Pivot and Pause in New England

CT: Fairfield County- Redding: Redding Land Trust (Brinkhoffer Preserve) & Milestone (Food)

This afternoon “rocks” with stone paths over the river at this Redding preserve to Apres hike at Milestones in Georgetown. Achieve two milestones in one day!

The Beeholm Road entrance at Brinkhoffer preserve starts with a short boardwalk. The trail then leads to a meadow beyond which are the woods.

The white trail is the one I used which criss crosses the Brook at several points leading you over rocks in the water to get to the other side. These opportunities I found unique and fun about this trail.

The trail is varied with rock cliffs and high ledges as well as small water cascades and a swamp.

There were many opportunities to climb rock ledges overlooking the brooks and swamp as well as natural artwork on the trees offering your imagination to soar.

I saw this saber toothed tiger leaping at a gorilla who was majestically blocking the path protecting his young.

As an added bonus, the White Trail links into Devil’s Den, eventually joining the Den’s Donohue Trail. Please know that Devils Den is closed as of this writing. The trail map is below with the trail itself being very well marked.

Total of all trails is 3 miles and can be done as a loop. Off road parking at the end of beeholm road. Watch for the sign as pictured above as otherwise easily passed.

Fortunately there was a great restaurant nearby with outdoor fire pits to tell the tale.

“Apres-hike” a lovely atmosphere and food was found at Milestone. Only open for two years all the food is made fresh on premises and I found the chicken wings and Autumn Farro salad delicious. They also have a lovely heated outdoor deck as well as a patio with fire pits. They are located at 2 Main Street in Redding.

Follow the blog to benefit from the research and find other milestones!

CT: New Haven County-Cheshire-Lock 12 Historical Park

Last lock of 28! Lucky lock 12 on The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail!

It took Irish immigrants 10 years to hand dig the 80 mile Farmington canal with picks, shovels and wheelbarrows. The boats were pulled by horses along a path beside the canal.

Changes in elevation within the canal necessitated areas where the boats can be lifted or lowered by using water tight chambers to remove or add water to adjust the height. While not considered a long term success it did foster commerce and travel between the towns.

There were 28 locks along the canal and lock 12 is the only one that remains! The original gatekeepers house and a museum adds to taking you back into a picturesque time in history.

The canal route was later replaced by a railroad and that was overcome by trucking. Lock 12 is along the Farmington Canal trail and this is part of a component of the East Coast Greenway. Great place to pause as you hike or walk the trail. There is also parking nearby.

487 N. Brooksvale Rd., Cheshire, CT.

Join me down the Farmington Canal trail.

CT: Middlesex County- East Haddam- Devil’s Hopyard

Dibble or fiddle? Cross over the newly built covered bridge following a loop trail to the falls to consider the foreboding encounters of the Devils Hopyard.

There was a malthouse and related hops garden on this property hence the “Hopyard” reference but history is unclear on the reference to the Devil. It’s either related it to a tenant farmer of the Hops garden named Dibble or to the devil himself who may have been seen on top of the falls playing the fiddle while burning holes into the stone of the falls.

Chapman Falls is a main attraction at this state park which had powered “Bebbe’s” Mill until the 1890s. It is located close to the parking lot so is an easy and quick hike to get to the prize – is that the work of the Devil? An easy lure?

At 60 feet high flowing down granite rock ledges, the formation and flow apparently lends itself to the devil’s playground. Alternatively its a great place for a photo op and a beer 😉

Several writings speak of devilish occurrences on these grounds with many hearing whispers discouraging folks from staying.

With the “Witches of Haddam” stirring creatures into the bubbling stone cauldrons the Devil created.

The approaching tunnel drips with ooze daring me to reach his falls.

Mmm Dibble or Fiddle? I remain uncertain on this visit. I’ll have to return and see Devils oven and the many other trails to further assess. Refer to trail map below and hop onto my blog to see what I may find at the other devilish parts of the hopyard.

Refer to related posts in the area for a day trip. As of this writing they include Gillette Castle, Cooking Company for a picnic, Two Wrasslin Cats for lunch, Yankee Cider for drinks and donuts and Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree Farm (seasonally).

