A quick set of weekend fall hikes in Connecticut at Penwood and Horse Guard state parks!
When we returned from Acadia the fall foliage came with us. We had only two weekends of peak foliage before we settled in for the winter and my knee was still killing me. We took a few easy hikes in Connecticut to end the season, starting with Penwood.
We had passed Penwood a few times on our way to other hikes but this was our first visit. A quick bit of research shows that the park was donated to the state and the main trail was a drivable single lane road that was now crumbling. We used this road to return but wanted a more exciting trip to the lake at the center of the map, so we headed up the Blue trail and over 2 small mountains.
The leaves were spectacular and the weather was cool but not cold. I don't think you could ask for a better fall day to go hiking in Connecticut!
A curious find on our hike that we almost passed. Just to the side of the trail is a sort-of rock "village" Comprised of many Cairns and structures. I've seen many large gatherings of cairns before but never with so much... purposeful design. It was a cute distraction from the discomfort in my knee!
The hike was quite easy by any standard and we soon arrived at the lake. A small boardwalk with a viewing platform welcomed us for a quick reprieve. There was just enough wind to prevent me from getting a perfectly still mirror lake photo. Some day! Heading back south we went looking for the vista point next!
And what a view! This is another ridge view into the Farmington valley, and none are disappointing! Someone was even kind enough to leave a picnic table right there for us. From here we could even see the Heublein tower. We decided to visit that since we couldn't go inside the first visit... watch the video to see what happened!
A local Turkey vulture joined us for a while at Penwood State Park
The next day we decided to visit Horse Guard State park. This is an interesting park to me as it views the Farmington valley from the opposite side of Penwood and Talcott Mountain. The trail was muddy and flooded, and at one point hard to follow but you'll know you're on the right track when you first encounter a rusted car body on the side of the trail.
This was a short and easy trail over all. The first section would be a nice stroll through the woods if not for all the mud when we visited! But at the end there is a super duper steep climb to the top of the ridge. Don't worry though, it takes only a minute to reach the top. One of the easiest climbs I've ever done for such a great view!
Looking out from the eastern side of the ridge you can even make out the Heublein tower on top of Mt talcott.... needless to say, if you've watched the video you'll know I've failed to get into this tower multiple times now. It's a big goal for this coming year! But If you're in the area Horse Guard is an amazingly quick park to visit!
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