Tunxis Mainline Trail has an option for everyone

Now that the first signs of summer weather have been showing up amidst the days of rain and thunder, it is worthwhile to explore a local trail that offers multiple recreation options as well as a very customizable hike.

The Tunxis Mainline Trail stretches from Satan’s Kingdom in New Hartford on Route 44 to Route 202, and passes through Nepaug State Forest, providing access to a number of side trails. Extend your hike by exploring the Tipping Rock Loop, Valley Outlook or Shelter Four trails, stay on the Mainline Trail for the entirety, or simply explore the scenic areas along the trail before turning back.

Parking on the Route 44 side can be found in the Satan’s Kingdom State Recreation Area lot. Once you have parked, just walk beneath the bridge to find the trailhead. If you decide to approach the trail from the opposite side, look for the Nepaug State Forest entrance on Route 202 before the Nepaug River Crossing.

Starting at the Satan’s Kingdom side of the trail will offer immediate scenic reward as you pass beneath the Route 44 bridge and walk alongside the river to the trailhead. A good breeze comes off the river and the pulsating sound of road traffic from the bridge intertwines with the roar of the river and the songs of birds nested nearby.

The area surrounding the bridge provides a number of spots for fishing but is also worthy of a trip for a brief walk along the river. The trail near the Satan’s Kingdom entrance is flat and easy to traverse, making it appropriate for a trip with children or taking the dog for a brisk walk.

The Mainline Trail stretches along with the river on one side and large rock and boulder formations leading up to Satan’s Kingdom Road on the other. A little over half a mile into the hike you will cross the Tipping Rock Loop Trail marked with blue/yellow blazes. If you decide to diverge from the Mainline Trail to travel on the Tipping Rock Loop, you will be given the opportunity to explore the Valley Outlook Trail as well.

The Shelter Loop Trail marked with blue/green blazes provides another opportunity to extend your hike or to take another path altogether. Both the Tipping Rock Loop and Shelter Loop Trail bring you back to the mainline trail before reaching the Nepaug State Forest trailhead.

All of the trails offer a gorgeous hike, but those who do not feel up to tackling the entirety of the Mainline Trail can take advantage of the scenery surrounding the Route 44 bridge and Satan Kingdom’s trailhead entrance. Those who are looking for a decent place to spend a day but are not up to the 3-mile Mainline Trail trek or the 4.5 additional miles of combined loop trails can still find plenty of enjoyment in the area surrounding Satan’s Kingdom.