Talcott Mountain State Talcott Mountain State ParkPark

By: Carolyn Schwartz

Since 1972 more than three million people have visited Talcott Mountain State Park. Talcott is best described as a 450-acre expanse of land anchored by the State Department of Environmental Protection. It is also home to miles of gradual hiking trails, a spectacular ridge line, and awesome vistas.

Poison Ivy is a common plant and can be found in a wide range of habitats. The poisonous sap can cause a skin rash and other dangerous affects. In the past, an extract of poison ivy was used as a blister producer. Now, it is a plant that many hikers are afraid of.

The Talus slopes are impressive rock walls that resulted when the liquid basalt slowly cooled after oozing out of the earth. They are characteristic of basalt ridges, which, as part of the Metacomet Ridge, is largely what Talcott Mountain consists of. Many hikers like to climb these slopes for a better view of the trail.

This is a view of Hartford from the Heublein Tower Observation room. The 360-degree view from the Tower’s observation room offers a breathtaking 5,000-square-mile view from each window. The tower allows you to see in each direction and gives you a description of each sight that the human eye can see. The tower is free and open 7 days a week.

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This picture was taken at the “Hang Glider” Overlook. The “Hang Glider overlook” is the vantage point of the largest clearing on the trail. The view allows you to see the Farmington River Valley, the mountains on the boarder of eastern New York and Western Connecticut. It also shows amazing foliage as the seasons change.

Hickory trees are very common on Talcott Mountain. They are identified by their compound leaves, each leaf having five to seven leaflets. Hickory wood is tough yet flexible, making it ideal for axe handles and many striking tools. It also can make a fantastic bench.

Sugar Maples are also common trees on Talcott Mountain. Sugar Maples are famous in New England for their use in making maple sugar. Making maple sugar from the sap of the maple tree was learned from the Native Americans. They used it as a sauce for many things, including meat.

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Gilbert Heublein, owner of the Tower, first promised his fiancee Louise that he would build her a castle on the mountain while hiking there in 1875. He was 26 at the time. Although it took him another 39 years, he kept his promise! Today, Talcott Mountain is home to many West Hartford and Simsbury residents who enjoy the great outdoors.

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Pictures: Carolyn Schwartz

Information: Talcott Mountain State Park Trail Guide