After hibernating through the long winter months, I become quite restless and at the first hint of spring, shed my heavy coat in desperate search of some activity that will allow me to stretch the cold from my joints. Seeing as it is the time of year when jackets are traded for short sleeves and the windows in the car are lowered — even if it is only 50 degrees — it’s a good time to start considering cool-weather hiking trips.
If you have time on a good, dry day, a quick and pleasurable hike can be found in Barkhamsted at the American Legion State Forest, along the Henry Buck Trail. Named for Henry R. Buck, vice president of the Connecticut Forest and Park Association from 1928 to 1930, the trail runs a little over 2 miles, but can be completed at a moderate pace in under two hours.
At the junction of Route 318 and Route 181 in Pleasant Valley, head north on West River Road. The trailhead is clearly marked and has roadside parking adequate for four or five cars. If you eye the stone abutments along the edge of the Farmington River, you will find the trailhead.
The trail is well marked with blue blazes that are immediately visible as you work your way up a gentle climb through a maturing forest. Beyond the first incline, the trail cuts through an open glen that in springtime hosts an incredible growth of wildflowers.
The sounds of road traffic begin to fade and are replaced with the steady flow of a nearby stream. The trail then works its way up a very steady rocky incline that runs alongside the stream. Following the stream, you will continue upward and pass a number of large rock formations before making your first crossing across an improvised stone footbridge.
Once on the other side, you will find the remains of an old water wheel pit, and beyond that, the uphill ascent evens out, leading to another footbridge that brings you back across the stream. The trail winds through a hardwood forest and alongside a number of cliff faces and boulder arrangements. Once you spot the Henry Buck Memorial plaque set firmly in the cliff side, you will be very near the halfway point of the trip.
The trail begins to descend a bit, leading you to a southerly view of the Farmington River Valley through the tree line. After taking in the view, perhaps the most challenging obstacle of the trail lurks around the next bend: a steep climb up a number of boulder formations. Once you have scurried up the small rock facing, you are granted a good breeze and an even better view of the valley.
The path down can be quite steep, but will lead you to another stream that will serve as a nearby companion through the last leg of the trail. Eventually you will spot West River Road through the trees, and only need to follow the road back to the roadside parking lot and trailhead to complete the hike.
The trail is stunningly beautiful even at this time of year, but it is important to let the ground dry out a bit and the last stretches of snow and ice melt, as they can make sections of it incredibly hazardous. The hike can be completed at a comfortable pace in a few hours, but can be fairly challenging in spots.
It is important when hiking, even on short jaunts, to wear sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots, always carry water and dress in layers as the weather can change abruptly.
Further information can be found at the Connecticut Forest and Park Association Web site, ctwoodlands.org, including trail safety tips and a list of essentials for first-time hikers. The association also can be reached by phone at 860-346-2372.
