SUMMARY:

Please join me for this early spring 6-mile, 800' elevation gain loop hike through the woodlands of this lovely park in northwesten CT.  From the park's main parking lot, we'll ascend via the Robert Ross Trail to 2 spectacular viewpoints looking south and north across the valley and the Farmington River flowing below.  We'll return via the Jesse Gerard and Agnes Bowen Trails.  Please wear layers appropriate for the forecast and wear sturdy hiking shoes/boots - the terrain is often rocky and might be wet in sections.  Bring a lunch and snacks and plenty of water.  I expect we'll be back to our cars between 3 & 4PM.  See the CT State Parks website for further information on the park and a trail map: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Forests/American-Legion-and-Peoples-State-Forests.  FYI: MASKS WILL NOT BE REQUIRED ON THIS HIKE AND I WILL NOT BE WEARING A MASK.

Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at:

On GoogleMaps and/or GPS, ask for the parking lot for People's State Forest, Barkhamsted CT.  Should bring you along Route 44E/W in Pleasant Valley to Route 318E.  After a 4-way stop, jog left and then straight and cross the Farmington River and take your immediate left onto East River Road.  Continue north past the entrance to the park (Greenwoods Road) and the Barkhamsted Historical Society and then take your next left into the major parking lot for the park.  Once past the guard house, turn right and park anywhere in the first section of the parking lot.  Please meet by the sign board to the right and the trail leading to the Stone House Nature Museum.