First Ever January Hike in Gay City State Park, Hebron, CT

[David Ostafin]

Join us for a short winter hike in Gay City State Park, at 386 North Street in Hebron, Connecticut, on January 20, 2024 at 11:00 a.m..  Our group has never before hosted a January hike, because of the likelihood of cold weather conditions.  But our proposed hike in Gay City State Park is short, flat and easy.  If the weather is "biting-cold" that day, we will only be hiking for about one hour.  Our plan is to hike to Gay City Pond for the scenic views over the water, and then return on a trail to visit the ruins of the old mill.    If the weather that day is more temperate, we plan to slightly increase the overall duration of our outdoor activity. 

ABOUT THE PARK:  Gay City State Park consists of 1,559 acres of land located at the Hebron/Bolton town border.  During warm weather the park offers swimming and picnicking.  Hikers use the park in all seasons, even in winter when there is a ground cover of snow.  The name of the park is derived from a mill town that once occupied the site.  "Gay" was the surname of one of the families, the one with the most family members.  The "town" was first settled in 1796 by Henry P. Sumner, the leader of a group of Methodists fleeing religious persecution by Congregationalists (Congregationalism then being the de facto state denomination of Connecticut).   A number of settler families (including the Gays) built a saw mill along the black Ledge River.  Once the mill burned down, the families gradually left and the "town" disappeared.  In 1943 the land was sold to the State of Connecticut  by one of the last descendents of the settler families, and by that time "Gay City"  had been written on maps.  All that remains of the town are the ruins of the old mill and some gravestones with the names Gay and Sumner.  There have been some paranormal investigations in recent years, particularly around the graves, because of reports of "disembodied voices." 

PARKING AND MEETING:  Set your GPS for "386 North Street, Hebron, CT 06248."  From I-384 East you will be taking Exit 5, where you will take a right and eventually turn on Route 85.  As you drive into the park, take the first right to the two-tiered parking area.  Try to arrive by 10:30 a.m. for a prompt departure on the hike at 11:00 a.m.  We will meet just above the parking area.  There is no fee to enter the park.  Dogs are welcomed if leashed.  Remember to dress appropriately for the season, including winter footwear (in case of snow ground cover or muddy conditions).  As always read our disclaimer in the About Us section. 

AFTER-HIKE SOCIAL:  The optional after-hike social will be at Georgina's Restaurant located at 275 Boston Turnpike, Bolton, CT, 06043.  The restaurant is an eleven-minute drive from the park. 

Giovani Querido and David Ostafin