CT: Fairfield County- Stamford/Greenwich- Mianus River State Park (Stamford Side)

If you walk into the forest expecting a fairytale, it unfolds. “He who gathers together” is the meaning of Myano, the chief for whom Mianus River Park was named. Seems appropriate as it is shared by both Stamford and Greenwich.

The gift for me today was seeing the beautiful reflections and the water cascading through the “wishbone” log longing me to return to pull and make a wish or two.

Fun to see was the teepee which included indoor seating and kindness rocks lining the entry built from a fallen tree. Clearly there are elves here busy at work.

The property was purchased from the Goodbody family who, it is said, used the red barn at the Stamford entrance as their stables and the River Road trail was their bridal path.

Parking on the Stamford side can be found at Merribrook Lane. If full you can park at Fort Stamford about a 1/2 mile away.

Personally I enjoy the path along the water. Keep in mind that the path on the parking lot side is out and back without an ability to cross the river with signs of private property. Better to cross the bridge and follow the river path to allow more hiking opportunities.

As this 20 mile river is a source of drinking water supply, the conservation and balance with recreational activities must be monitored. The trails range from .5 to 4.5 miles. Refer to trail map below.

Follow the blog to see what gifts I can find on the Greenwich side!

CT: Middlesex County- East Haddam- Two Wrasslin’ Cats (Food & Coffee)

A visit to Gillette Castle, where William Gillette had 17 cats, would be appropriately coupled with the Two Wrasslin’ Cats cafe.

A casual eatery and coffee house off the side of the main road in East Haddam offers a “clowder” of sandwich offerings, each feline themed, in a circa 1784 house.

Mark the owner retired from Pfizer, went through training and converted an old house into a fun loving food and coffee stop complete with outdoor seating with a garden gazebo, a cat fountain and a pond. While I had passed by several times intrigued, I can officially say after eating the fresh “Garden Cat” wrap that this place is the cat’s meow!

374 Town Street
East Haddam, CT 06423

I look forward to returning in the spring! (#ROLA)

By the way, William Gillette liked cats so much he even has a couple prominently displayed on his “Grand Central Station!” Much more info in blog below.

https://btographytravels.com/2020/10/24/ct-middlesex-county-haddam-gillette-castle/

While I often bring a picnic, I enjoy unique places to eat that make me feel that it was worth the additional time and cost to stop. I hope to share those to save people the time.

CT: New Haven County-Meriden-Quinnipiac River Gorge Trail

A weeping gorge with the steepest slope along the Quinnipiac river. This 1.3 paved flat trail at one point drops from 200 feet to 100 feet.

Circus 1890s there was a railroad and now there is this beautiful trail that is right beside the river. The river once powered a civil war button factory.

Although a short walk, it’s worthy of a stop for the 1881 red bridge, interesting views of Boy Scout island and interesting water droplets from the gorge which overlooks the river.

I enjoyed playing with the light that made it appear to me that the shadows of the brief railroad still loomed beneath.

The 1.3-mile Quinnipiac River Gorge Trail begins at the historic 1881 landmark the “Red Bridge” near Hanover Pond and travels north to the Cheshire/Meriden border. There are interesting informational kiosks which provide histories for the Red Bridge, Oregon Dam, Toboggan Bridge, Boy Scout Island, and the Meriden-Cromwell Connecticut River railroad bed.

I found this article succinct but interesting and comprehensive about the history.

https://www.courant.com/community/hc-6waytogo0727.artjul27-story.html

Take I-691 to Exit 4. Turn on West Main St. and travel east to Centennial Avenue, which eventually turns into Oregon Road. The entrance to the park is at the junction of Oregon and River roads. Parking is available at Dossin Beach.

Where can we go next? Bike with me. . . . follow the blog and tell me if you went to any of them!

CT: Middlesex County-East Haddam- Yankee Cider Company

Perfect pairing for the holidays!

Loved the ambience of the Yankee Cider Mill. Coupling it with a tour around East Haddam makes for a delightful day.

They offer flights of hard cider and sweet wines as well as freshly made cider donuts or s’mores over the open fire outside.

