic Railroad
Valley. Shorter, less aggressive options are indicated on the map. Swimming and boating are not
allowed in the pond which is a water source; however, ice skating is allowed in the winter and fishing
year round. The trail is permitted on properties both privately owned and deeded to the Manchester
Conservation Land Trust. Trail construction and maintenance is provided entirely by volunteers from the
Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CFPA now manages over 800 miles of trails). Parking (ample)
is available just off Lake Street near Amy Drive.
2. RAILS-TO-TRAILS; HOP RIVER LINEAR PARK TRAIL
This multi-use greenway consists of 5.1 miles of trail along an abandoned railway (Hartford, Providence
and Fishkill RR) from the Vernon/Manchester town line east, then south to the Vernon/Bolton town line.
This is the Vernon segment of the HOP RIVER LINEAR PARK Trail that runs 21 miles from
Manchester to Willimantic where you can make connections with the 40 mile AIRLINE LINEAR PARK
Trail. These trails are permitted on Connecticut DOT property that is used by the Connecticut DEP and
managed by the DEP or the town within which it is situated (Vernon manages its segment). This Vernon
section was re-graded by the Connecticut National Guard - Bravo Company of the 242nd Engineer
Battalion and was then covered with stone dust by the town of Vernon. The funding was obtained by the
Vernon Hockanum River Linear Park Committee from the State via ISTEA funding and grants. This
popular trail is used for biking, hiking, jogging, walking, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding.
Handicap usage is encouraged. The trail is maintained by the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department
and the Vernon Greenways Volunteers. The trail is included in the Hockanum River Master Plan of
Development which is approved by the Town of Vernon; hereafter, indicated as the 'Master Plan'.
Parking is available at Church Street (ample), Tunnel Road (5 cars) and Valley Falls Park (ample). On-
Site trail maps are available at the Church Street and Tunnel Road parking lots. Portable bathroom
facilities are available year-round at the Church Street parking lot.
3. RAILS-TO-TRAILS; ROCKVILLE SPUR
This multi-use greenway consists of 4.1 miles of trail along an abandoned railway that was originally
constructed in 1862 to supply an already industrialized Rockville, Ct. It splits from the HOP RIVER
LINEAR PARK Trail and heads north into the town’s historic center. The trail includes a foot bridge
across the Tankerhoosen River. The foot bridge funding was obtained by the Vernon Hockanum River
Linear Park Committee from the State via ISTEA funding and grants. This popular trail is used for
biking, hiking, jogging, walking, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding. Handicap usage is
encouraged. The trail is located on State DOT property for use by the State DEP. The trail is maintained
by the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department and the Vernon Greenways Volunteers. The trail is
included in the Master Plan. Parking is available at Sacred Heart Church (ample) and Rau Street (4 cars).
Portable bathroom facilities are available year-round at the Church Street parking lot.
Page 4
4. HOCKANUM RIVER LINEAR PARK (Hockanum River and Dart Hill Park Trails)
These trails include 2.5 miles of orange blazed trails that begin at the Water Treatment Plant on
Windsorville Road (Rte 74) and parallels the Hockanum River in Vernon. The trail is as close to the river
bank as possible and provides a means of accessing the river for clean-up purposes. This trail, also,
provides a beautiful scenic hike with mixed forest, water wildlife and river views. Alternate routes are
provided where access is limited in the early spring and very wet weather periods. The trail is permitted
on properties which are owned by the town and private land owners. Fishing is popular. There is, also, a
1.2 mile Stone Dust Trail and alternate trails in Dart Hill South Park. Trail construction and maintenance
is provided by the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department and the Vernon Greenways Volunteers.
These trails are included in the Master Plan.
Vernon is part of a larger plan to create a continuous river walk along the Hockanum
River in Ellington, Vernon, Manchester and East Hartford. See the Hockanum River
Watershed Association web page for specifics at www.hockanumriverwa.org
4. A & B HOCKANUM RIVER TRAILS (A is North and B South of Dart Hill Road)
There are two types of trails: (1) a riverside hiking trail and (2) a wide, flat Stone Dust Trail. The trails
can be accessed from several parking sites and are intersected by a few alternate trails. The riverside
hiking trail is 2.3 miles long and blazed with orange markers. It begins at the Water Treatment Plant on
Windsorville Road (Rt. 74) and runs south 1.4 miles to Dart Hill Road. A 0.3 mile walk west along Dart
Hill Road connects to a continuation of the trail south of Dart Hill Road. In 0.15 miles you intersect with
the Stone Dust Trail. At that point the trail either loops back to the river or runs concurrently with the
Stone Dust Trail until you get to Hockanum Blvd where it splits off and ends at Naek Road. The walking
trail, a.k.a. the Stone Dust Trail, is 1.2 miles long. It begins at the Dart Hill South parking lot and is ideal
for easy walking in a natural environment while perpetuating a feeling of safety. This trail features three
historic markers with seating to view the river landscape and picnic. Parking is available at the Water
Treatment Plant (5 cars), Dart Hill North Park (ample), Dart Hill South Park (ample) and Naek Road cul-
de-sac (8 cars). On-Site trail maps are available at the Water Treatment Plant and Dart Hill South Park
parking lots.
4C. DART HILL PARK TRAILS (No separate map)
This park contains 1.1 miles of loop trails, as well as, playground and picnic facilities. The park is
entirely on Vernon town property and was dedicated on July 21, 1997. The funding was obtained by the
Hockanum River Linear Park Committee from the State via recreational funding and grants. The
construction of this trail was included in the contract and the maintenance is provided by the Vernon
Parks and Recreation Department and the Vernon Greenways Volunteers. This park is included in the
Master Plan. Parking and On-Site Trail maps are available at the Dart Hill South Park parking lot.
