Burr Pond and the Wolcott Trail

Burr Pond State Park in Torrington is a well known recreation spot for swimming, fishing and picnicking. The trail that surrounds Burr Pond offers an easy hike that is ideal for anyone looking for a lengthy but relatively gentle walk.

The trailhead can be reached by taking Route 8 to Exit 46. Turn onto Winsted Road heading south, until you spot the sign for Burr Pond State Park. Continue on Burr Mountain Road until you spot the turn that will lead you into the park. You can reach the trail from this lot, but there is a fee to park. If you would rather avoid paying the fee, continue on Burr Mountain Road until you reach the turn for the boat launch. Here there is plenty of room to park and you can approach the trail from either direction.

The blue-blazed Wolcott Trail skirts the perimiter of Burr Pond and also provides access through a connecting trail to the John Muir Trail. Walking the Wolcott Trail in a counter-clockwise direction will quickly thrust you into a mixed hardwood forest and carry you along the first of many small wooden foot bridges.

Burr Pond will remain with you throughout your hike, and will often be only a few feet from the trail. Pass through black cherry, mountain laurel, hemlock, black, white and yellow birch, and over small stream crossings that snake their way to Burr Pond until you stumble upon the first of many large glacial boulders.

This first of these boulders holds a plaque dedicated to Philip Buttrick, the former Connecticut Forest and Parks Association secretary-forester and supervisor of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Take time to explore the monstrous boulder and also the growths of Indian pipe that are sprouting in abundance after a stretch of wet weather.

Continue along the blue-blazed Wolcott trail, taking in the earthy scents of the path and the breeze coming off the pond. You will begin to gain a bit of elevation, but it is gentle and slight so it should offer little difficulty. Keep an eye alert for the quick turn in the trail, where access to the blue-white blazed Wolcott-Muir connecting trail pops up.

Moving along the Wolcott Trail you will quickly stumble upon another large glacial boulder that sits on the blue-yellow side trail. Take some time to explore this side path as it offers a vista that overlooks the pond and park.

Return to the Wolcott Trail, working your way over an increased presence of rock outcroppings. The trail will eventually lead you past the Burr Pond dam and over a bridge that quickly leads to the state park grounds.

Cross the parking lot and head back down along the shore, finishing out the final leg of the trail before reaching the boat launch parking lot.

The Wolcott Trail clocks in at about 2.5 miles, and although much of that is level and well worn terrain, it still makes for a very satisfying hike. There are a number of spots ideal for photos or stopping for a quick lunch, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Despite being so near the pond and the numerous small brook crossings, the trail is very accessible even after the recent bout of wet weather, but caution is of course still recommended and necessary on the trail’s rockier portions.

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