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Bennett's Pond




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Difficulty: Easy or Medium


Main Attractions: Scenic pond, shoreline trail, forest hike, peace and quiet.

10 day forecast

Nearby Hikes:
Seth Low Pierrepont
Weir Farm

Bennett's Pond in Ridgefield, CT is a hidden treasure just two minutes away from the madness of Route 7. As you walk along the trails blanketed by nature, the rush hour traffic and hustle and bustle may as well be 1,000 miles away instead of just one. Bennett proves that you don't have to escape into the back country to find peace and quiet. And to think that some insane developer wanted to plop down a 200-room hotel and conference center, 500,000 square feet of office parks, 150 units of multi-family housing, 100 units of single-family housing, and a 27-hole golf course. Don't we already have 10,000 of these things in Fairfield County!! Fortunately, there are some good folks with a little bit of power and they stepped up and saved the day. Now instead of being ruined, Bennett's Pond can do what it should...refresh the soul of everyone who ventures in.

The trail system at Bennett's Pond is well maintained, easy to navigate, and there aren't any steep grades so anyone can venture in. A large map at the trail head makes it easy to plan out your hike, but I'd suggest just following the main path that goes straight back into the forest and to the far end of the pond - round trip will take between 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours depending upon your foot speed. The trail leading back to the pond is relatively flat most of the way with no hills or mountains to climb. But it's a rocky path in some places so careful not to turn an ankle or slip on a loose stone or slippery rock. The beautiful, tall hardwoods provide a nice canopy and are responsible for the peace and quiet you'll likely find - the distant rush of Route 7 traffic and neighborhood noise can't penetrate the thick forest cover. If you have a keen eye and a quiet step, you'll notice plenty of bird activity in the trees above. I caught a glimpse of a Pileated Woodpecker bouncing from tree to tree - and I'll bet owls and hawks use the tall trees as well. A good distance into the hike the trail bends to the right and a very short distance later you are presented with a choice - go straight or left. Going straight you will eventually loop back around to near the start of the hike and it's a good hike indeed. But I think you'd enjoy going left and heading down to the far end of Bennett's Pond. This section of trail really gives a feeling of remoteness and the pond scenes are very picturesque and tranquil. There is a trail at the far end of Bennett's that can hook you into the new Ives Trail of Danbury, CT. It's a work in progress and not 100% completed so unless you're the type that enjoys getting lost it might be best to visit the official site for Ives before venturing off. Ives is fast becoming a hidden gem in the forests of suburban Danbury, Ridgefield, and Bethel but it's brand new in some connecting sections so careful if you scoot in for a look. Be sure to follow the unique trail markings of Ives Trail very closely). http://www.hvceo.org/ivestrail.php

Bennett is a long, narrow pond and it's beautiful anytime of year - each season having it's own distinct character but foliage season must be amazing. The photos on the site just don't do it justice. Summers are teaming with wildlife, wildflowers, pond activity so be sure to bring a camera as photo ops are likely. As you make your way back along the main trail you'll eventually cross a footbridge over a stream and after this bridge you need to go right. This takes you to the very far end of the pond. It's really nice here and finding a great spot to relax is not hard. The swans, ducks, frogs, toads, turtles, jumping fish, birds, butterflies, wildflowers, lilly pads, bumble bee, and the trees will take good care of you and refresh your soul. Just find a nice spot to relax, sit back, be quiet, and watch, listen, learn. Something cool is bound to happen here if you let it. I was treated to an explosion of water fowl who bolted out of the water after I startled them as I walked along the shoreline trail - the sound and power they produced was quite impressive. The trail goes all the way back to the far end of a swampy part of the pond. It has a tiny loop so you can just keep walking without worrying about getting lost or heading in the wrong direction. The walk back to the car will highlight all the nice things you encountered along the way. Click here for the official info and trail map: ROSA (Ridgefield's open space) Ridgefield also offers a booklet of hikes in their town for a very reasonable price. Contact town hall to find out where to buy one.

There is a trail at the far end of Bennett's that can hook you into the new Ives Trail of Ridgefield, Danbury, and Bethel. It's a work in progress and not 100% completed so unless you're the type that enjoys getting lost it might be best to visit the official site for Ives before venturing off. Ives is fast becoming a hidden gem in the forests of suburban Danbury, Ridgefield, and Bethel but it's brand new in some connecting sections so careful if you scoot in for a look. Be sure to follow the unique trail markings of Ives Trail very closely). http://www.hvceo.org/ivestrail.php Click here for the official trail map (You'll be taken to another website. Look for "Click Here for Trail System Map" near the top.)

After/before hike idea would be to visit downtown Ridgefield. It's a great main street stroll with good food, shops, history and scenery. A completely opposite idea would be to travel north on Route 7 and in 15 minutes be in modern mall. They have LL Bean and EMS store so check that out for gear and outdoor related material. Danbury


Directions: Get on Route 7 heading south out of Danbury and Bennetts Farm Road is on your right about 3 miles south from Danbury Airport. (If traveling north on Route 7, Bennetts Farm Road will be on your left). Just about a mile up Bennetts Farm Road you'll see the dirt parking lot with a large wooden trail sign. It's on the right side when traveling in from Route 7.

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