Parking at 773–999 Great Quarter Rd, Sandy Hook, CT ~ 7.14 miles & 3hr 36 mins
The Zoar Trail is a beautiful loop trail next to the Housatonic River and Lake Zoar. Taking advice from online reviews, we hiked the loop going counter clockwise. As I am writing this, I am not sure that was the right decision, as the CFPA website says to take it clockwise for an easier hike.
The trail itself is a mix of forest floor, roots and rocks. Overall it isn’t a challenging hike, but there are a few hills that will make you very aware if you haven’t been hiking hills lately. The side trail to the Prydden Falls is the steepest part, but completely doable and worth it!
Being a hot August day, we kept sweating off our bug spray (essential oils not DEET). The bugs knew and were waiting to bite any time we stopped moving. Since the area is so buggy, it may be a better hike for a cooler season.
Notables from the trail:
- the green glow from the hemlocks
- boulders
- variety of mushrooms, including many purple mushrooms
- water features: lake, river, waterfalls, streams
- my first signs of autumn
It is a very pretty hike and I would definitely do it again if in the area.
Adventurers included: Jes, Bryan, Dana & Dogo