River Walk -
A.T. meanders along the
Housatonic River from Kent to
Cornwall, Connecticut allowing for
one of the more peaceful and
unique hikes available in western
Connecticut. The trail is flat for
the most part with no major
obstacles to worry about. It's
about a 4 to 5 mile stretch of the
world famous Appalachian Trail so
the path is well maintained and
easy to follow. You can enter the
trail from either end (Cornwall or
Kent) and take a short hike or
take on the entire stretch end to
end. If you're with a small group
perhaps you could take two cars
and park one on either end. This
way as a group you can hike the
entire section without having to
walk all the way back to your car.
Depending upon your speed and
conditioning, the entire trail one
way could take 1 to 2
hours...perhaps longer if you're
smart enough to spot and take in
the wonder of nature.
Once you enter the trail you are
immediately transported into
another world that's full of life
with endless picturesque scenes.
The river here is free from
human interference and the land
opposite to the river is
undeveloped so nature is the
dominant force. It's the only
stretch up north along the 2,000
mile Appalachian Trail that
follows a river bank mile after
mile after mile...only a few spots
down south have places like this.
Subsequently, "thru-hikers" going
from Georgia to Maine really look
forward to this spot and I've read
a number of their journals where
it was picked as a favorite spot
along the entire Appalachian
Trail.
All types of birds, insects,
mammals, water fowl, and plant
life abound. Certain things
here you'll no longer see
elsewhere in the state. You'll go
back decades and remember what it
was like as a kid before all the
development and growth hit the
area. It's a classic "get
away from the hustle and bustle"
spot. It's really a neat place
because every 1/2 mile the terrain
seems to change or present a
completely different environment.
The river walk is Huck Finn-like
where you can easily find a shady
tree along the river to lay back
and find some peace and quiet. At
times the giant pine trees create
a dark canopy and cool spots even
during summer's "dog days". Other
spots reveal fields with huge
hardwood trees while others
showcase the abundant bird life
amongst thick bushes and
undergrowth. At dusk and dawn
wildlife use the path to access
the river's water so if you're
quiet it's likely a wild turkey,
fox, deer, bard owl, and other
unique creatures will be easily
seen. Take your camera, art
supplies, or favorite book and
relax. This is a can't miss spot.
(This also is prime bird
watching country. Certain spots
along the trail are ideal for
nesting birds...and a wonderful
place for migratory birds.
The ecosystem is perfect
for them and there are certain
species living here which are
too shy to live anywhere near
populated areas...birds that
left or were kicked out of
suburbia long ago! The
trail presents a good chance to
see these unique creatures.
But you need to stop and
let their world unfold to you.
It's amazing how you can
hear dozens of birds singing,
chirping, flying through the
brush, bouncing from limb to
limb, but not see them because
of the dense brush/forest that
abuts the path. You're
really missing out if you don't
stop for at least a few minutes
to check these little guys out.
Most of you won't see
yellow finches, orioles,
bluebirds, and the like, in your
backyard so don't miss out on
the chance.)
If you begin at the Kent trail
head a few minutes into the hike
you'll come across a hardwood
forest that was decimated by some
sort of tree disease. It's weird
to see all the tall trees with
little or no limbs, or even bark.
It's beautiful in a strange way.
Something is obviously wrong, but
the beauty of the scene makes it a
unique spot that's sure to grab
your attention.
As you walk along the Housatonic
River keep an eye out for all
types of water activity. Ducks,
fish, beaver, possibly even an
elusive otter, herons,
birds...they all use, live, or
play in the water and a keen eye
will spot tons of wildlife. And
don't forget to look up into the
dark pines...owls love hanging out
in spots like this. You're likely
to hear their unique call at dusk.
Directions: For
the Kent entrance take Rt.
7 to the center of Kent and then
Rt. 341 west. About 1/2 mile
you'll go over a small bridge and
see the Kent School on your left
with their athletic fields on the
right. Take the right onto
Skiff Mountain Rd. just over the
bridge and proceed so that the
baseball field, tennis courts and
football field are on you left.
Another 1/2 mile later you'll see
a dirt road on your right side
with a sign signifying the
entrance to the Appalachian Trail.
Follow this dirt road until
it ends (about 2 1/2 miles).
Warning: The dirt road is
very bumpy with lots of potholes.
If you go slowly there shouldn't
be any problems but if you have a
nice brand new car/suv and are
overly cautious about it, then
take it extremely slow or go up to
the Cornwall entrance. The
trail head is clearly marked at
the end of the dirt road.
The Cornwall entrance can be
accessed by taking Rt. 7 north
going past Kent and into Cornwall.
A few minutes past the
Cornwall town line Rt. 7 and Rt. 4
intersect. Bear to your left
as 7 and 4 meet. You'll come to a
stop sign. 7 and 4 become
the same road for about a 100
yards before Rt. 7 bears right
again and heads north (while Rt. 4
heads left and steeply rises to
the east). Just as Rt. 7
bears to right and starts again,
there is an immediate right off
of 7 (and I mean immediate).
This small road is called River
Road and is easily missed if
you're not going slow.
Follow River Road as it
winds around and starts heading
south along the Housatonic River
which in now on your left. A
couple miles later you'll clearly
see a dirt road to the left with
clearing for parking. This is the
Cornwall entrance to the river
walk.
Printable
version of the River Road
Preserve 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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