5. INDIAN TRAIL, NORTHERN CONNECTICUT LAND TRUST (NCLT)
There are 1.4 miles of blazed loop trails on two adjoining parcels of land that were deeded to the NCLT.
The trails are accessed at the corner of Bolton Rd and Indian Trail. Although the lower trail is wet in the
spring, the trail provides opportunities for viewing wildlife and birds. The trails are constructed and
maintained by NCLT volunteers. Two loop trails (Trail 8) are located around the Boulder Crest Soccer
Field and are partially on NCLT property, as is the Blue/red bike access trail on Valley Falls Road. See
Talcott Ravine (Trail 12) for the remaining NCLT trail.
6. VERNON CENTER MIDDLE SCHOOL TRAILS
This school trail on town property contains 1.9 miles of blazed trails. The trails are used by the students
going to and from school and by the public for hiking or cross-country skiing through woods, on hills
and around a pond. The pond trail facilitates clean-up along the shoreline and provides an opportunity
for the study of pond environments. The school track athletes also train on the trails. The construction
and maintenance are provided by the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department and the Vernon
Greenways Volunteers. Ample parking is available in the extreme northeast corner of the parking lot.
Page 5
7. BELDING TROUT MANAGEMENT TRAILS
This 282 acre Belding Trout Management Area was deeded to the Connecticut DEP by Maxwell Belding
in the 1980s. In 2002 the Belding family established a trust to manage the property. In accordance with
that trust the property is used for conservation educational programs and an untold number of local
children have benefited from its existence. The formal dedication was on August 24, 2005. The property
is managed as a 'catch and release' fishing area for trout and is located along the Tankerhoosen River.
There are 1.64 miles of blue blazed Shenipsit Trail in a beautiful mixed growth woods, along the river
and a scenic pond. An alternate trail, yellow blazed Belding Path, could be used by those who wish to
return to Valley Falls. There are also several miles of woods roads. Fishing, picnicking, hiking,
cross-country skiing and wild life observation are popular. The river and pond trails facilitate water
clean-up activities. These trails are managed by a DEP wildlife biologist and maintained by DEP
employees and volunteers from the Connecticut Forest and Park Association. Parking is available on
Bread and Milk Road (ample) and Reservoir Road (4 cars).
8. VALLEY FALLS PARK TRAILS
There are several miles of blazed trails in Valley Falls Park, as well as, picnic facilities, a pond, a
pavilion, bathroom facilities and a swimming beach. The park is located on town property. Portions of
the park contain ruins of textile mills and an early trout hatchery. A section of the park has been declared
a National Historic Site. The Vernon Parks and Recreation Department conducts programs including
swimming lessons, a nature camp and educational programs at this site. The park is heavily used for
swimming, picnicking, hiking, x-ctry skiing, fishing, wild flower and wildlife observation and scenic
vistas. The park is a favorite place for activities with mentally and physically challenged groups. The
park is located only 2.5 miles from a commuter parking lot at exit 67 on I-84. No bicycles are allowed in
this park because of past trail damage caused by heavy bike usage (rallies). Trail construction and
maintenance is done by the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department, Boy Scouts and volunteers (The
Friends of Valley Falls, Vernon Greenways Volunteers and Connecticut Forest and Park Association).
Parking is available in a large formal lot just off Valley Falls Road. On-Site trail maps are available near
the beginning of the Main Road Trail (red blazed) just before the pavilion. There are permanent
bathroom facilities available in the summer and portable facilities year-round. Admission is charged in
the summer.
9. BRAILLE TRAIL, VALLEY FALLS PARK
The Braille Trail was constructed on Valley Falls Park town property. The original trail loop
construction was by Boy Scouts of Vernon Troop 223 under the direction of an Eagle Scout. It was later
extended to connect with Valley Falls Park trails. A complete renovation was accomplished in 2009 and
2010 through a DEP grant awarded to The Friends of Valley Falls. To complement the renovation the
Vernon Greenways Volunteers obtained a grant from Pratt and Whitney, removed all invasive plants
from this 1 ½ acre site and planted 105 native plants in this natural setting. There is a guide rope to
follow to the 17 braille signs that contain both Braille and English explanations of historic and natural
interest. The trail is located on the National Historic Site described in the Valley Falls Park description.
The trail is maintained by the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department and the Vernon Greenways
Volunteers. Parking (ample) is at the Valley Falls parking lot.
10. SHENIPSIT TRAIL
The Vernon portion of the Shenipsit Trail contains 4.8 miles of blue blazed trails and is in the central
portion of this 44 mile trail. It is a very popular for hiking and x-ctry skiing since it encompasses
Rails-To-Trails, Valley Falls Park, vistas, ponds, rivers, wild flowers, wildlife and many tree species.
The trail is permitted on state, town and private property. This trail is part of the Connecticut Greenway
System. The trail construction and maintenance is done by volunteers from the Connecticut Forest and
Park Association (a non-profit organization which manages 800 miles of Connecticut trails).
Page 6
11. WALKER’S RESERVOIR TRAIL
This blazed trail is a short (0.8 mile) scenic loop around the shores of Walker East Reservoir. Ducks and
geese are commonly seen. The trail is located on town property. Fishing is popular. Curling, hockey
and skating are possible in winter. Across the street is a commuter parking lot at exit 67 for I-84. There
is access to the blue blazed Shenipsit Trail directly across the street from the Walker’s Reservoir parking
lot. Trail maintenance is done by Vernon Parks and Recreation and the Vernon Greenways Volunteers.
