West Peak (Meriden) - New England Scenic Trail - 11-11-2023

Hiking Trail Conditions Report
	Peaks	West Peak (Meriden), CT

	Trails:	New England Scenic Trail

	Date of Hike:	Saturday, November 11, 2023

	Parking/Access Road Notes:	Parked at the pull off by the gas line on Edgewood Road. One other vehicle there at 7:00 when we started and also when we returned at 9:30. Room for 6-8 vehicles.

	Surface Conditions:	Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Leaves - Significant/Slippery

	Recommended Equipment:

	Water Crossing Notes:	One significant stream crossing just before the Peak Drive which was rock hop-able with caution.

	Trail Maintenance Notes:	A few trees down on the Metacomet near Edgewood Drive which are easily stepped over.

	Dog-Related Notes:	This is a dog friendly route with a fair amount of water, particulerly on the lower aspects. Although we did not run into any other canines today.

	Bugs:	Fair amount of ticks on the dogs

	Lost and Found:


	Comments:	We entered the forest on the Metacomet and passed the reservoir (left) and maple syrup operation (right). Rather than ascending to the ridge line on the Metacomet, we took the minor unmarked trail to the left which crosses the gas line below the ridge line and heads toward Peak Drive (Castle Craig service road). Just over the stream crossing and before reaching the service road we took the jeep road to the right and quickly joined the mountain bike trail on the left. Ascending the mountain bike trail we saw a fair number of deer which is common in this area. We reached the service road at the radio towers on West Peak then re-joined the Metacomet heading north along the ridge affording fine views to the West over to Mount Southington Ski Area and Lake Compounce. We descended off the ridge line staying on the Metacomet making for a lollipop loop back to the car. While there remains an old jeep road that continues north toward the Camp Sloper and Timberlin it's unfortunate that the main blue trail is routed along Edgewood road for a considerable distance. Years ago that connected up to Ragged thru the Timberlin stretch with little more than 2 road crossings.

	Name:	Jo-Kah

	E-Mail:

	Date Submitted:	2023-11-13

	Link:	https://
		Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense.