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Connecticut
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Connecticut State Parks

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USA Parks
Connecticut
River Valley Region
Talcott Mountain State Park
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Talcott Mountain State Park © Mentzelia / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
View of Talcott Mountain from Nod Brook Wildlife Area
Talcott Mountain State Park © Ragesoss / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Part of the trail to Heublein Tower in Talcott Mountain State Park in Connecticut, on a busy October Sunday afternoon.
Talcott Mountain State Park © Doug Kerr from Albany, NY, United States / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Heublein Tower - Simsbury, Connecticut
Talcott Mountain State Park © Craig R. / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Heublein Tower was opened in 1914. It can be found at the top of Talcott Mountain State Park in Simsbury, Connecticut. On the left side of the the photograph you can see Hartford city skyline.
Talcott Mountain State Park © Doug Kerr from Albany, NY, United States / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Heublein Tower - Simsbury, Connecticut
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TALCOTT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
TALCOTT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
Summit Ridge Drive
Simsbury, Connecticut   06070
(lat:41.8355 lon:-72.7909) map location
The familiar Farmington River Valley landmark of Heublein Tower sits atop Talcott Mountain, a long, precipitous wooded ledge named after the Talcott family. The 165-foot structure was built as a summer home in 1914 by Gilbert Heublein. In the early fifties, two future presidents were guests of the Hartford Times, then General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan, then president of the Screen Actors' Guild. Following a period of ownership of the property by the Hartford Times during WWII and the early 1950's, it was slated for residential development by a private corporation when the 557 acres of Talcott Mountain came under public ownership in 1965 through the cooperative efforts of private conservationists and state and federal governments.

The 1,000-foot high promontory provides a splendid view of the Connecticut landscape. On the horizon, Mount Monadnock, eighty miles away in New Hampshire, is discernible. To the northwest, the Berkshires dominate the horizon. Long Island Sound is revealed as a thin blue streak to the south. Those with sharp vision can see an area estimated to be 1,200 square miles.

Hikers may encounter a variety of wildlife including deer, fox and rabbits in this natural sanctuary. Bird watchers enjoy occasional sightings of the turkey vulture, bald eagle, and pileated woodpecker. During May, visitors find wildflowers such as trillium, trout lily, wood anemone, and Dutchman's breeches among the damp, craggy rocks. Tables, grills, and toilets are available for picnickers.
Nature of the Area
The Tower Trail is 1.25 miles long a walk to the Tower takes approximately 30 - 40 minutes. Also running through the park is a section of the Metacomet Trail, developed and maintained with volunteer assistance by the Connecticut Forest and Park Association.

The Heublein Tower historic home and museum is accessible by walking trail only. The trail is 1.25 miles long.

The museum is open seasonally from 10 am to 5 pm. Pets, food, drink, and walking sticks are not allowed in the museum. Please call the park office for specific hours at 860-242-1158.

Groups larger than 20 visiting the museum are asked to call the park office at 860-242-1158 to make arrangements in advance. Picnic tables, grills, bathrooms, and water are available on the grounds.
Trash containers are not provided, please carry out what you have carried in.
History of the Area
The park was established in 1965. It spans over 574 acres of land on Talcott Mountain. The mountain is a popular hiking destination due to its scenic views and trails.

The Heublein Tower, an iconic landmark within the park's boundaries, was built by Gilbert F. Heublein as his summer home between 1911-14.

In addition to outdoor activities like picnicking and bird watching, visitors can also tour this historic tower that offers panoramic views from its observation deck.

Over time it has become one of Connecticut's most visited state parks attracting thousands annually for recreational purposes or historical interest.

Passes
Connecticut has made state parks, forests, trails, historic sites and beaches more accessible to our residents so they can enjoy the many attractions and beauty they offer. Under the Passport to the Parks program, parking fees are now eliminated at Connecticut State Parks for those with Connecticut registered vehicles. You can view the CONNECTICUT PASSPORT TO THE PARKS web page to learn more.



Trails
- Metacomet Trail: This is the main trail in Talcott Mountain State Park, stretching 62.7 miles across Connecticut and Massachusetts; it's a part of New England National Scenic Trail.

- Heublein Tower Hiking Trails: A network of trails leading to an historic tower with panoramic views; includes short (1 mile) or long loop (2.5 miles).

- Yellow Dot Loop Trail: An easy-to-moderate hike that covers about 3.4 miles round trip through forested areas and open fields.

- Red Circle Route: Roughly half-mile-long path which leads directly from parking area to Heublein Tower, suitable for beginners due its relatively flat terrain.

- Blue Blazed Ridge Walks - Avon Section : Part of larger system throughout state park featuring stunning ridge walks over rocky outcrops offering expansive vistas; approximately four-mile stretch within park boundaries.

- Tower Pathway Accessible Route : Paved pathway designed specifically for wheelchair accessibility running roughly one-third mile between picnic pavilion near entrance gate up towards base station at bottom end of tower complex slope.

- Avon Land Trust Trails - Linking Paths System : Network connecting several different routes including those on private lands managed by local conservation group allowing hikers more extensive exploration options beyond official state property lines.

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Area Campgrounds
Lake Compounce Campground
185 Enterprise Drive
Bristol, CT
860-583-3300
White Pines Campground
232 Old North Road
Barkhamsted, CT
860-379-0124
Nearby Hotels
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Directions
Directions from Hartford, Connecticut:

- Start on I-84 W.
- Take exit 37 for Fienemann Rd toward US-6/Bristol/Farmington.
- Turn right onto CT-Rte10 N/CT-Rte4 E/S Main St.

From New Haven, Connecticut:

- Begin on I91-N towards Hartford.
- Merge onto Route15 North via Exit29A
- Continue to Simsbury and take the Weatogue exit

From Boston Massachusetts:

- Get started by heading southwest on MA90-W/Massachusetts Tpke/I90W
- Then merge into I84 West through Exit9B-A in direction of Hartford/New York City



Once at your respective exits:

1) Follow signs for Avon/Collinsville/Rt177N until you reach a roundabout.

2) At the roundabout, continue straight to stay on Rt167S/Hopmeadow Street.

3) After about half a mile turn left onto Lawton Road which will lead directly into Talcott Mountain State Park entrance.

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Connecticut
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Connecticut State Parks

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