Parking (ample) is in a formal On-Site lot.
12. TALCOTT RAVINE, NORTHERN CT LAND TRUST
Talcott Ravine was a generous gift by the Talcott family to the NCLT. Dedication was on Valentine’s
Day 2011. Points of interest include glacial geologic features, the Tankerhoosen River, Dobsonville
Dam, mill ruins and flora including Umbrella Magnolia. A 1.83 mile loop trail. There is a historic
marker located at the cul-de-sac trailhead. Parking (ample) is at the Main Street cul-de-sac.
13. TULIP TREE TRAIL
The Tulip Tree trail is 1.3 miles in length and consists of two loops. It is blazed with blue/red blazes and
connects to the blue/yellow trail at the south end of Valley Falls Park. The east end of the trail ends close
to Bolton Rd but there is no parking provided. The trail is entirely on State property except for the
connection to the Valley Falls trails. The State defines the trail path and the uses of the trail. The
Conservation Commissions of Bolton and Vernon jointly maintain the trail.
SUMMARY:
The Vernon trail system contains nodes which are widely dispersed throughout the town, providing
convenient access for all of its citizens. Vernon’s central location with easy access from I-84 makes
these trails convenient for most of Connecticut’s citizenry, as well. Many of the trails are scenic with
rivers, ponds, mixed growth forests, wild flowers, wildlife and vistas. The enclosed maps with their
descriptions and mileage indications make all trails user friendly. For these reasons, these trails are
popular for hikes led by the CT chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club. They are, also, popular for
wellness walks sponsored by local health organizations and community walks sponsored by the Northern
Connecticut Land Trust and the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department.
Where the trails parallel the two town rivers (Hockanum and Tankerhoosen), clean-up efforts are
facilitated and citizen awareness increased, contributing to an improvement in water quality. They, also,
provide access for non-motorized use by kayaks, rafts and canoes, where authorized.
The Rails-To-Trails divides the town into four approximately equal quadrants and access is easy from
most of the major town roads. It abuts the high school property and is within minutes of several other
schools. It connects with the CT Greenway System and the National East Coast Greenway System.
Therefore, these trails provide for non-motorized use by hikers, bicyclists, walkers, joggers, x-ctry skiers
and equestrians.
The following private, non-profit citizen organizations coordinate with the Vernon Parks and Recreation
Department in the construction of new trails, the maintenance of existing trails and the proper usage of
the trails.
Appalachian Mountain Club, Connecticut Chapter
Connecticut Forest and Park Association
Friends of Hockanum River Linear Park
Friends of Valley Falls
Northern Connecticut Land Trust
Vernon Greenways Volunteers
Page 7
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Page 8
PARKING
Church St (W off Phoenix St) , Sacred Heart Church on
Hartford Tpke (Rt 30) & Rau St (N off Grand Ave) – All
On-Grade parking. Trail Maps and year round portable
bathroom facilities at Church St.
Tunnel Road – Uphill path to trail from road side parking
on the south side of the tunnel. Trail Maps.
Valley Falls Parking Lot (No bikes in park)
Hiking Access – Blue blazed Shenipsit Trail to the
south.
Bicycles Access– Red/blue Jeep Trail on Valley
Falls Road near Railroad Brook.
P
2. RAILS-TO-TRAILS: HOP RIVER LINEAR PARK
3. RAILS-TO-TRAILS: ROCKVILLE SPUR
RAILS-TO-TRAILS;
ROCKVILLE SPUR
Unblazed; 4.1 miles;
Direction of travel - S to N
Miles
0.0 Phoenix St.
0.30 Maple Ave.
0.45 Tankerhoosen River Bridge
0.65 I-84 Underpass
0.80 Rt. 30, Hartford Turnpike
2.00 Center Rd.
2.25 Regan Rd.
3.30 West St.
3.70 Rau St.
4.10 Vernon Ave.
HOP RIVER LINEAR PARK
Unblazed, 5.1 miles;
Direction of travel - clockwise
Miles
0.0 Manchester Town Line
0.1 Taylor St.
0.7 Elm Hill Rd.
1.4 Dobson Rd.
1.8 Phoenix St.
2.7 Tunnel Rd.
3.7 Valley Falls Loop Trail B/y
5.1 Vernon Town Line
(Pavilion on left is private
please do not trespass)
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ernate
tra
il t
o t
he
left
go
es
dir
ectl
y t
o t
he
Dar
t H
ill
No
rth p
arkin
g l
ot.
1.4
Arr
ive
at t
he
pic
nic
are
a b
y D
art
Hil
l R
oad
.
Acc
ess
the
par
kin
g a
rea
to y
our
left
. C
om
ple
te t
he
rem
aind
er o
f th
e V
erno
n H
ock
anu
m R
iver
Tra
il S
yst
em
by u
sin
g V
ern
on
Ho
cka
nu
m R
iver
Tra
il
(So
uth
of
Da
rt H
ill
Roa
d)
map
.
An
ora
ng
e co
nn
ecto
r tr
ail
to
Ell
ing
ton
sta
rts
at
the
Wa
ter
Tre
atm
ent
Pla
nt,
go
es R
to
Fra
nkl
in a
nd
L t
o a
pa
rkin
g
lot.
