Starting at 2295 Downs Rd, Hamden and ending at 20 Boardman Dr, Prospect, CT ~ 8.8 miles and 3 hrs and 55 mins.

This section of the trail is much less technical than the first part. It does have quite a few inclines, but nothing like coming down Sleeping Giant. Overall it is a very pretty trail and had some great features including a look out point, a waterfall, a pine forest, and great rocks! It does start out with a good amount of road walk — fortunately it is through a neighborhood and not a busy street.

Before heading into the woods, we walked through a meadowy entrance. It had very pretty wild flowers including daisies and a new one for us: whorled yellow loosestrife. (What a name — sounds like an old-English insult to me!)

Once in the woods, the trail quickly turned to a mix of rocks and dirt. The trail leads through a section of the local YMCA camp where we were warned by a sign to “be alert” as archery may have been in progress. This sign led to a few chuckles and more questions, like what happens if we aren’t alert? How easily does one spot an arrow flying through the woods at you? Do the arrows have suction cups on them or legit tips?

The trail crosses a busy road but it does offer a path to walk behind the guardrail until it is time to cross. I can’t be certain but I believe this may have been where Bryan cursed Mike’s and my giraffe legs for our ease of stepping over obstacles. After a good portion in the woods there is one more road to cross and the rest of the trail is in the woods until it ends.

We did get to see a beautiful doe on this hike. She took a minute before deciding to jump away. Even though deer are common in CT, it is always magical to see them in the woods, (and not by the roadside). They are such striking creatures.

Adventurers included: Jes, Mike, Dana, Bryan & Dogo