I got the opportunity for a quick hike this afternoon and hiked the Henry Buck trail in American Legion State Forest. This is a 2 mile loop trail that climbs up from the Farmington River and follows a trail that the CCC built in 1935. From the river road its a fairly steep climb straight up to the top of the ridge. The trail then cuts across the ridge with some view points along the way that look out over the valley. Along the ridge the CCC workers built many stone stairs along the trail and some stone walls and walkways that are very impressive. At about the mid point of the trail there is a plaque set in the rock face above the trail. The plaque dedicates the trail in the name of Henry Buck.
As the trail descends back toward the river there are some interesting rock formations and drop offs. The trail then seems to follow an old stream bed until you level out back at the road level. The trail travels mostly through hardwood forest and is speckled with large boulders along the top. It is a nice quick hike for an afternoon with nice views of the valley. At this time the leaves are just starting to turn. Peak fall color will probably be in another week or two and that should make the views even better.