4
B V
ER
NO
N
H
OC
KA
NU
M R
IVE
R T
RA
IL
(S
ou
th o
f D
art
Hil
l R
oad
)
T
yp
e: H
ikin
g
Ora
ng
e M
ark
ers;
1.1
Mil
es
Mil
es D
escr
ipti
on
0.0
T
rail
sta
rts
at D
art
Hil
l N
ort
h P
ark a
nd
go
es W
on D
art
Hil
l R
oad
. C
ross
the
Ho
ckan
um
Riv
er.
Pas
s S
kin
ner
Ro
ad.
0.3
S
ho
rtly
aft
er S
kin
ner
Rd
turn
L,
cro
ss
Dar
t H
ill
Ro
ad,
ente
r D
art
Hil
l S
outh
Par
k
pro
per
ty.
Fo
llo
w b
laze
s th
rou
gh w
oo
ded
are
a,
smal
l fi
eld
and
wo
od
ed a
rea.
C
ross
wo
od
en
bri
dge,
sta
y R
0.4
5 J
ust
bef
ore
Sto
ne
Du
st T
rsil
turn
L a
nd
do
lo
op
1 b
ack t
o S
tone
Dust
Tra
il.
Turn
L.
When
lea
ve
wo
od
ed a
rea
take
firs
t tr
ail
to L
and
do
lo
op
s 2
,
3 a
nd
4 t
hat
all
ret
urn
to
Sto
ne
Dust
Tra
il.
0.9
T
urn
L a
t H
ock
anu
m B
lvd
. C
ross
bri
dge.
Cro
ss B
lvd
to
ree
nte
r w
oo
ds.
1.1
T
rail
end
s at
Nae
k R
oad
.
S
ton
e D
ust
Tra
il
Typ
e: W
alk
ing
U
nm
ark
ed;
1.2
Mil
es
Mil
es D
escr
ipti
on
0.0
F
rom
Dar
t H
ill
So
uth
par
kin
g l
ot,
cro
ss
bri
dge
and
turn
L o
n S
tone
Du
st T
rail
.
0.1
T
rail
turn
s R
then c
onti
nu
es s
trai
ght
tow
ard
o
pen
fie
ld (
Igno
re s
ever
al
sid
e tr
ails
co
min
g
fro
m t
he
righ
t).
0.2
5 L
eave
par
k b
ound
ary i
nto
fie
ld,
conti
nue
alo
ng e
dge
of
wo
od
s w
ith h
ousi
ng u
nit
s o
n
yo
ur
rig
ht.
0.6
5 C
ross
Ho
ckan
um
Blv
d.
Kee
p w
oo
ds
on l
eft.
1.2
Ju
st p
rio
r to
Bri
dge
is e
nd
of
trai
l.
Do
n’t
cro
ss.
(Bet
wee
n j
ust
pri
or
to 1
.0 m
iles
an
d j
ust
aft
er t
he
bri
dge
are
thre
e
over
loo
ks
wit
h p
laqu
es c
on
tain
ing h
isto
rica
l si
te i
nfo
. O
ne
has
a
ben
ch a
nd
tw
o h
ave
pic
nic
tab
les.
)
Page 11
5 INDIAN TRAILS, NCLT
INDIAN TRAIL LONGER LOOP White then Yellow markers; 0.96 miles. White trail is wet. Direction of travel: see below
Miles 0.00 Park on R side of Indian Trail Rd approx 50 ft
from Bolton Rd. Enter woods by stone with plaque onto white trail S along Bolton Rd
0.10 Turn L (E) on trail. 0.20 Note house and property on R. 0.22 Cross stone wall, turn L (N) on trail approx 100 ft,
then turn R (E) and go uphill with stream on L. 0.28 Stream turns to L, continue straight uphill to E
with smaller gully on L. 0.36 Near top with houses ahead, turn R on trail. 0.45 Cross a stream gully and continue S. 0.51 Turn R (W) and go downhill. Note: An alternate turn to the L (E) goes 300 ft. out to
Brandy Hill Rd on a right-of-way. There is no room to park on Rd.
0.64 Before a steeper downhill with house in sight in front of you, turn R (N)on trail.
0.72 Cross deep gully and rejoin white trail. Yel-low trail ends. Continue N on white trail with stone wall on L. (L across stone wall on white returns as you started).
0.75 Turn L (W) along stream bed. Note house and property on R.
0.81 Turn R, cross stream, go N on top of dirt bank. 0.92 Turn R (N). 0.96 Arrive back at Indian Trail Rd. approx l00 ft E of
start.
INDIAN TRAIL SHORT LOOP White markers; 0.4 miles; Direction of travel: counterclockwise. Trail is wet.
Miles 0.00 Park on R side of Indian Trail Rd approx 50
ft from Bolton Rd. Enter woods on white trail S along Bolton Rd.
0.10 Turn L (E) on trail. 0.20 Note house and property on R. 0.22 Cross stone wall, turn L (N) on
trail approx 100 ft, then turn L and follow stream W. Note house and property on R.
0.28 Turn R, cross stream, go N on top of dirt bank.
0.36 Turn R (N). 0.40 Arrive back at Indian Trail Rd approx
100 ft E of start.
ADDITIONAL NCLT TRAILS:
See 12. Talcott Ravine Trail Map.
See 8. Valley Falls Trail Map.
Two loop trails near Boulder Crest Soccer
Fields are partially on NCLT property.
See 8. Valley Falls Trail Map.
