Today was another section hike on the Mohawk Trail in Cornwall, CT. My plan was to park in Cornwall Bridge and hike north to the Cathedral Pines. I wasn’t quite sure what the mileage was but I planned to make this an out and back hike, retracing my steps back once I had finished. The trail climbs the steep Dark Entry Road for about .5 miles before entering the woods. Today was chilly with snow showers and periodic glimpses of the sun. Once entering the woods the trail follows an old woods road until the trail crosses a stream to avoid private land. It becomes rocky and rugged as you climb along. There are a few waterfalls along this section and many stonewalls and a stone dam.
The trees are predominantly evergreen Hemlocks and Pines. Once the trail levels out it crosses into a mature hardwood forest with Oaks and Birch. It is a fun trail the meanders through and climbs steadily eventually leading to a nice lookout. I stopped and ate a snack and drank some water and enjoyed the view. Continuing on the trail walks along the ridge, scattered views lookout over the valleys on both sides.
It is a fun trail that allows you to set a good pace and cruise along. Eventually the trail makes a steep descent down Coltsfoot Mountain. There are some switchbacks and it is rough and steep climbing down. The trail suddenly leaves the forest and crosses a stream on a wooden bridge and enters a farm field. The livestock looked at me like I was crazy as I made my way past them.
The plan
changed once I reached the road and decided that hiking back the trail was not
going to work. I decided to hike the
road back to my truck. It was about a 3
mile road walk back to the truck along Route 4.
I hiked a total of 8.5 miles. I
liked this section of trail, it was a nice combination of rolling ridge walking
and climbs and descents. This time of
year with the leaves gone, there was some nice views as well.
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