As noted in Wiki, Haystack Mountain is a 1,716-foot-high mountain topped with an observation tower that is the chief features of Haystack Mountain State Park, a public recreation area in the town of Norfolk, Connecticut
Soon after you enter the grounds, there is a small picturesque lake with a picnic table on either side. It’s worth a pause for a photo op before you continue the drive (or hike) up otherwise easily overlooked.
You can drive only a 1/2 mile from the tower if choose. It is a short walk to the vista but you should be sure footed to navigate the rocks and associated climb. You can easily accomplish however two legged (meaning it’s not a rock scramble where you need your arms as well).
A climb to the top introduces you to 360 views of the valley and mountains beyond. A great hike to take in the Fall.
I would recommend coupling this day with a bite at Woodcreek Bar & Grill in Norfolk and a drive over to Campbell Falls (see related blogs).
Below is a link which provides further insight to the park as well as noting that the tower was added to the National Historic Landmark registry in 1993. For your convenience I also added a trail map.
This day in CT State Parks History
On November 23, 1929, the State Park Commission completed construction of the memorial stone tower atop Haystack Mountain State Park in Norfolk. The tower, a memorial paid for by Mrs. Stoeckel to her father and husband, is a stone structure 50 feet in height and offers an observation platform from which one of the best views in the state may be obtained.
Haystack Mountain
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