Blue/red Jeep Trail provides access to Rail
Trail from Valley Falls Rd. near Railroad
Brook.
p
B o lt o n R d
In d i a n T r l
H a tc h H i l l R d
V a l le y F a l ls R d
BR
AN
DY
HIL
L R
d
N
Y E L L OW
T R
W H IT E T R
2 0 0 0 2 0 0 F e e t
Page 12
6 VERNON CENTER MIDDLE SCHOOL TRAILS
Enter Vernon Center Middle School parking lot from either Hartford Turnpike (Route 30) or
West Street. Park in the extreme northeast corner of the parking lot. Start from the blue blazed
Hilltop Loop Trail.
CROSSCUT TRAIL
Red markers; this trail is 0.15 miles long, and provides a
shortened loop walk when used in conjunction with the blue
Hilltop Loop Trail.
HILLTOP LOOP TRAIL. Blue markers; 1.2 miles
Direction of travel is South to North
Note :Moderately steep from 0.45 to 0.7 Mi
Miles Description
0.00 Go North from the Northeast corner of the
school parking lot.
0.10 Cross wooden bridge and turn R (East) on
woods road.
0.20 Follow U shaped woods road until you reach
Ecker Pond. (Yellow marked trail goes R.)
(Blue trail that goes L is your return trail).
0.45 Turn L uphill on foot trail.
0.60 Continue uphill past red trail on L.
0.70 Turn L downhill. Continue down on woods
road past Red and Yellow trails.
0.95 Turn R (South) on woods road. (Ecker Pond
now on L).
1.10 Turn L (South) and cross bridge. Reenter park-
ing lot.
ECKER POND VIEW TRAIL Yellow markers; 0.5 miles; round trip distance
from parking lot is 0.9 miles. Direction of
travel is South to North.
Miles Description
0.00 Go North from the Northeast corner of the
school parking lot on the blue Hillside Loop
Trail.
0.10 Cross wooden bridge and turn R (East) on
woods road.
0.20 Follow U shaped woods road until you reach
Ecker Pond. Go R on yellow Ecker Pond
View Trail and North along shore.
0.30 Go L, crossing blue trail, on woods road
which soon turns L (South).
0.60 Turn L on woods road, joining the blue Hilltop
Loop Trail.
0.65 Turn R (South) on woods road and go South on
blue Hilltop Loop Trail to return to parking lot.
Page 13
7 BELDING WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA TRAILS
SHENIPSIT TRAIL, BELDING
TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA
Blue markers; 2.00 miles; Direction of
travel - South to North.
Miles Description
0.00 Leave Valley Falls parking area
and enter woods on N side of
Valley Falls Rd. Trail climbs to NE.
0.42 Pass thru stone wall, cross Bolton
Rd. Trail swings to E on other side.
0.50 Descend into rocky ravine, cross
small brook. Turn N along wall.
0.57 Pass S end of yellow Belding Path on R. Belding Path rejoins the Shenipsit via a
blue/yellow blazed connecting trail near
Reservoir Rd.
0.77 Cross woods road then turning W.
0.84 Descend and cross woods road.
0.86 Go L, follow shore of small pond.
0.94 Cross dam on bridge, turn R.
1.00 Join woods road and follow to N.
1.20 Leave woods road and turn E.
1.28 At Tankerhoosen River, go L.
1.64 Reach abandoned Snake Hill Rd. and
turn L. (Blue/Yellow Connecting Trail
crosses river on old bridge to R, inter-
sects yellow Belding Path in 0.1 mi,
then ends at small parking area on Res-
ervoir Rd.)
2.00 Cross Baker Rd, trail continues 1.4 mi
to I-84 Exit 67 commuter lot.
BELDING PATH
Yellow markers; 0.51 miles;
Direction: N to S.
Miles Description
0.00 Trail leaves blue/yellow Connecting
Trail and Snake Hill Rd. and goes S.
0.22 Turn L from woods road.
0.27 Cross bridge over small brook. Water
cascades over small dam to L. Join
woods road to L (S).
0.41 Leave woods road at bend, and go
straight ahead in open woods.
0.51 Jct. with blue Shenipsit Trail.
Turn L to return to Valley Falls.
Page 14
NO
BIC
YC
LE
S A
LL
OW
ED
ON
TR
AIL
S
W
ITH
IN V
AL
LE
Y F
AL
LS
PA
RK
T
her
e is
an a
dm
issi
on c
har
ge
in t
he
sum
mer
R
AIL
RO
AD
BR
OO
K T
RA
IL
Y
ello
w m
arker
s; m
inim
um
2 m
iles
for
co
mp
lete
lo
op
. T
ravel
: N
ort
h t
o S
outh
.
Mil
es
0.0
P
arkin
g l
ot.
F
ace
po
nd
; go
R t
o e
xit
ro
ad f
rom
lo
t; g
o t
hru
gat
ew
ay;
cro
ss p
ond
dam
. C
ross
2
b
rid
ges
over
sp
illw
ays.
N
ote
wat
erfa
lls.
0.1
C
lim
b s
tair
s.
Co
nti
nue
stra
igh
t (T
rail
at
R i
s
b
lue
Shenip
sit
Tra
il a
nd
go
es u
p t
o r
ail
bed
).
0.2
C
ross
bri
dge
over
Rai
lro
ad B
roo
k.
Imm
edia
tely
tra
il
turn
s R
and
fo
llo
ws
bro
ok s
ou
th.
(T
he
t
rail
L n
ear
bri
dge
is P
ond L
oo
p T
rail
- o
range
m
arker
s).
0.4
C
onti
nue
south
alo
ng b
roo
k.
Cro
ss 3
mo
re
b
rid
ges
over
sm
all
feed
er s
trea
ms.
