Mt. Tom
State Park in
Litchfield, CT is a very short
hike, but it's been included it
for two reasons. First, the
view from atop Mount Tom is one of
the best in the state. There
is a 34 foot stone tower on top of
Mount Tom which yields a 360
degree view of the surrounding
area and distant landmarks.
Massachusetts, New York, and
a large part of Connecticut are
seen from here. On an
extremely clear day, Long Island
and the outskirts of New York City
are in view with a good pair of
binoculars. ..100 miles away (but
this is extremely rare). The
wooden steps are a little steep in
the tower and you need to watch
your head has you come out the
top. Also, for those of you
who are afraid of heights, go
slowly as you emerge from the top
of the tower. There are no
railings to hold onto and the
outside walls are short. A
person can easily be scared if
they walk right up to the edge and
look over. Don't let this
stop you however. (I, too,
am nervous around sheer drop-offs
but I just stood back from the
edge and I fully enjoyed a grand
view.) This is a great spot!
The second reason for
visiting this short hike is
because of Mount Tom Pond.
The pond is spring fed so
the waters are clear, clean, and
crisp. Great for cooling off
after a short but hearty hike.
There's picnic tables for
lunch or a cookout. Mt Tom
is a nice place if you don't want
to exert yourself too much and
just take in some of nature's
highlights. But it's not an
area that offers extensive hiking
trails. During the summer months
there is a small admissions fee to
get into the park. But sometimes
if you tell them you're just
interested in hiking up the tower
and don't plan to picnic or swim
in the park they'll let the fee
slide...sometimes.
Also, even though the hike
to the tower is not long, it's
steep and if you're not in
decent walking shape please take
it slow. And when you get to the
top it's worth mentioning that a
few side trails go off to the
right through some thick brush.
These lead to an overlook but
it's a sheer dropoff here and
potentially dangerous if you're
not paying attention If you're
with children don't let them
venture into this area
alone...and keep them back from
the ridge when you get there.
After visiting Mt. Tom State Park
take a ride north on Route 202 and
head up towards Bantam and
Litchfield. At the main traffic
light in Bantam, take a right
towards Bantam Lake and just keep
baring to the left as you'll go
around the shores of Bantam Lake
and into Litchfield center
eventually. Or just head straight
up to the center of Litchfield for
a glimpse of a classic New England
town. There's a nice mixture of
colonial history and modern world
here. Shops, markets, restaurants,
museums, art galleries, and
historical buildings are all
within walking distance.
Directions: Mount
Tom State Park is located on Rt
202 a few miles south of Bantam
center. If you're coming
from the south via New
Milford/Danbury area, Mt Tom is a
1/2 mile north of the Rt 341 and
202 junction. Mt.
Tom official website
Printable
version of the Mt. Tom State
Park 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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