Details
Trail Length: 12.6 miles
Towns: Griswold, Voluntown
Allowed Uses: Hiking
Partners: Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (CT DEEP), Norwich Free Academy Outdoor Club
Trail Overview
The Nehantic Trail stretches between Green Fall Pond Recreation Area in Voluntown and Hopeville Pond State Park in Griswold. The trail is primarily in the 30,000-acre Pachaug State Forest and travels through white pine and hardwood forests and passes open fields. At the summit of Mount Misery (441 feet) expect to see a spectacular, sweeping vista of the forested landscapes encompassing the towns of Voluntown and Sterling. Sections of the trail are characterized by gentle hills and exposed ledges. The trail passes several abandoned mill sites situated near brooks that once powered mills. The Nehantic can be linked with the adjoining Narragansett, Quinebaug, and Pachaug trails, as well as other side trails and woods roads, for longer hiking adventures.
Longer backpacking trips can be achieved by linking the Quinebaug, Pachaug, Nehantic, and Narragansett Trails. Four overnight shelters in the State Forest can be used by backpackers on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more info on the backcountry shelters and to reserve a space, click here. The trail also has access to a youth camping area near Headquarters Road. For info on camping and Hopeville Pond State Park parking and access, click here. For info on the Green Fall Pond Recreation Area and the Pachaug State Forest, click here.