Watch our trail video and then read about our trip below
My hometown of Guilford, CT, is filled with beautiful day hikes, historical homes and a picturesque shoreline. Often described as the “Crown Jewel” of the Guilford land trust, Bluff Head is one of the highest points along the entire CT shoreline. It has incredible views from the trap rock bluff of the surrounding forest- and even Long Island on a clear day!
How to Get to Bluff Head
Park your car at the lot along Rt 77, the two main trail heads can’t be missed as they are steps from the lot. The main trail immediately ascends a near 45 degree hill and quickly rises to over 700 feet of elevation. The southern path will take you to the graveyard and up a much gentler trail. Both lead to the main Bluff so you won’t get lost!
The Hiking Experience
We enjoyed this short, but moderately, difficult hike. While the entire preserve is roughly 700 acres, most people choose to return after the main vista point. If you turn around, this makes it a quick 45 minute out and back trek perfect for a casual day hike. The view is definitely worth the effort, from the sea of gorgeous greenery to the Myer Huber Pond. Looking further, you will be able to see Long Island in the distance. While the trap rocks weren't the most comfortable, sitting along the cliff side was worth it.
About Bluff Head
Bluff head is a remnant of molten rock, the fault of which runs under Rt 77. Allegedly, this fault was once visible before the construction of the road. While we are in a geologically inactive area, I did feel several little tremors when growing up as my house was located only a few miles away. They could best be described as the vibration you feel when a truck passes by a house 1,000 feet away. This Ancient geological activity is what lead to the incredible, almost martian, look of the trap rock bluff.
The view from the main vista was absolutely worth the rather difficult incline. Beautiful!