0.5
C
ross
bri
dge
over
str
eam
. (U
nm
arked
tra
il t
o L
lea
ds
to M
ain R
oad
Tra
il).
0.8
C
ross
bri
dge
over
Rai
lro
ad B
roo
k,
conti
nue
so
uth
alo
ng b
roo
k.
1.0
Jc
t w
ith b
lue/
yel
low
(B
/Y)
mark
ed t
rail
.
O
pti
ons:
A
S
trai
ght
ahea
d o
n B
/Y t
rail
to
RR
Bro
ok
c
ross
ing (
0.2
mil
es),
then f
oll
ow
B/Y
to
red
M
ain R
oad
Tra
il (
0.5
mil
es)
. S
trai
ght
ahea
d
o
n M
ain R
oad
Tra
il to
par
kin
g l
ot
(1.4
m
iles)
. T
ota
l lo
op
2.4
mil
es.
B
R
on B
/Y t
rail
up
hil
l to
rai
l b
ed,
then
R a
gai
n
o
n b
lue
mar
ked
Shenip
sit
Tra
il t
o p
arkin
g l
ot.
T
ota
l lo
op
2.0
mil
es.
C
R
eturn
to
par
kin
g l
ot
on s
am
e tr
ail;
or
take
u
nm
arked
cuto
ff t
rail
R
to r
ed M
ain R
oad
T
rail
then
L;
or
at p
ond
tak
e o
range
Po
nd
L
oo
p T
rail
to R
. T
ota
l lo
op
2.0
mil
es.
BO
UL
DE
R C
RE
ST
SO
CC
ER
FIE
LD
TR
AIL
S (
Par
tial
ly
on N
CL
T p
rop
erty
)
Ther
e ar
e tw
o l
oo
p t
rail
s up
near
the
socc
er f
ield
. T
he
oute
r lo
op
(0
.9 m
iles
) is
mar
ked
ora
nge
and
cro
sses
the
Val
ley F
alls
Lo
op
Tra
il (
B/Y
) tw
ice.
The
inner
lo
op
tra
il
(0.4
mil
es)
is m
arked
yel
low
. S
ee m
ap.
MA
IN R
OA
D T
RA
IL
Red
mar
ker
s, m
inim
um
1.6
mil
es f
or
com
ple
te l
oo
p.
Dir
ecti
on o
f tr
avel:
N
ort
h t
o S
outh
.
Mil
es
0.0
P
arkin
g l
ot.
F
ace
po
nd
, go
L a
nd
pas
s w
ith
p
avil
ion o
n R
to
unp
aved
ro
ad i
nto
wo
od
ed a
rea.
0.2
C
ross
bri
dge
bet
wee
n d
e-f
ore
sted
fie
lds.
0.3
F
oll
ow
ro
ad i
nto
wo
od
s.
Blu
e/y
ello
w t
rail
at
L.
At
fork
in t
rail
, go
L (
Tra
il t
o R
rej
oin
s in
10
0 f
t).
0.5
C
ross
bri
dge,
co
nti
nue
on r
oad
pas
t si
de
trai
l at
R
whic
h g
oes
to
Rai
lro
ad B
roo
k.
0.5
+A
t fo
rk i
n t
rail
, go
L (
un
mar
ked
tra
il t
o R
go
es
to
Rai
lro
ad B
roo
k T
rail
).
0.6
C
ross
str
eam
0.8
Ju
nct
ion w
ith B
lue/
yel
low
tra
il.
L o
n B
/Y g
oes
up
hil
l
and
then b
ack t
o p
arkin
g l
ot.
S
trai
ght
ahea
d o
n B
/Y g
oes
to y
ello
w R
ailr
oad
Bro
ok T
rail
or
to R
ail
Tra
il t
hen
bac
k
to p
arkin
g l
ot.
This
is
the
end
of
the
red
tra
il,
to r
eturn
to
par
kin
g l
ot
on t
he
red
tra
il i
s 0
.8 m
iles.
VA
LL
EY
FA
LL
S L
OO
P T
RA
IL (
Lo
ok O
ut
Tra
il a
t 1
.1
M
iles
)
Blu
e/yel
low
mar
ker
s.
3.8
mil
e lo
op
. D
irec
tio
n o
f
trav
el:
ccw
.
Mil
es
0.0
E
xit
par
kin
g l
ot
to S
on b
lue
trai
l. P
ass
po
nd
on
L
, w
ater
fall
on R
, cr
oss
2 b
rid
ges
over
sp
illw
ays.
0.3
C
lim
b a
nd
des
cend
sta
irs,
turn
R u
p t
o r
ail
trai
l. G
o R
(N)
foll
ow
ing B
lue/
yel
low
mark
ers
on r
ail
trai
l.
0.5
T
urn
L o
ff r
ail
trai
l an
d c
lim
b t
o S
up
the
hil
l.
0.7
P
ass
socc
er f
ield
on R
. an
d e
nte
r B
ould
er R
idge
To
wn
Par
k.
Cro
ss j
ct w
ith o
ran
ge
Bo
uld
er C
rest
Ou
ter
Lo
op
Tra
il.
1.0
C
ross
bro
ok i
n v
alle
y.
1.1
C
ross
Jee
p T
rail
. J
ct w
ith
whit
e L
oo
ko
ut
Tra
il (
go
rig
ht
to v
iew
lo
oko
uts
in 0
.3 m
iles
– 0
.6 r
ound
tri
p.)
Go
L o
n
B/Y
do
wn t
o r
ail
trai
l.
