Posted By auntie on May 14, 2018

2.7 miles; Killingworth, CT

This looked to be a simple 4.3 mile trail and an easy way to get another Blue-Blazed CFPA Trail completed. I figured I’d even do it as an “out-and-back” and get a nice 8+ hike out of it. I was unbelievably naive about the nature of this trail! It was SUPER rugged, with lots of climbing up and down one rocky, boulder-strewn ridge after another. I managed only a few miles TOTAL and I bailed very quickly by taking a direct, and level, shortcut back to the trailhead. I will save the completion of this one for another day.

Pretty Beginning

It started out tamely enough, the entrance to the trail was right across the road from the entrance to Chatfield Hollow State Park (someplace I’d like to come back to and explore). Across the road was another, somewhat mysterious state property called Forster Pond State Park. From the Connecticut Forest and Park Associations newsletter dated Spring 2014:

Forster Pond State Park is named for architect Frank Forster and his wife, Mary, who bought 92 rugged acres in the 1920s. The park now totals 148 acres in Killingworth directly across Route 80 from the popular Chatfield Hollow State Park. Forster Pond State Park’s driveway has no sign, and the state of Connecticut, which has owned the land since 1963, does not encourage people to visit it.

Huh. ‘Tis a mystery. There are quite a few buildings designed by Mr. Forster on the property slowly falling into disrepair and no effort is being made to save them.

Anyway, the Chatfield Trail traverses this property. And when they describe it as “rugged acres,” they aren’t kidding!

One Boulder-Strewn Ridge Top

There were some really breathtaking views, and when I say “breathtaking” what I mean is that I was gasping for breath by the time I climbed to the top.

Overhang

There was one place where it looked like a perfect camping spot with a large overhang and a nice boulder in front to shelter behind.

Imposing Heights

Here’s a view of the spot from the other side. Nice and protected.

Blue Turkey Tail

It was just after that cool camping spot that I intersected what looked like a “road” back to the trailhead, and took that opportunity to bail on this really strenuous hike. I really do want to come back some time and finish. I never made it to the “Fat Man’s Squeeze” after all. Really need to do that.

One of the Abandoned Buildings

On the way back to my car I checked out some of the buildings on the property. I did obey the signs which warned visitors away from entering them.

My Progress

Seriously, this is a lot of strenuous effort and paradoxically a wicked fun trail and I am really quite anxious to get back and see how much worse it can be.

Track (click for details)

See more about this trail at the CFPA website. You can read more about the vast (825 miles at last count) network of blue-blazed trails throughout Connecticut at the website of the Connecticut Forest and Park Association. Be sure to check out the interactive map. As always, click on the image, above, for details about this hike and to download the GPS track.

Categories: CFPA Trails, Connecticut, Walks and Hikes
Tags: 2–5 miles, CT, Killingworth CT