Turkey Hike on the Metacomet Trail, East Granby, CT

[David Ostafin]

Join us on our Pre-Thanksgiving hike up to Peak Mountain via the Metacomet Trail within the Granby Land Trust, in East Granby, CT.  The hike will take place on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 11:00 a.m..  It is in the area just below the geographically interesting part of the Connecticut/Massachusetts border called the Granby Notch/Southwick Jog, the general area where the Old Newgate Prison is located.  Meet at the EAST GRANBY FARMS RECREATIONAL AREA--NORTH ENTRANCE, located at 111 North Main Street, East Granby, CT at 10:30 a.m. for a prompt departure at 11:00 a.m.  The rain date is the following day, Sunday, November 23, 2025.  This is a relatively short hike, 2.3 miles total, rated as EAST TO MODERATE, that is mostly flat but with some inclines, including the final ascent to Peak Mountain for scenic views.  This hike is a first for our group, and is thus an expansion of our repertoire of Connecticut hikes.

ABOUT THE HIKE:  There are five trailheads where one can begin a hike to the overlook on Peak Mountain (a.k.a. Copper Mountain).  We decided on the Brian Spears Trail, a red-blazed trail that eventually intersects with the blue-blazed Metacomet Trail and the final ascent to Peak Mountain.  The advantage of this route is that the red-blazed trail is a more gradual incline up to the mountain top.  Also, there is ample parking at the trailhead to the Brian Spears Trail, as there is a large parking area marked with the sign "EAST GRANBY FARMS RECREATIONAL AREA--NORTH ENTRANCE."  Other trailheads offer only limited off road-parking.  The total distance to be hiked is 2.3 miles.  We will ascend to the 459 ft. elevation to Peak Mountain, then return back to the parking area.  The hike should require about two hours to complete.

ABOUT THE AREA:  Peak Mountain is also called Copper Mountain, as this is the area where the historic Newgate Copper Mine (1707) operated.  This mine morphed into the first state prison (1773) during the Colonial and Revolutionary War period.  Prisoners were inhumanely housed in the subterranean copper mines.  A visit to the nearby Old Newgate Prison and Copper Mine, a national historic site open for tours seasonably, is highly recommended.  The hiking trails in the area are within the Granby Land Trust (GLT), founded in 1972, which owns 2,419 acres of land and holds conservation easement on an additional 1,070 acres.  The GLT is committed to environmental education, conservation, and walking trail maintenance.  A three-quarter mile segment of the 62.7 mile blue-blazed Metacomet Trail passes through the GLT.  It is this segment of the Metacomet Trail which reaches the summit of Peak Mountain, where there are stunning views of the Town of Granby and the surrounding area.

NOTE; As always, dress appropriately for the season, including adequate footwear for hiking, and bring ample water for hydration.  A walking stick may help for maintaining balance.  Read our Disclaimer (our group disclaims all liability; responsibility is assumed by each participant for him/herself).  Dogs are welcome, and are frequently observed on all the trails.  There are no bathroom facilities (the closest is at the South Entrance off N. Main Street).  Consider bringing a small snack (fruit, nuts, trail mix) for our mid-hike break atop Peak Mountain.

DIRECTIONS:  Head toward Bradley International Airport (BDL). From points South, take 91 North to Exit 40.  Then take the exit to Route 20, East Granby.  On Route 20, look for the turn on to Route 187 N.  Continue straight until the turnoff.  Turn in at the sign that reads "EAST GRANBY FARMS RECREATIONAL AREA--NORTH ENTRANCE."  Since there are many ways to hike to Peak Mountain, and thus many trailheads, be sure to meet up with the group at the red-blazed Brian Spears Trail.  You can try the following GPS address to locate the turn on North Main Street:  "111 North Main Street, East Granby, CT."  We will meet in the parking lot, near the kiosk at the trailhead to the Brian Spears Trail.

AFTER HIKE SOCIAL:  The optional after-hike social/luncheon will take place at a local restaurant in Granby:  The Barn, 17R East Granby Road, Granby, CT.  This restaurant is the red color of old colonial barns.  The menu is at:  https://atthebarngranby.com

David Ostafin & Giovani Querido