Trailside Services are now part of CT Trail Finder!

Cockaponset State Forest (Spruce Ledge/Tower Hill)

The Spruce Ledge/Tower Hill section of Cockaponset State Forest features a large network of densely forested trails that are mostly unblazed connecting to Spruce Ledge and Tower Hill Roads.
Trail Activity
Hiking Walking Cross-country skiing Mountain biking Horseback riding
Length
12.6 miles, Network
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate
Towns
Chester, Haddam
Surface
Packed Earth/Dirt, Gravel/Crushed Stone, Paved/Cement
Pets
Permitted on leash
Fees
No

Description

Cockaponset State Forest, Connecticut's second largest state forest. provides opportunities for a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, mountain and gravel biking, and equestrian trail use. 

The Quinimay Trail runs through this section of the forest, connecting Cockaponset State Forest to the Weber Woods section. This trail was officially recognized by the state of Connecticut in 2008 as a multi-use Bridle Trail. Look for the tan and green plastic multi-use markers placed above the colored trail blazes. The Quinimay Trail was conceived and is maintained by members of the Lower Connecticut River Valley Horsemen’s Club (LCRHVC) and the Bridal Path Conservancy (BPC) in cooperation with the Connecticut Forest & Park Association and the New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA). 

Other Information

History

Cockaponset, named after an Indian chief who's buried in the Ponset section of Haddam, is the second largest state forest in Connecticut. The development of this area for recreational purposes allows visitors to fully enjoy the attractiveness of the land, woods, and streams within the forest.

Rules

  • Forest areas are open one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
  • Pets on a leash are permitted in picnic areas and on hiking trails.

Trail Manager

This park is managed by the following CT DEEP Park Headquarters:

CT DEEP: Cockaponset State Forest
CT DEEP: Cockaponset State Forest
18 Ranger Road
Haddam, CT 06438
(860) 345-8521
View website

Trail Tips

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Walk single file in the middle of the trail. Wear the right shoes and enjoy the mud - you're in the great outdoors!
Legend
Hide All

Trailhead Information

Spruce Ledge/ Tower Hill Section

Parking is located along Route 80 at the corner of Spruce Ledge Road across from Tower Hill Lake, and pull off on Route 145 in Deep River. 

To the Ranger Headquarters From the North

Take Exit 8 off Route 9 South. Turn left onto Beaver Meadow Road. Take the second right onto Ranger Road. The headquarters is on the left.

To the Ranger Headquarters From the South

Take Exit 8 off Route 9 North. Turn right onto Beaver Meadow Road. Take the second right onto Ranger Road. The headquarters is on the left.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
Add a Service
Find businesses and organizations that are located around this trail that support adventuring outdoors!
Legend
Hide All
Hide All
No services shown. Try zooming out.
Hang Tight!
Nearby services are loading
SHARE THIS TRAIL
PRINT THIS TRAIL

Add Trail Log

Please wait…
Join In on the Fun!
Log in or create an account below to unlock all the great features of Connecticut Trail Finder: keep track of trails you want to do, preserve memories of trails you’ve done, and more!
Your log in attempt was not successful. Please try again.
    Lost your password? Reset your password
    Don't yet have an account?
    There was an issue with your submission. Please try again.
      * Indicates required field
      Already have an account? Login here
      Enter your username, and we will send you a new, randomly generated password to your email account.
      There was an issue with your submission. Please try again.

        Success! A new password has been emailed to you.

        Log in now

        Please wait…