Mattabesett Trail

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Higby Mountain along the Mattabesett Trail
Higby Mountain along the Mattabesett Trail

The Mattabesett Trail is a 50 mile long, hook-shaped hiking trail in central Connecticut. One half of the trail follows the high traprock ridges of the Metacomet Ridge, from Totoket Mountain in Guilford, Connecticut to Lamentation Mountain in Meriden, Connecticut from south to north. This ridge is known for its biodiversity, miles of scenic cliffs, and rugged hiking. The second half of the trail extends north from Guilford to Middletown, Connecticut and ends at the Connecticut River. Here, the trail follows an upland of metamorphic rock with occasional views and dense forests.

Important features along the trail include Lamentation Mountain, Chauncey Peak, Higby Mountain, Besek Mountain, Fowler Mountain, Trimountain, Pistapaug Mountain, Totoket Mountain, the Broomstick Ledges, Seven Falls, and Coginchaug Cave. The Metacomet Trail continues north from Lamentation Mountain where the Mattabesett Trail leaves off.

The geology, ecology, and landscape of the trail are similar to that of the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail to the north in Massachusetts.

In 2000, the United States Congress authorized the National Park Service to research a new National Scenic Trail now tentatively called the New England National Scenic Trail in southern New England, which would include the Mattabesett Trail as well as the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail and the Metacomet Trail.

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