Short hikes with big rewards are a favorite in the winter. The 1.4 mile loop to see Bear Rock is just that!
The first section of the hike takes you through groves of Mountain Laurels. Mountain Laurel is the state flower of Connecticut. I hope to return to the grove in the spring. This trail must burst with color then!
There were some large boulders with moss and icicles which allured me. I was trying to take a picture of the drips as they fell off the icicles.
Many of the paths crossed brooks that were narrowed by the snow and ice. I sat on the edge of the water in my snow pants to capture a picture from below the ice up to the shadowy path. It was fun trying to ensure that you didn’t step on snow and ice that would otherwise fall straight into the Brook!
Then it was time to go up! The climb to the top was short but it was indeed a rock scramble. With the snow and the ice I definitely needed my micro spikes. They really came in handy this year!
Per a website” connected to Miller’s Pond State Park the trail continues past the Bear Rock lookout offering countless more miles of hiking trails if you prefer. “ As for me, I went via the bypass back to the street.
This was a short moderate hike at times in the ice and snow with several rewards with the mount laurel grove, thawing icicles, the overlook and the challenge of ensuring you didn’t fall into the meandering brook!
The trail also features unique rock formations, mixed forest and a pond. A handful of off street parking spots are located on a side, back residential road.”
Part of the Cockaponset State Forest the trail map is below.
Pivot and Pause in New England 