South Mountain Loop Trail in Berlin, CT: Reservoir Views and a Hidden Ridgeline
South Mountain Trail, Berlin CT: Complete Hiking Guide
Hike the South Mountain Loop from Chamberlain Highway in Berlin, Connecticut, for views of Merimere Reservoir, Mine Island, East Peak, and downtown Meriden.
South Mountain is a hidden gem to me. I don’t see this mentioned too often online so exposing it I am conflicted. However, I also want my fellow hikers and followers to know this awesome hike resides in CT! With that said, hikers etiquette as always and leave not trace behind please. I would have never thought a hike like this existed off the side of a road. This trails begins aside Chamberlain Highway that initially feels more like a walk through the woods than a scenic mountain hike.
Once you reach the ridgeline, South Mountain delivers some seriously impressive views. The highlights include Merimere Reservoir, Mine Island, East Peak, Castle Craig, downtown Meriden, and the surrounding traprock hills.
This loop also feels much quieter than the more popular trails inside Hubbard Park. The parking area can be difficult to spot and parts of the route are poorly marked, but the views make the extra navigation effort worth it.
South Mountain connects with the blue-blazed Metacomet Trail, a 62-mile trail that follows Connecticut’s traprock ridges from the Hanging Hills north to the Massachusetts border. The Metacomet is also part of the larger New England National Scenic Trail.
Trail Description: The South Mountain Loop is a moderate hike that passes Elmere Reservoir before gradually climbing South Mountain. Several overlooks along the ridgeline provide views of Merimere Reservoir, Mine Island, East Peak, Castle Craig, downtown Meriden, and the commercial area near Interstate 691.
Trail Info:
Location: Berlin, CT (See link below)
Distance: Approximately 3.6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Loop
Highlights: Reservoir views, traprock cliffs, Mine Island, Castle Craig, and downtown Meriden
Dog Friendly: Yes
Best Season: Fall, Spring, Summer
How to get there:
The trail begins where the blue-blazed Metacomet Trail crosses Chamberlain Highway, also known as Route 71, in Berlin.
Parking coordinates: 41.562803, -72.809665
This is not a traditional trailhead parking lot. There are only a few roadside spaces near the trail crossing, and the entrance can be easy to miss while driving along Route 71. Slow down as you approach and look for blue trail blazes on both sides of the road.
Do not block the roadway or park in the travel lane. When the closest spaces are occupied, additional roadside parking may be available a short distance south of the trail crossing.
Hiking Tips
Download park map, click here.
Parking is extremely limited, so an early start is a good idea on weekends.
Pay close attention at every major intersection. There are several unofficial or unblazed trails in the area, including routes toward Anderson Pond.
Nearby Things to Do:
Yellow Trail: Longer 1.8 Mile Hike (starts at the beginning of park road at the gate entrance)
Nearby Hikes: Litchfield County area has some great short hikes you could pair with this one.
Post Hike Brews: NorBrook Farm Local Brewery
Panoramic Views
Parking Information
Drive slow as approaching this area as the parking area is small and can be missed.
South Mountain Trailhead
The Hike
From Chamberlain Highway, enter the woods and begin following the blue blazes of the Metacomet Trail.
The opening section is relatively easy. You will soon pass a large water tank before arriving at Elmere Reservoir. It is not the dramatic mountain scenery you came for, but the reservoir provides a peaceful start to the hike.
Continue beyond the reservoir and climb a small embankment near several concrete blocks. You will reach an intersection with an unblazed woods road. One direction leads toward Anderson Pond, while the other will eventually become your return route from the South Mountain cliffs.
For this route, remain on the blue-blazed trail.
The trail may be rocky or wet through this section. Continue for a short distance until reaching another obvious intersection with a woods road on the left. Look carefully for faded or occasional red blazes.
Turn left here.
Climbing South Mountain
The red-blazed woods road begins a steady but manageable climb toward South Mountain. The incline is gradual rather than brutally steep, but it is enough to get the heart going.
The trail markings become less reliable as you gain elevation. Stay on the most established woods road and check your map whenever you reach a questionable intersection.
As you approach the top, watch for a poorly marked side trail on the right. This short path leads to one of the best viewpoints on the entire hike.
Merimere Reservoir Overlook
The first major overlook provides a gorgeous view across Merimere Reservoir.
Mine Island sits prominently in the water, with East Peak rising behind it. Castle Craig may also be visible along the ridgeline. This is the money-shot view of the hike and a great place to stop, catch your breath, and take a ridiculous number of pictures.
The open ridgeline provides a wide view across the reservoir and surrounding Hanging Hills. It feels like a much bigger mountain experience than you might expect from central Connecticut.
South Mountain rises to approximately 767 feet, while the reservoir and surrounding valleys sit several hundred feet below the cliffs.
Downtown Meriden Overlook
After taking in the reservoir views, return to the main loop trail and continue along the ridge.
The woods road dips and climbs gently before reaching another open viewpoint. This side of South Mountain provides a dramatic look toward downtown Meriden and the developed areas surrounding Hubbard Park.
The contrast is interesting. One minute you are looking across a quiet reservoir toward Castle Craig, and the next you are standing above the city.
Continue following the ridgeline through the open woods. Trail markings may still be inconsistent, but the main route is usually easy enough to identify.
Target View and the Return Route
As the trail curves around the mountain, you will reach the east-facing cliffs sometimes referred to as the Target View. The shopping area sits directly below, with Interstate 691 and several additional traprock ridges visible in the distance.
It may not be the classic wilderness view, but it shows just how suddenly South Mountain rises above the surrounding city.
