Appalachian Trail/St. John's Ledges

Hike Name: Appalachian Trail/St. John's Ledges Location: northwest CT Length: 18 Submitted by: Debbie Melita Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more Connecticut trail reviews Connecticut national parks Connecticut state parks
For more trail descriptions and topo maps, try a Free Trial Offer from Trails.com

Description
This hike is a great 2 day backpack. There is one challenging climb on each day but the views are worth it. Start where the AT crosses West Cornwall Rd. and walk south. The trail passes over streams and moderate hills, with possible side trips up Pine Knob and Breadloaf Mt. if you turn onto the blue-blazed trails. There is a long, steady climb up Silver Hill at about the 6 mile mark. The top of the peak is a nice spot for lunch. The trail descends from here past Silver Hill Campsite and begins a "river walk" alongside the Housatonic River. The terrain is flat and the scenery lovely. There are good spots to camp at Stony Brook campsite (9 miles) and Stewart Hollow Brook Lean-to and campsite (9.3 miles). There is a good brook for water just south of the lean-to. Day 2 begins with more of the river walk south on a woods road. After about 2 miles the trail turns back into the woods and you begin the climb to St. John's Ledges. This can be steep and rocky in some places, so step and place hands carefully. There is a small view near the top but the big payoff is just further up the trail, where a sign indicates you are at St. John's Ledges. This is a spectacular view of the Housatonic River valley and a nice place to stop for a snack. Continue south on the trail to Caleb's Peak, which also offers great panoramic views to the south. Follow the trail over rolling hills and streams for about another 4 miles and end near Kent, CT. where the Trail crosses route 341.

Directions to Hike
Take 1-84 to Danbury, CT and take exit 7 north to Kent, CT. Turn left on route 341 to where the AT crosses the road and place one car here. Drive north along route 7 to West Cornwall Rd (keep your eyes open, the road sign is hard to read), which is located just south of the town of West Cornwall. Turn left and follow the road a few miles to where the Trail crosses the road. Park here on the shoulder of the road.

Contact Information
Appalachian Mountain Club Connecticut Chapter http://www.ct-amc.org/
or trails@ct-amc.org.
or send email to me.

submit a new trail review

---

About Our Reviews

Many people ask us to recommend a place to go hiking. Instead of us deciding what places are best, we let the backpacking community help out. The reviews on budget-travels-tips.com have been submitted by our viewers. Some reviews are positive and some are negative. If you don't agree with a review, feel free to submit your own trail review.