Brace
Mountain is located at
the intersection of Routes 4 and 7
in the town of Cornwall Bridge,
CT. It's a bump of a mountain that
is clearly visible as you pass
over the Housatonic River heading
north on Routes 4/7. It's a neat
little hike in that it's steep for
a very short distance but offers
some great views of the valley
below, as the Housatonic River
snakes its way through. This is a
great place to get some exercise
and then sit back for some
relaxing scenery, a perfect hike
if you just want to hop out of the
car and take in some nice views
without having to venture off too
far.
Breadloaf can be hiked in and of
itself, or you can use it as a
jumping off point for further
hikes. At the peak of Breadloaf is
the Appalachian Trail which you
can follow north to Pine Knob Loop
or south towards Kent, CT. Pine
Knob Loop is about a mile north
and also offers some great views.
Since the Appalachian Trail runs
along the ridgetop to Pine Knob,
it's not a bad hike at all for
those who are new to hiking but
looking for something more than
just the Breadloaf Mountain hike.
If you're in very good shape you
can hike a few miles more and
visit the old covered bridge
located in the center of town in
Cornwall, CT. Hiking south from
Breadloaf is a little more rugged
and will challenge an average day
hiker, since you'll go up and down
a couple of mountains; and at
certain points the terrain is a
little steep and rocky.
Whether you're out for a ride in
the car or on a motorcycle,
Breadloaf Mountain offers the
chance to stretch the legs and
take in some nice views. The
trailhead is off Route 7, about 50
feet on the left, after Routes 7
and 4 go their separate ways. The
trail is clearly marked and well
maintained. Take notice if there
are signs posted reminding
everyone not to start campfires or
throw away lit cigarettes...it's
been dry recently and a forest
fire can wipe out some great
terrain in no time at all. Smokey
the Bear is still there saying,
"Only you..."! The dirt path will
rise up fairly soon into the hike;
but before it does, it passes
through some nice woodlands with
majestic trees. As mentioned, the
hike is steep but short, so just
take your time if you're feeling a
little winded and rest along the
way. Once you get to the top,
you'll be glad you did. To the
left (looking south) is a great
view of the valley and the rolling
hills which spread out in front of
you. Look closely, and you'll
notice the Housatonic River making
its way through the region. If you
go to the right at the top of
Breadloaf, there's a great
overview looking north. It's a
nice shady spot that looks down on
the Housatonic and Route 7 as they
meander between some mountains.
During summer months you can see
fly fishermen and families tubing
down the river far off in the
distance. Breadloaf is a perfect
spot to take in some nice views
without having to venture very far
into the woods.
Right across Route 7 along the
banks of the Housatonic River is a
portion of the Housatonic State
Forest sytem with picnic tables
and open space. You can head over
there for some lunch or fishing.
You'll need a fishing permit to
cast your line into the
Housatonic. Breadloaf is great
destination if you're also looking
for a scenic drive. Routes 7 and 4
are great roads to travel on, and
from Breadloaf you can pick a
point east, west, south, or north
to venture to.
Directions: A
few miles north from Kent Falls on
Route 7 you'll descend into
Cornwall Bridge, CT. (The actual
covered bridge is a few miles
further north on Route 7 in West
Cornwall, CT.) In Cornwall Bridge,
Route 7 meets Route 4. 7 runs
north and south in Western
Connecticut and 4 runs east and
west. Bear to your left at the
intersection where Routes 4 and 7
meet and stop at the sign.
Continue on for about 200 yards
(Route 7 and 4 are the same road
during this short stretch). After
you pass over the bridge, Route 7
goes right and Route 4 goes
straight up a steep hill. Follow
Route 7. Go slowly because about
50 feet after 7 and 4 split off
from each other, you'll see a
small dirt parking lot for
Breadloaf Mountain. Directly
across the street is a
greenhouse/nursery. Park in the
dirt lot and the trailhead will be
clearly visible.
Printable
version of the BreadLoaf
Mountain 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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