NET Mattabesett Trail – Section 12
The New England Trail, or NET Mattabesett – Section 12, was a beautiful section of trail with serene ponds and park-like views. The climbing was easy to moderate with climbing and meandering. The only downside was a bit more road walking than I typically like – which is ANY.
Pictures of the end of Section 12 are a little limited. By the time I had taken a hard tumble on the sidewalk (cough) and worked my way to my car in the dark, I was tired. Section 12 was the end of a 24-mile day, and just trying not to fall off rocks in the dark was my focus by the end of the hike.
I had a headlamp but always delayed putting it on as it screws with my night vision, even if it was a red light.
Prior Post: NET Mattabesett =Section 11
Net Mattabesett Section 12 – Quick Glance
Miles: 6.5
Start – Trail Head & Coordinates: 699-83 Footit Drive, Middletown, CT – 41°34’35.3″N 72°44’33.8″W – Parking Spaces – 2
End – Trail Head & Coordinates: Meriden Rd, Middlefield CT – 41.530723, -72.739620 – Parking Spaces – 8
Difficulty: Moderate
This site includes an Overview of the New England Trail and a Planning Page to help you set up your hike. Information on what I carry in my day pack is also available.
Net Mattabesett Section 12 – Hiking
I hiked the New England Trail, Mattabesett Section 12, southbound. There might be room for two cars on Atkins Road, but I would not suggest parking there. Two people I met had parked on Footit Drive and taken a short connector trail. They both said the parking was good on Footit Drive. Those are the coordinates I have listed above.
Exiting the New England Trail onto Atkins Road, I took a right and headed to Highland Pond Preserve. The traffic was not bad, but there were not many shoulders to move off the road. It did not take long to reach Highland Pond.
Duck Encounter
Highland Pond Preserve was a quiet walk around a small, serene pond. The hiking was easy and peaceful, with a diversity of bird songs. Then, hearing loud quacking, I looked over to see a female wood duck dragging herself through the leaves.
Hearing high-pitched peeping, I saw her ducklings running in the opposite direction. I love the instincts of wildlife. She was trying to lead me away from her babes. Unfortunately, they were going my way alongside the trail. When the “injured duck” routine did not work, she took to the air and tried dive-bombing me!
I’m used to geese being this aggressive, but not wild ducks. Her second pass ruffled my hair, so I ran and quickly left the duck family behind. Looking back, I saw the female duck gathering the kids and herding them into the forest. What a great mom!
Road Walking
Leaving Highland Pond Preserve, the New England Trail turned right onto Bell Road. This quiet road led me out to the busier Country Club Road. Country Club crossed over I-91, which was a memorable stretch of walking.
I was on the sidewalk crossing over I-91 when I saw a coiled wire lying on the sidewalk. At about the same time, I looked down at the wire wrapped around my feet. Managing to turn as I crashed into the concrete, I came down on my side. I had hiked 20 miles so far, and not even stumbled until reaching a busy road with lots of people to watch me!
Several cars quickly stopped as I wallowed around on the sidewalk. I was mortified and must have looked intoxicated as I thrashed about. Managing to pull the wire from around my ankles, I rolled quickly to my feet, waving and yelling, “I’m alright – thanks!” The guy in the pick-up truck had stopped and rolled down his passenger window – staring. I don’t think he believed me.
Waving my hand in thanks at the three or four cars that had stopped, I ducked my red face and continued walking. Ugh.
I reached the trailhead to head up Higby Mountain a little later. Then, finally, I could duck into the trees and nurse my road rash and lumps!
Higby Mountain
The trailhead before Higby Mountain has good parking. It looks like a new parking area is in the middle of being installed. The climb up to the top of Higby is probably pretty famous.
The New England Trail wound its way up to the top of Higby on a pretty long but moderate climb. Pay attention after the first 1/2 mile past the trailhead on Country Club Road. The trail cuts off quickly to the right and then starts its ascent.
The long climb up to the summit of Higby is worth the effort. It is almost park-like, with long, lush grasses and beautiful views. There are some little up and downs, but nothing too major. The Mattabesett weaves its way along the tops of the cliffs with many places to stop and enjoy the views and the hike.
Camels Hump Mountain
The sun was beginning to set when I stopped with only 2 miles left until reaching my car. I was starving and had brought my headlamp, so I did not mind walking the last mile or so in the dark.
It was nice to stretch out on the cliff’s edge in the grass, but I began getting antsy before long. I had run out of water about an hour earlier and was pretty thirsty. Then, a quarter of a mile further, I came upon a small spring running down some rock steps – bingo!
The water was godsendnd! Water has been scarce over the last 3 or 4 sections I have hiked. I spend a lot of time on the escarpment, and even the low points have not provided many creeks lately. So sat there guzzling cold, refreshing spring water for about 10 minutes before moving to Camels Hump Mountain, which also had lovely ridge views.
Back at the Car
The half-mile trek down the New England Trail to the parking lot was steeper than I had anticipated. There were even a few spots where I had to throw down my poles, crouch and jump. Those sections are never much fun in the dark, even with a headlamp.
Finally reaching the car, I settled into the driver’s seat, breathing a sigh of relief. I knew I would be stiff and sore by the time I got home, but other than embarrassing myself on the sidewalk, it had been a fantastic day! A few lumps were worth it!
Parking at the end of Section 12 is excellent. You can either park in the lot on Route 61 or at Guida’s restaurant. There is plenty of room, and both locations seem safe. of course, I prefer ending my hike where there is food.