1.2
T
urn
R (
S)
on r
ail
trai
l
1.9
T
urn
L o
ff
rail
bed
go
ing d
ow
n,
turn
R a
t b
ase
of
hil
l.
Yel
low
Rail
road
Bro
ok T
rail
go
es L
. (B
lue
Shenip
sit
Tra
il o
n r
ail
trai
l co
nti
nues
sou
th t
o B
olt
on N
otc
h).
VA
LL
EY
FA
LL
S L
OO
P T
RA
IL (
Co
nt)
2.2
T
urn
L a
nd
cro
ss b
roo
k o
n b
rid
ge.
T
his
is
the
south
-
ern-m
ost
po
int
on t
he
trai
l.
2.3
Jc
t w
ith t
rail
, tu
rn L
(N
ort
h)
(Tra
il t
o t
he
R
le
aves
the
par
k o
n p
rivat
e p
rop
erty
.).
Do
n't
tr
esp
ass!
2.6
T
urn
R o
ff j
eep
tra
il a
nd
sta
rt h
ill
clim
b.
(Jee
p
T
rail
co
nti
nues
No
rth t
o p
arkin
g l
ot
as r
ed M
ain
Ro
ad T
rail
)
3.1
P
ass
hil
l to
p o
n L
, fi
eld
on R
, an
d s
tart
do
wn a
lon
g
ravin
e.
3.5
T
urn
R (
N)
on r
ed M
ain R
oad
Tra
il i
nto
fie
ld.
3.8
V
alle
y F
alls
par
kin
g l
ot.
P
ON
D L
OO
P
TR
AIL
(N
ot
on m
ap)
O
range
mar
ker
s; 0
.6 m
ile
loo
p.
Tra
vel
: c
cw
.
Mil
es
0.0
P
arkin
g l
ot.
F
ace
po
nd
; go
R t
o e
xit
ro
ad f
rom
lo
t; g
o t
hru
gat
ew
ay;
cro
ss p
ond
dam
. C
ross
2
b
rid
ges
over
sp
illw
ays.
N
ote
wat
erfa
lls.
0.1
C
lim
b s
tair
s.
Co
nti
nue
stra
igh
t (T
rail
at
R
is b
lue
Shen
ipsi
t T
rail
and
go
es u
p t
o r
ail
trai
l).
0.2
C
ross
bri
dge
over
Rai
lro
ad B
roo
k.
Aft
er b
rid
ge,
Po
nd
Lo
op
Tra
il t
hen
turn
s L
. (R
ailr
oad
Bro
ok T
rail
conti
nues
alo
ng b
roo
k).
0.3
G
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Page 15
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Page 16
9. BRAILLE TRAIL, VALLEY FALLS PARK
BRAILLE TRAIL
Marked with guide rope; 1,100 ft.; Direction of travel: West from Railroad Brook Trail
(yellow markers) to counter clockwise loop section and east back to Railroad Brook Trail.
Station
0 Start from Valley Falls parking lot.
1 Welcome and explanation of trail.
2 History of Valley Falls Farm and Industry.
3 Dr. Charles Beach family and the swimming pool.
4 Pool filtering system and the pool.
5 Railroad Brook and its journey to Long Island Sound.
6 Ramp over gully and a sketch of Belding Wildlife Management Area.
7 The old mill foundations and the National Register of Historic Places.
8 Tree types in the areas and old guide rope damage.
9 Mill stone wall and the 18th and 19th century industrial era.
10 Directions to the mill center hole for the water wheel.
11 Mill site description and history.
12 The boarding house.
13 Lightning damaged tree.
14 Eleven foot diameter sugar maple and burls.
15 Railroad Brook and a feast for the senses.
16 A spring, Box Mountain property and the Rails-To-Trails.
17 Directions to return to the trail beginning.
V a l le y F a l ls P o n d
V a l le y F a l lsP a rk in g
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Page 17
N
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Page 18
1O SHENIPSIT TRAIL
BOLTON NOTCH TO VALLEY FALLS PARK
(Blazes: Blue - Direction of Travel. S to N)
This segment traverses the undeveloped Railroad Brook Valley between Bolton Notch and Valley Falls Park in
Vernon. It features rugged high ledges with views, ponds, streams, and mature hemlock and laurel growth. The trail
will parallel or be coincident with the Hop River State Park Trail.
Leave N side of Rt. 6/44A exit ramp off 1-384 (0.0) just to the E of commuter parking lot (ample parking). Fol-
low entrance road of the closed drive-in theater. Bolton Notch Pond on right. Turn R (0.2) and descend on dirt access
road to Freja Park (undeveloped). Cross brook and turn R on foot path into woods on W side of pond. Cross small
parking area (0.3) and pond access point and continue along W shore of pond. Turning more to the E , cross brook and
climb ledge with overlooks on N side of pond. Trail follows ridge to N (0.5) through overarching laurel, passes above
pond outlet and Railroad Brook. Descend to and cross old woods road. (Follow woods road to R, cross wooden bridge
to Hop River State Park Rail Trail, not marked or blazed). Continue N from woods road (0.6) and with short steep
climb reach top of ridge. On top turn R and then to L, through heavy laurel. Trail comes out to edge of high ledge
(0.8) with views to E and of Railroad Brook and the rail bed below. Skirt large upturned ledge (1.0) and descend
steeply to rail bed. Junction with Hop River Trail. Shenipsit Trail turns to the L and runs N on rail bed. (For loop walk
turn to the R on the rail bed, passing beneath the high ledges that were just crossed. In 0.4 m. turn R, cross wooden
bridge, rejoin Shenipsit.) Follow rail bed with private land on either side (1.3). Small brook down on the L. Pavilion
on the right is private (Please do not trespass). The S boundary of Valley Falls Park is passed on the R (1.6). Shortly,
join the blue/yellow blazed Valley Falls Loop Trail. (R descends from rail trail and makes a CCW loop around E side
of the park, rejoining the main trail @ 2.6, or go straight ahead to 2.6.) High ledges on the L and Railroad Brook is
now below on R. Trail passes base of steep cliff on the L (2.3). Turn R into Valley Falls Park (2.6) at junction with
blue/yellow blazed Valley Falls Loop Trail. Jct. with yellow blazed Valley Falls park Trail (2.7) on W shore of Valley
Falls Pond). Shenipsit Trail turns L with the pond on the R and ledges covered with moss and ferns on the L. Continue
to the N end of the pond and the parking area, 50 cars, on Valley Fails Rd. (2.9). Admission to park is charged in
summer. Park is popular for picnicking, hiking, swimming, nature study, ice skating and cross-country skiing.