Yankee Cider Company, 23 Petticoat Lane, East Haddam

I sincerely enjoy finding jaunts to help encourage people to have some fun even for a little while. You deserve it.

CT: Middlesex County- East Hampton- Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Farm

What’s better than a Charlie Brown Christmas? An even better Christmas tree!

This family farm was absolutely adorable. A beautiful setting into the woods to cut down your own tree and they were lovely.

There is also a log cabin with a smoking chimney where you can mail your letters to Santa (#ROLA), get decorated wreaths and ornaments.

They provide a saw for you to take down your tree and then will wrap it up and place on your car. They also have hot chocolate and a food truck on weekends.

167 Wopowog Road
East Hampton, CT 06424

Phone : 860-267-8880

Open : Thanksgiving til December 25

Hours : Monday – 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday – Closed
Friday – 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Couple this with one of many opportunities in the area, such as Yankee Cider Company (blog below) or Gillette Castle (see below link). Even as I traveled the area I found many opportunities to pull over and find unique surprises that my prior self would not have been focused enough to see. Take the time to see!

https://btographytravels.com/2020/11/29/ct-middlesex-county-east-haddam-yankee-cider-company/

https://btographytravels.com/2020/10/24/ct-middlesex-county-haddam-gillette-castle/

Benefit from the research and the finds by following the blog. Feel free to share your experience!

CT: New London County- Colchester- Red Rose Desserts & More

Follow the trail to the Red Rose!

A 1/4 mile down from Sunshine cycles off the Airline Trail spur in Colchester is a perfect stop for a bite as recommended by the bike shop owner himself.

After experiencing a flat as I rode today, I was fortunate enough to learn of the bike shop which in turn led me to the Red Rose for lunch.

I enjoyed the “Dirty Bird” panini with grilled chicken with roasted red peppers, mozzarella and pesto. It was delicious. It appears the other draw here are the desserts that while I didn’t try them looked wonderful!

No tables inside but some outside when the weather permits. Otherwise it appears ordering desserts to go is a popular option.

This is located right off the edge of the Colchester spur of the airline trail. Below is a blog of a portion of the trail to which this indirectly connects.

https://btographytravels.com/2020/11/13/ct-tolland-new-london-airline-trail-hebron-colchester/

Join me to find out about other parts of the airline trail with more opportunities to be present.

CT: New Haven County- Cheshire- Roaring Brook Park

Highest single waterfall drop in Connecticut with a roar! Great place to go after a rain to hear the roaring cascading Brook.

Roaring Brook Falls is the second tallest waterfall in Connecticut at 80ft and tallest single drop (10 feet higher than Kent Falls). It is about a mile to the first view of the falls which is quite high with the imposing ravine below- the picture does not do the height and drop justice. This is not an area to bring small children but quite impressive for the adventurous and sure-footed. Although the beginning part of the trail would be fine for them.

The main trailhead is off the end of Roaring Brook Rd with only two official parking spots but many parked along side the road.

A fun point of interest are the remains of a giant chimney while I read there was once a mill on this property, the origin of the chimney was not clear. But it’s still used by visitors!

The initial part of the hike is deceivingly easy but that quickly changes to a moderate-difficult hike to the top of the falls. There is a steep grade which I thought perhaps was the effort I read about.

Stick season appears to be a great time to view these falls which are high and deep into the gorge as the view may otherwise be blocked by the leaves.

Let me share that while I recommend stick season for the view, the hike does become steep and is angled towards the ravine with slippery leaves underfoot. However, once you accomplish the steep rocks, things level off and another view of a small waterfall appears with a lovely area to relax. I recommend this hike with a friend – not solo.

The trail does at this point connect to the Quinnipiac trail. Although on this day I stopped at this point.

Although there was apparently a mill here in the 1700s, since the 1800s it appears this was consistently a draw for people to enjoy nature and the roaring cascading falls into the deep ravine. The land was ultimately purchased by the town through the diligent efforts of Thomas Pool who is acknowledged near the start of the trail.

So much more trail to uncover! Feel free to follow my hobby photography opportunities to be present with fun facts of Lock 12 in Cheshire where I went next!