Continue descending on the woods road. This portion completes the loop and eventually returns to the earlier intersection near Elmere Reservoir.
Once you reconnect with the blue-blazed Metacomet Trail, turn right and retrace the opening section of the hike. Pass Elmere Reservoir and the water tank before returning to Chamberlain Highway.
Nearby Things to Do
It would not be Hiking for Donuts without a post-hike treat. Swiches & Coffee Donuts is a good option in town. After this hike, me and my buddy went to the local brewery, Coles Road Brewing. Also, Kensington Pizza is a big spot locally. Downtown Berlin has been getting new restaurants so be sure to stop in town.
Neil’s Donuts in Wallingford is a solid option as well after exploring South Mountain. It is not too far away for some amazing donuts.
Other Connecticut Hikes Nearby
Looking for more scenic Connecticut hikes?
Follow Hiking For Donuts on Instagram for more New England hiking adventures.
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.
If you are looking for posts in a particular place, search City or State here.
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Haystack Mountain Trail, Connecticut: Fire Tower Hike With Epic Views
Haystack Mountain State Park Trail Guide (Norfolk, CT)
Haystack Mountain State Park might be one of Connecticut's best "bang for your buck" hikes. Less than a mile round trip gets you to a stone fire tower with sweeping views across four states.
Haystack Mountain State Park in Norfolk, Connecticut is one of the best short hikes in New England. This quick out-and-back trail leads to a historic stone fire tower with sweeping 360-degree views into Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont.
At less than a mile round trip from the upper parking area, this is an excellent beginner-friendly hike with a huge scenic payoff. If you’re looking for an easy Connecticut hike with mountain views, this trail deserves a spot on your list.
Trail Description: Haystack Mountain Trail contains an impressive stone fire tower with stunning views of the mountains in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont.
Trail Info:
Location: Norfolk, CT (See link below)
Distance: 0.8 mile (30-45 min) Round Trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Out and Back
Highlights: Views, Mountains, Valley, Fire Tower, Panoramic Views
Dog Friendly: Yes
How to get there:
Haystack Mountain State Park - On Rte. 272 Norfolk, CT 06058
Trailhead parking location here.
Easy to find off Route 272. The road goes halfway up Haystack Mountain to a parking lot, where the shortest trail starts. The parking lot can hold about 10 cars.
Hiking Tips
Download park map, click here.
Cell phone service is spotty. Hike carefully.
There can be seasonal closures of the park.
Nearby Things to Do:
Yellow Trail: Longer 1.8 Mile Hike (starts at the beginning of park road at the gate entrance)
Nearby Hikes: Litchfield County area has some great short hikes you could pair with this one.
Post Hike Brews: NorBrook Farm Local Brewery
Panoramic Views
Haystack Mountain Trail Guide
Haystack Mountain State Park in Norfolk, Connecticut is one of the best short hikes in New England.
At less than a mile round trip from the upper parking area, this is an excellent beginner-friendly hike with a huge scenic payoff. If you’re looking for an easy Connecticut hike with mountain views, this trail deserves a spot on your list.
This guide will be for the shortest trail route at 0.8 miles from the top parking lot of Haystack Mountain. These days my time is a bit limited and the best bang for your buck is what is more appealing. If you want to make it a longer hike, there is the Yellow Trail that starts near the beginning of park road at the gate entrance. This will be 1.8 miles, out and back. Both of these options will be great hikes to get to the main attraction, the amazing tower views.
Trail Overview
Haystack Mountain Trailhead
Parking Information
Once you have parked at the top parking, which is about a mile once you enter the park, the trail is to the left to begin the summit.
Haystack Mountain Trail
The Hike to the Fire Tower
This trail is fairly straightforward. It is well-maintained and clearly marked. The first 0.2 miles are flat and easy breezy. The next 0.2 miles will get your heart pumping as the trail bends to the left and starts a quick incline with 200 feet of elevation. Those quads might be on fire but it is all worth it once you see the bad ass tower at the top.
Check out my Instagram reel for a video walkthrough of the Haystack Mountain Trail and the fire tower views here.
Haystack Mountain Trail Incline
Now, it’s time to climb the 34 foot stone tower up to the top for the 360 views at 1,683 feet of elevation.
Tower Views and What You’ll See
Haystack Mountain Fire Tower
Definitely some of the best views you will have in Connecticut. It was a bit overcast and cloudy for me, but still impressive views nonetheless. On a clear day, there is visibility of the Riga Plateau in Northwest Connecticut, the Berkshires in Massachusetts, the Catskills in New York, and the Green Mountains of Vermont. That is quite a combination of views.
View at the Top
Haystack Mountain Trail Views
Nearby Breweries and Things to Do
This would be great to pair with some other short hikes in the Litchfield County area. In addition, there are great local breweries as well such as NorBrook Farm for post hike brews.
Things to Do Nearby:
Yellow Trail: Longer 1.8 Mile Hike (starts at the beginning of park road at the gate entrance)
Nearby Hikes: Litchfield County area has some great short hikes you could pair with this one.
Post Hike Brews: NorBrook Farm Local Brewery
Other Connecticut Hikes Nearby
Looking for more scenic Connecticut hikes? Check out these links to other trail guides for hikes in Litchfield County:
Follow Hiking For Donuts on Instagram for more New England hiking adventures.
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.
If you are looking for posts in a particular place, search City or State here.
SEE OTHER POSTS IN ARCHIVE
Archive
RECOMMENDED POSTS
RECENT POSTS
See the latest on Instagram and follow @HIKINGFORDONUTS