The Mattabesett section of the New England Trail over Lamentation Mountain (Berlin, Meriden & Middletown) between Giuffrida Park and the Berlin Turnpike is closed due to fire. Do not enter this area, active fire suppression efforts are underway. Even after the fire is dead, the area will not be safe for hikers until the trail is fully inspected.
Additionally, the overnight tentsite on Lamentation Mountain is also closed to backpackers. Visit the CFPA website for updates.
Mattabesett is the Indian name for Middletown. From the eastern trailhead, the trail begins traveling in a southerly direction, gradually becoming more westerly, and finally, assumes a northerly direction, crossing through Guilford, Durham, Madison, Haddam, Middletown, North Branford, Wallingford, Middlefield, Meriden, and Berlin.
The eastern sections of the Mattabesett Trail contain high ledges and bald knobs with vistas of the Connecticut River. A picturesque terrain of tumbled ledges, frequent brooks, shallow bogs, vernal pools, mountain laurel, and hardwood forest add to the trail’s beauty. The western sections offer some of the finest ridge walking and cliff views in the state as the trail traverses the southern end of the traprock ridges that extend north into Massachusetts. Some of the notable features hikers will encounter include the Chinese Wall in Middletown, Pisgah Mountain in Durham, Bluff Head in Guilford, Beseck Mountain in Middlefield, Mount Higby in Middletown, and Chauncey Peak and Lamentation Mountain in Meriden.
State forests and parks, land trust preserves, municipal parks, and important conserved land are all linked by the trail. The Reservoir, Bear Hill, and Seven Falls sections at the eastern end include 5 miles of loop trails. The trail intersects other major trail systems and offers additional loop opportunities in Millers Pond State Park and Mica Ledges in Durham, the Rockland Preserve in Madison, Braemore Preserve in Guilford, and Giuffrida Park in Meriden.
The Mattabesett Trail is part of the 235-mile New England National Scenic Trail (NET). The NET was designated as a national scenic trail in 2009 and connects from the Long Island Sound to the MA/NH border. The NET is comprised of the Menunkatuck, Mattabesett, Metacomet, and Metacomet-Monadnock Trails.
Partners: Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (CT DEEP), Durham Conservation Commission, Guilford Land Conservation Trust, Middlesex Land Trust, National Park Service.
From Route 9, take Exit 22 (continue on Eastern Drive if coming from the south) and after 0.7 miles turn northeast onto Silver Street. Turn east onto River Road. There are 6 parking spaces along River Road in Middletown, approximately 2 miles east from the Riverfront Park/Silver Street intersection. The trailhead is located across from the NRG Energy Plant entrance.
From the Berlin Turnpike/Route 5, turn east onto Spruce Brook Road. A small gravel parking lot (4 spaces) is next to the driveway of 370 Spruce Brook Road - PLEASE DO NOT OBSTRUCT PRIVATE DRIVEWAY! The trail starts off Spruce Brook Road to the south, between #370 Spruce Brook Road and the Somerset Drive intersection.
From I-91, take Exit 16 or from Route 15 take Exit 67 towards East Main Street. Cross East Main and continue straight onto Bee Street. Continue on Bee Street for about 1.7 miles which becomes Westfield Road. The entrance to Giuffrida Park is on the left. There are 15-20 parking spaces at Dr. Francis Giuffrida Park, 800 Westfield Road, Meriden.
From I-91 take Exit 17 or from Route 15 take Exit 67 towards East Main Street. Turn east onto East Main Street to cross over I-91, and turn left onto Bee Street. Continue on Bee Street for about 1.7 miles which becomes Westfield Road. The entrance to Giuffrida Park is on the left. There are 15-20 parking spaces at Dr. Francis Giuffrida Park, 800 Westfield Road, Meriden.
Trail access is to the north via Lamentation Mountain to the northern trailhead at Spruce Brook Road. Or head east to Chauncey Peak and the main Mattabesett Trail.
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