I started on the Excessive Ridge Street trailhead and adopted the Crimson Path across the perimeter, then linked to the Yellow and Blue Trails. From there, I continued south on the Crimson Path, picked up the Blue Path heading north on the southern finish, turned left onto the Inexperienced Path, and adopted the pipeline highway again to the trailhead. I solely missed a brief part of the Crimson and Blue, and rewalking a brief part of the Crimson Path.
Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge Observe
As proven within the elevation profile beneath, the hike is almost flat.
Elevation Profile – Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge
This hike will be mixed with Turkey Hill Protect Loop, which is a few mile away (a 3-minute drive). Or seek the advice of the SCRCOG web site for details about extra trails within the space.
Parking:
Parking is a small roadside pull-off alongside the tip of Excessive Ridge Street in Orange, CT, close to the path kiosk. Areas are restricted and casual, so cautious parking is required to keep away from blocking site visitors. From right here, the trailhead is straight away accessible.
Excessive Ridge Street Trailhead
Excessive Ridge Street Trailhead
There aren’t any restrooms on the Excessive Ridge Street trailhead or parking space, so plan accordingly earlier than your go to.
The Hike: As an alternative of outlining a step-by-step route, I’ll deal with the person trails and what to anticipate alongside the way in which.
Crimson Path 1.2 miles ~ Ranging from Excessive Ridge Street, the Crimson Path begins behind the kiosk and rapidly reaches the Housatonic Overlook, just some steps away. A bench sits on the edge for many who wish to pause and take within the view. Whereas the outlook isn’t fairly what it as soon as was attributable to tree progress, it nonetheless gives a peaceable place to sit down and unwind above the valley.
Crimson Path – Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge
Crimson Path – Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge
Crimson Path – Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge
Scattered alongside the Crimson Path on Tucker’s Ridge are clusters of weathered rock formations that add a rugged, textured character to the hike. Formed over time by erosion, these outcrops vary from low, moss- and lichen-covered slabs to extra pronounced ledges that break by the forest ground, sometimes forming pure perches alongside the ridgeline above the Housatonic River.
Crimson Path – Tucker’s Ridge
The Crimson Path gives occasional, partial views of the Housatonic River because it travels south alongside Tucker’s Ridge. Simply earlier than the path meets the pipeline easement, there are restricted, filtered views to the south by the bushes, the place the panorama briefly opens earlier than the forest closes in once more alongside the ridge.
Crimson Path – Tucker’s Ridge
Crimson Path – Tucker’s Ridge
Crimson Path – Tucker’s Ridge
The Crimson Path drops over uncovered bedrock and crosses a small stream that drains the northern wetland space earlier than making a pointy, easy-to-miss left flip up the hillside. From there, it curves southeast towards the flatter inside trails, passing by a forest of hardwoods with a dense mountain laurel understory and scattered, scenic rock formations that break up the panorama.
Crimson Path – Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge
Crimson Path – Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge
In accordance with what I learn, a part of the jap part of the Crimson Path, travels on an outdated stage coach highway.
Crimson Path – Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge
As soon as it reaches the inside of the property, the Crimson Path loops across the southern portion of the tract earlier than turning northeast. Alongside the way in which, it intersects each segments of the Blue Path and crosses the jap leg of the Yellow Path, finally terminating on the western leg of the Yellow Path.
Alongside the way in which, the path passes by the southern wetland space, the place wood puncheons assist preserve the footing dry. In season, vernal swimming pools—short-term, rain- and snowmelt-fed ponds—will also be discovered right here.
Crimson Path – Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge
Crimson Path – Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge
Yellow Path 0.2 mile ~ This yellow-blazed path begins close to the far northeastern finish of the property. It turns proper at a junction with the Crimson Path and loops round, passing the tip of the Crimson Path, to its terminus farther down at a T-intersection with the Blue Path.
Yellow Path – Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge
The Yellow Path includes a quick, steep descent alongside an attention grabbing rock formation earlier than leveling out because it winds by the northern wetlands. Alongside the way in which, it passes by stands of mountain laurel and seasonal vernal swimming pools that add curiosity to the panorama.
Yellow Path – Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge
Yellow Path – Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge
Yellow Path – Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge
Blue Path 0.4 mile ~ This blue-blazed path runs by the middle of the property, connecting with the Yellow, Crimson, and Inexperienced trails. It travels by low-lying terrain full of Mountain Laurel, with small cliffs and intermittent rocky slopes rising on either side of the trail. It maintains a reasonably stage grade all through, making for a straightforward and regular stroll by the guts of the property.
Blue Path – Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge
Blue Path – Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge
Blue Path – Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge
Inexperienced Path 0.2 mile ~ this green-blazed path is a brief connector that hyperlinks the Blue and Crimson Trails.
From the Blue Path, it climbs the ridge in a northwestern course, passing the sting of the northern wetlands and crossing a small stream earlier than ending on the fuel pipeline Proper-of-Approach (ROW).
Inexperienced Path – Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge
Inexperienced Path – Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge
Inexperienced Path – Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge
Inexperienced Path – Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge
Overview:
The path system right here is nicely laid out and pleasing to discover, with a pleasant mixture of terrain that retains issues fascinating—rocky sections, wooded paths, wetlands, and pockets of mountain laurel all add selection alongside the way in which. It’s an ideal spot for a brief, simple hike the place you possibly can cowl a number of trails with out a lot effort. That mentioned, the views are a bit underwhelming, particularly in comparison with what this ridgeline possible provided prior to now, however the general expertise on the paths nonetheless makes it a worthwhile go to if you’re within the space.
Professionals:
Diversified terrain, comparatively well-marked path community, simple navigation, quick and manageable mileage, fascinating rock formations, peaceable wooded setting, wetland options with puncheons, Mountain Laurel in season.
Cons:
Restricted views attributable to tree progress, small path system, minimal elevation acquire, overlook can really feel underwhelming.
Take a hike!
Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge
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