Hemlock Hills and Pine Mountain, two amazing trails in Ridgefield, Connecticut that will give you a taste of nature and adventure. If you love the outdoors and are looking for a challenge, you might want to try these trails and see what they have to offer. Here’s what you need to know before you go:

Hemlock Hills and Pine Mountain Trail

This trail is a 7.6-mile loop that takes you through Hemlock Hills Open Space and Pine Mountain Reserve, two of the most stunning and diverse natural areas in Ridgefield. The trail is rated as hard, so be ready for some tough climbs, rocky sections, and wet areas. You’ll also need to watch out for the trail markers, as there are many junctions and side trails along the way. The trail is mostly yellow-blazed, but it also follows some parts of the red-blazed Ives Trail, which is named after Charles E. Ives, the famous composer and Connecticut’s state composer.

The trail begins at the parking lot on South Shore Drive, where you’ll cross the road and enter Hemlock Hills Open Space. You’ll follow the yellow trail as it goes through the woods, passing by some ponds and creeks. You’ll soon reach Pine Mountain Road, where you’ll cross the street and continue on the yellow trail into Pine Mountain Reserve. This is where the fun starts.

The trail goes up to the top of Pine Mountain, which is one of the highest points in Ridgefield at 1,021 feet above sea level. Along the way, you’ll get some breathtaking views of the Ridgefield Lakes and the Long Island Sound on clear days. You’ll also come across some interesting features, such as an old chimney and an airplane tower that used to be on top of the mountain. The trail circles around the peak of Pine Mountain, where you can explore some impressive rock formations and look for wildlife. You might see some deer, turkeys, squirrels, birds, or even some Eastern Red Spotted Newts, which are bright orange or red salamanders that live in the area.

The trail then goes down from Pine Mountain and returns to Hemlock Hills Open Space, where you’ll go back to the parking lot. The whole loop takes about 3 hours and 25 minutes to finish on average, but you can take your time and enjoy the scenery along the way. This trail is a great option for hiking, mountain biking, or snowshoeing, depending on the season. Dogs are welcome on this trail, but they must be kept on a leash.

Tips for Hiking Hemlock Hills and Pine Mountain Trail

• Wear comfortable shoes or boots that can handle the rough terrain and wet conditions.
• Bring enough water and snacks to keep yourself hydrated and energized.
• Dress suitably for the weather and layer up if needed.
• Apply sunscreen and insect repellent to protect yourself from the sun and bugs.
• Carry a map or use a GPS app to navigate the trail.
• Respect the nature and wildlife by staying on the trail, leaving no trace, and not feeding or disturbing any animals.
• Have fun and take lots of pictures!

We hope you liked this blog post about hiking Hemlock Hills and Pine Mountain Trail. If you’re looking for more hiking trails in Ridgefield, you can check out some of these options:

• Red Blaze Trail Loop: A 2.2-mile loop that offers forest views and a moderate challenge.
• Lake Windwing, Bennett’s Pond and Pine Mountain Loop: A 6.5-mile loop that combines three different trails and features a lake, a pond, and a mountain.
• Seth Low Pierrepont State Park Trail: A 3-mile loop that goes around Lake Naraneka and offers easy hiking and fishing opportunities.

Thank you for reading. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Happy hiking! 😊