Housatonic Overlook
A short hike with varied terrain and great river views!
How long is the walk?
If you walk all the trails, the total mileage is about 1.7 miles. Your actual walking distance may be longer or shorter, depending on the route you take. A trail map is HERE.
Some notes from my family's experience:
This was a fun quick option for a weekday afternoon! The trail from the High Ridge Road parking area starts on top of the ridge overlooking the Housatonic River, so you are starting with great views as soon as you set out. Note that you start on the Red Trail, which is behind the trail kiosk and Tucker's Ridge stone marker (look for the red blaze). There is also a path right off the parking area that goes along the maintenance corridor for the underground gas lines, but that is not the official trail and will take you inland, missing the great river views.
The first part of the Red Trail is at the top of the ridge, which meant it was also exposed and cold on a windy winter day. But, the views were lovely, and the trail soon descended to lower and more inland terrain. The lower areas go through some wetland areas with a few small bridges and lots of vernal pools - this area is probably very active with amphibians in the spring! The trails were well marked and easy to follow.
While not big on mileage, this trail had enough ups and downs and uneven terrain that it felt bigger - it was a great way to use up some afternoon energy in about an hour. On a warmer day we definitely could have stayed longer, as there were interesting rocky areas to explore and some big forts made out of branches at one of the river overlooks.
Parking: The trailhead is at the end of High Ridge Road in Orange, CT.