This past weekend I went hiking in Simsbury, CT. Here are a few pictures from my incredible adventure on Talcott Mountain.

1. Talcott Mountain StateTalcott Mountain State
ParkPark
By: Carolyn Schwartz

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Text
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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Text
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.

10. SourcesSources
Pictures: Carolyn Schwartz
Information: Talcott Mountain State Park Trail Guide