SEE “7 BELDING MANAGEMENT AREA TRAILS”
for a description of this next section of the Shenipsit Trail that extends from Valley Falls Park to Baker Rd.
This segment, established in 1995, proceeds N from Valley Falls Park through the Belding Wildlife Management
Area. The WMA was donated to DEP by Maxwell Belding and he established a trust for maintenance. It is rich in
laurel and old-growth trees and features a cascade, pond, and a walk on the banks of the Tankerhoosen River. A loop
walk of 2.8 m. from Valley Falls Park is possible utilizing the yellow blazed Belding Path.
BELDING WMA TO I-84 EXIT 67
(Blazes: Blue - Direction of Travel. S to N)
This segment was completed in 2003. It connects from the Belding WMA, across Baker Rd. in Vernon, along the
south side of I-84, around scenic Walker Reservoir West to the commuter lot at Exit 67.
Main trail goes on dirt Snake Hill Rd. from jct. with blue/yellow connecting trail at iron bridge (0.0) L off woods rd. (0.3)
along small brook. Cross Baker Rd. (0.4) and slab R up small hill. Cross small brook (0.5). Proceed uphill with I-84 fence on
L (0.7). Height of land (0.8), view of Box Mtn. on R. Cross a wet highway drainage area (1.1), views of Walker Reservoir
West on R. L at jct. with Reservoir Rd. (1.5), views of Vernon recreational park, Walker Reservoir East straight ahead. The
park is popular for hiking, picnicking, bird watching, and ice skating. There is a yellow blazed trail which skirts the L side of
the reservoir. Parking for 25 cars at the park. Reach end of this section (1.8) at entrance drive for I-84 interchange #67 com-
muter parking lot with ample parking.
Page 19
11. WALKER’S RESERVOIR TRAIL
WALKER’S RESERVOIR TRAIL
Yellow markers; 0.8 miles; Direction of travel: counterclockwise.
(Easy access to blue blazed Shenipsit Trail, directly across the street from the parking lot.)
Miles
0.00 From Walker’s Reservoir parking lot on Reservoir Rd, go S along road with pond on L.
0.10 Turn L from road along pond shore with pond on L.
0.24 Cross dam at S end of pond and turn N with pond on L.
0.50 Reach N end of pond.
0.60 Reach Mile Hill Rd.
0.70 Go N (Mile Hill Road on R) then S (Reservoir Road on R). Reach N end of pond.
0.80 Arrive back at starting point in parking lot.
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Page 20
12. TALCOTT RAVINE TRAIL-NCLT
The Talcott Ravine loop trail starts at the parking area at the Main St cul-de-sac.
Walk east along Talcottville Pond and pass around the trail gate. Continue past the pond, along
the Tankerhoosen River and at 0.25 miles, cross a wooden bridge. At 0.43 miles, the trail turns
north and away from the river and there is a trail juncture. Continue on the trail straight ahead.
(The trail to the right follows the river to a large rock outcrop and a partial view of the dam.)
The trail turns east and gradually climbs to Dobson Rd at 0.56 miles. Turn right on the side-
walk, cross the dam and continue to the junction with the Rail Trail at 0.73 miles. Turn right on
the Rail Trail. (Left goes to parking at Church St in 0.25 mile.) Continue west on Rail Trail to
Elm Hill Rd at 1.44 miles. Turn right on Elm Hill Rd and follow to Main St at 1.64 miles. Turn
right on Main St and follow to the cul-de-sac at 1.83 miles.
This trail passes through a scenic and historic ravine that was donated to the Northern Connecti-
cut Land Trust by the Talcott family in 2011. Some of the points of interest include glacial geo-
logic features, the Tankerhoosen River, the Dobsonville dam, mill ruins, flora features includ-
ing Umbrella Magnolia.
Page 21
13. TULIP TREE TRAIL
The Tulip Tree Trail is 1.3 miles in length and consists of two loops. It is blazed with blue/red blazes and connects to the blue/yellow trail at the south end of Valley Falls Park. The east end of the trail ends close to Bolton Rd. but there is no parking provided. The trail is entirely on State property except for the connection to the Valley Falls trails. The State defines the trail path and the uses of the trail. The Con-servation Commissions of Bolton and Vernon jointly maintain the trail. The blue pond shown on the map near the east end of the trail is a “kettle hole” and has been identified as a vernal pool by the Vernon Conservation Commission. Parts of the west end of the trail are in wet-lands and there are tall Yellow Poplar trees. The trees are popularly called Tulip trees because they have tulip-shaped greenish-yellow flowers in April flowers in early spring