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Hike to the Heublein Tower on Talcott Mountain

Simsbury, Connecticut

4.3/5
based on 7 reviews

Details

Distance

2.54 miles

Elevation Gain

404 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Shannon Kalahan

Short hike with a nice payoff – the view! Some tables, grills and toilets at the top for hikers. Beautiful early 1900's architecture (interior of the tower and summer home accessible during the day only).

The Heublien Tower Trail, located just inside the Talcott Mountain State Park entrance off of Route 185 in Simsbury CT, is a short 1.25 miles. While the hike isn't long, the first 1/3 of a mile is a steep incline that will get your heart pumping.

The trail itself it very well kept, and although it is steep, it is not technical. It is a family friendly hike through typical Connecticut deciduous forest. The trail has some additions obviously meant for to improve the Talcott Mountain experience, such as benches for hikers to rest along the steep section, though the first look out point has no railings and is a steep drop. Keep an eye on your small children there!

Once you get to the first overlook, you have the option to continue on the main trail to the Tower, or follow a secondary trail closer to the cliff edge (and views!).

For more experienced hikers, there is a third alternative trail. There is a section of Metacomet Trail from Route 185 to the Tower that is closer to two miles, with options to continue on in a loop that goes through two other neighboring towns, ultimately bringing your mileage up to 4+ miles.

Without a doubt, the views and the local flora/fauna are the draw at Talcott Mountain. At the base of the Tower, there is a clear view of the valley below the front of the building and from the top of the Tower, there is a 360 degree view of the whole region.

The state park trails are for foot traffic only. (Sorry mountain bikers!)

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Forest
Picnic Area
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Reviews

Talcott is a very simple walk (though not flat) and as others have said, classic CT views. I went to uni nearby and it was a common place for a Sunday morning adventure. It's a popular place to be, so per usual, earlier the better. And great place year round, but the fall foliage is like no other!

It has multiple paths to take and a great view. Also, fun for dogs!

The hike is an awesome workout! Serious uphill climb. The fall foliage views are breathtaking. The cherry on top of this adventure is going through the Heublein Tower Museum at the top of the mountain. I highly recommend attending the “Hike to the Mic” music festival there in August. Great music food and fun at the top of the mountain all day until sunset.

Wonderful hike filled with views and history to of the area. And I learned where and how the Moscow Mule originated!

The hike was steep and short. Trail well highlighted. Once you reach the top, you'll find quite a few areas to sit and enjoy a pretty nice and open view. It was a bit crowed, nothing too out of control.

Like the title suggests the hike was nice and the views were beautiful but it didn't really feel like a hike because of the massive crowd of people

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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