Trail Description: Horse Guard State Park has one trail that is relatively quick to hike that is easy for the most part until the climb up the side of rocks that leads to stunning views of mostly trees and the Northwest hills. Fall offers a spectacular colorful viewpoint.

Trail Info:

Where: Avon, CT Distance: 1.2 miles (1 hour) Difficulty: Moderate Trail Type: Out & Back Features: Views, Mountains, Valley, Rock Scramble

How to get there:

245 W Avon Rd, Avon, CT 06001

Drive slow as you approach, the lot will come up suddenly. Depending what route you are taking, you will see a big red house, the Derrin House, right before the parking lot. The parking lot can fit maybe 8-10 cars. 

Hiking Tips

• I would suggest hiking boots due to the muddy section and rock scramble climb. Maybe some hiking poles for the way down if not comfortable going down on the rocks.

• Follow the white trail. If you see two trail markers, one slightly higher on the left it means make a left turn. If you see two trail markers, one slightly higher on the right, it means make a right turn.

• It is a small park, there are no bathrooms. Close by to popular areas for post hike activities such as food and drink.

• Trail Map here.

The Hike

There is only one way to go so this guide will be a quick one. The white marked trail is the only trail at Horse Guard State Park.

Once parked, it is pretty clear where to hop on the trail and there is a trail map right before the trail begins.

The white trail is well-marked and easy to identify. Also, the trails are very wide.

It is an easy hike up until the rock scramble. There is a section that will be quite muddy but you can go around it if you choose wisely. I did not the first time and my foot definitely submerged into the mud.

This is such a beautiful park in the fall just walking through the forest.

At about 0.4 miles, you will start approaching the rock scramble portion of the hike. This will be 0.2 miles of about 500 feet elevation. This is what makes the hike a moderate one to me. The rock scramble is short, but like a straight up ascent. It definitely gets the blood going and is not easy. Coming down was way harder. There may be markings for the proper direction to go up but I just went for it.

At the top of the rock scramble, there will be a small narrow trail to the left to take. After a short walk, you reach two lookouts. The first one is an appetizer.

The next lookout is literally a few steps over and that is just….boom. Fall colors to the face! Just an unbelievable view of the open forest covered by trees everywhere and rolling hills in the background.

Most people stop here but I saw some hikers continue on a very narrow and not clear trail. This short walk actually led to another view where you can see the Heublein Tower on Talcott Mountain in the distance. Also, it appears you are on a cliff above someone’s house. I prefer the other views but this was a bonus. From here, just return the way you came and down the rock scramble to the parking lot.

As mentioned above, this is close to a popular area in Avon, CT. There is a brewery about 5 min or so close by, Hopmeadow Brewing Company. My wife and I stopped there for some post hike beers and there was a delicious food truck there as well. The beers were great, I highly recommend visiting.

HIKING FOR DONUTS

Hi, I’m Mark. I live in Connecticut. I take new trips every chance I get. A good trip has a great hike, great food, and something fun to do. My goal is to search out new trips and share them to inspire others to try something new and exciting.

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