Starting at the trailhead on Gadpouch Rd in Cobalt and ending at 107-157 Dickinson Rd, South Glastonbury, CT ~ 9.45 miles and 4hrs 38 mins.

We had been saving the start of the Shenipsit for wintertime as I didn’t want to go up Great Hill while rattlesnakes were active, and I had read that parts of the trail could be very muddy, with our schedules being so busy we weren’t able to start until the last official day of winter 2023 — but we made it!

I grew up with this in my backyard, so I have hiked this hill and several miles of the Shenipsit countless times, but never with the intent of completing the trail. This time I looked at the trail with fresh eyes, and I am glad that I did. It is a really pretty trail with amazing rocks!

This section of trail is an easy hike. It is relatively flat for most of the hike with maybe three notable climbs. The first one is right in the beginning, but it is followed by a lot of ridge walk so there is a break before the next hill. The trail is a mix of forest floor and rock with many small streams and wetlands.

Notables along the way:

• The look out point over Great Hill Pond & the CT River (head left on the Blue/White spur trail as soon as you reach the top of the first hill (it is short and worth it)
• The second look out (first that is on the blue trail) top of hill and quickly on the right
• All the glittery rocks- so much quartz, feldspar, beryl, mica, black biotite and more!
• Old mines
• The weird plastic bag looking algae???
• Wonky hearts
• Waterfalls
• All the mud

Adventurers included: Bryan, Dana, Jes & Dogo

Done again with Mike 04/16/23 ~9 miles 3hrs 46 mins (no lookout)