Mattatuck Trail section hike

 

I decided to start a new CT Blue Blazed trail today, the Mattatuck Trail.  After enlisting Mackenzie, my daughter, in accompanying me I picked out a section that looked interesting in an area of the state that I like to hike in.  We would hike the Northern section from Mohawk Mtn. to Flat Rocks rd. in Cornwall.  We dropped a car at the small parking area on Flat Rocks Rd. and then headed back to what I believe is the Northern Terminus of the Mattatuck trail where it intersects with the Mohawk Trail. 

This is just behind the ski lift of Mohawk Ski Area.  It was mid-morning and the sun was out with a few clouds around.  Temps were in the mid 30’s with a dusting of snow on the ground from some squalls that had come through the day before.  There was one set of footprints from someone that had gone before us but we saw no one all day.  Cunningham Tower is the first interesting sight to come along. 

We stopped and explored, wondering what it must have been like in its heyday. 

From there the trail wanders along climbing up to the first peak, called the Pinnacle.  

There was no good views as there are trees all around so we continued on until we reached the summit of Mohawk Mtn.  

We stopped there and had a snack and some water, enjoyed the views before moving on.  From here on it would be mostly downhill for the rest of the hike. 

The trail meanders around Wadhams rd. and Mohawk Pond, where we again stopped and had a brief snack.  A short road walk then back into the forest, through Mountain Laurel thickets and old farm fields.  There is a good variety of terrain along this section, we went over rocks, streams and roots.  There are areas that were fields probably less than 50 years ago, young forests of Birch and Cherry trees taking over surrounded by stone walls. 

Some of the stone walls were massive, 5 feet tall and as wide, it must have taken years to build them and possible many generations of farmers.  As we neared the finish we came upon a cemetery.  The grave stones are old and fading away. Most of the dates were from the mid 1800's.  We were able to read some of them, there was a revolutionary soldier buried there.  Someone had placed an American flag by his stone.  Hopefully someone will take some time to care for this small cemetery in the future. 

We were then at the car and ready to call it a day.  It was a fun hike with some interesting scenery.  We hiked a little over 7 miles.  I will get back there and finish up this Northern section soon.