Gnomery: Where I Haunt
I’ve already talked about being a (stinky) trail gnome. This is where.
Rockhouse Hill Sanctuary
Oxford, Connecticut, US
This is presently my “home riding area” (and likely will be until we move). It’s on what old-timers will remember as Bish VonWettberg’s land, and the water company property. Newcomers know it as “the land next to the high school” though it extends northeastward across Route 188 up to and across Moose Hill Road, and up to Peach Farm Road.
https://oxfordlandtrust.org/rockhouse-hill
https://www.trailforks.com/region/rockhouse-28533/
Naugatuck State Forest – West Block
Oxford/Beacon Falls/Naugatuck, Connecticut, US
“Naugy” – this was my home riding area before Rockhouse came online. Riding-wise, there’s not a lot here that’s great, but it’s still pretty. Unlike Rockhouse, it is hunted, so be mindful during the seasons (and wear blaze).
https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DEEP/stateparks/maps/NaugatuckWestBlockpdf.pdf
George C. Waldo State Park
Southbury, Connecticut, US
The first place I got to be on a trail crew. I still ride here from time to time. Also hunted, but bow-only. Gets overrun by “picnickers” during the warmer times of year, who leave it a pigsty.
https://www.southbury-ct.org/waldostatepark
https://www.trailforks.com/region/george-c-waldo-state-park-17740/
Naugatuck State Forest – Quillinan Reservoir Block
Ansonia/Seymour, Connecticut, US
The trail network here is principally the handiwork of a group of volunteers who work at Thule in the Seymour industrial park. Pretty if not huge, it’s principal drawback is proximity to downtown Ansonia (and on a main route to/from New Haven), so experiences “urban” shenanigans, from dumping to graffiti to fugitives running amok alluding the police. Was logged, so for a period of time looked like a bomb hit it. Also hunted.
https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DEEP/stateparks/maps/QuillinanReservoirGPSpdf.pdf
https://www.trailforks.com/region/naugatuck-state-forest–quillinan-reservoir/
Larkin State Bridle Trail
Southbury/Oxford/Middlebury/Naugatuck, Connecticut, US
The Larkin is a rail-trail, and, consequently, not hugely interesting in terms of technicality. That makes it a prime candidate for a First Trail to ride – it was mine. There are a couple of places that aren’t strictly flat and smooth, mainly road crossings where there once were trestles. And road crossings, so use care: stop/look/listen for cars. Expect to see other users – walkers, other riders, dog poopers… and horses: it is a bridle trail. ALL USERS YIELD TO THE HORSES: they’re big, skittish critters. If riding, dismount, make sure the equestrian knows you’re there (without spooking the horse), and await further instructions.
https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Larkin-State-Park-Trail/Overview
PRKR MTN
Littleton, New Hampshire, US
My riding area home-to-be. Part of The Borderlands.
https://www.trailforks.com/region/prkr-mtn-16998/
Franconia Area Network
Franconia/Easton, New Hampshire, US
Also riding area home-to-be. And also part of The Borderlands.
https://www.trailforks.com/region/franconia-area-nemba-trail-network/
