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.
Printable
version of Bennetts Pond page
If you have any trail updates to
share or have feedback/questions
please click
here to send email or call
203.788.7665
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