Talcott Mountain via Auer Farm and Reservoir #6

It is not lost on me that the title of this project is Connecticut Wild Ramblings. And I am aware that, thusfar, my posts have consisted of a welcome post, a metaphor about reading, and a failed hike in another state. 'Bout time for a true rambling in Connecticut, wouldn't you say?

Well, Saturday saw the dog Jay and I do just that. We had no other options. When you wake up on a sunny February day, put on UH Radio Bluegrass, and fry up a bacon egg and cheese, what else can you do next besides gear up for a hike?

The destination was somewhere sunny, and for a mid-morning, that meant an eastern slope. We chose Talcott Mountain, which does not have the most intuitive eastern approach. A popular option is to start at Reservoir #6 in West Hartford, but we went further than that. Auer Farm in Bloomfield is a place near to my heart, having spent a ton of time there as a youngster. Its a beautiful area and suprisingly, a wonderful gateway to the wilderness of the Metropolitan Water District and Talcott Mountain State Park.

After parking in the visitor's lot near the outbuildings, I set to work reacquainting myself with the farm, and the dog Jay got his scent smelling on. There was the predictable bushwhacking as we tried to find the old trail I knew was somewhere. At one point we even ended up the backyard of a condo complex. But finally, around the corner from the apiary and behind a grove of pine trees, we reached the gate.

Auer Farm is the gateway to Reservoir #6 and quite literally contains such a gateway!

I love this hike because it is such a seldom used trail. You need to trust that you are on an old farm road, but after a hundred yards or so, it becomes clear. The road twists as it gets closer to the MDC treatment facility, and there are some downed trees to navigate around, but eventually you come out right at the north end of Reservoir #6.

A frozen Reservoir #6 on a frigid morning.

Whether you are into peaks, lakes, or just some good old fashioned woods, I cannot recommend Reservoir #6, and really any of the MDC reservoirs, enough. There are so many trails, old carriage paths, and access roads, that it is easy to find new places with nothing but trees, rocks and wind. The dog Jay and I stuck to the basics on the way up the mountain, going from the Auer Farm path to the gravel road that circles the reservoir, to the Metacomet Trail, which reaches the top of Talcott Mountain. On the reservoir trail, we ran into the usual joggers and dog-walkers, as well as an owl. The dog Jay made a racket that unfortunately cost me a photo of the owl, but there was no denying the grace of the bird as it flew to a further and more secure perch.

From the reservoir, it is not a simple uphill to the mountain. The Metacomet Trail follows an initial incline, reaches a ridge, and then opens up to a gorgeous valley area before the final climb to the peak. This valley is where you will find your old carriage paths and fire roads, as well as a pipeline and power line, which have their own trails as well. We crossed the valley, noting where the Metacomet Trail joined and left an ancient road. The final climb had some slippery points, but as we got to the access road near the top, it was a pleasant surprise to see a light layer of snow.

The snowy eastern slope of Talcott Mountain-- only a few hundred yards from the summit.

The top of Talcott Mountain affords some of the best views of the Farmington River valley you can find. On a clear day you can even see Mount Monadnock, two states away! The state park area is a classic as well. The stone buildings are all from the early 20th century, including a 25-foot barbecue pit. You can practically see the early automobiles puttering up the access road for a Labor Day picnic. Of course, the Heublein Tower dominates that area of the ridge, built by a tobacco tycoon in 1914 before becoming a part of the state park in the 1960s.

The view from the top looking northwest towards Simsbury.

On our way back down the mountain, we veered from the Metacomet Trail to some of the old carriage paths. Eventually we found ourselves back at the Talcott Mountain Bypass Trail, which led us back to the reservoir. The final leg of our hike was very much off the beaten track. As a dear friend once told me, "there's nothing wrong with a little bushwhacking!" Truer words may have never been spoken. Coming back into the Auer Farm property was a special moment. From woods to farm to the city. A fitting transition!

The apiary at Auer Farm. A little city of bees- closed for the winter.

Overall it was a wonderful morning out with the dog Jay. We clocked in at a little under 6 miles, and about 2.5 hours. Not too shabby.