Fall Foliage Hike at Black Rock State Park, Watertown, CT

[David Ostafin]

Join us for an autumnal hike in Black Rock State Park (2065 Thomaston Road, Watertown, CT) on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.  We have high expectations that the day of the hike will coincide with the peak of fall foliage.  The summit of Black Rock will offer panoramic views of the autumnal season over the Naugatuck Valley.  The hike is planned to require about two hours of walking time, and is of MODERATE intensity, with some steep inclines in the ascent to and descent from the summit.  The total distance to be traversed will be 2.6 miles.  The rain date is the following day, Sunday, October 13, 2024.

Our hiking group last had an event in this park in April 2015, as a Spring Hike.  The group has never yet climbed the summit for a view of the fall foliage.

ABOUT THE HIKE:  Meet in the parking lot of the park, near the park station building, at 10:30 a.m. for a prompt departure at 11:00 a.m.  The plan is to walk from the parking lot to the blue-blazed Mattatuck Trail.  We will stay on the blue-blazed trail until its intersection with the red-blazed trail, and then hike the red-blazed trail to its eventual intersection with the blue-blazed trail (as a loop).  This is the point of the Black Rock Summit, where we will remain for photo ops and a small snack.  We will then continue on the blue-blazed trail South, until we access the unblazed path along the scenic Black Rock Pond, ending in the beach area, and then walk back to the parking lot.  The total distance is only 2.6 miles and the walking time is about two hours.  But challenging terrain in the ascent/descent of the summit, with some rocky sections, will require careful footing (wear appropriate footwear and consider using a walking stick).  As always, dress appropriately and read our DISCLAIMER in the About section..  Bring a small snack for the summit and ample water.  Dogs are allowed on the trails (but not in the campground). There is no charge to either CT-registered or out-of-state registered vehicles at this time of year.

ABOUT THE PARK:  Black Rock State Park is a public recreational area covering 444 acres adjoining the Mattatuck State Forest in the Town of Watertown.  It is a popular spot for swimming and fishing in the picturesque Black Rock Pond.  There is also a campground with 78 campsites.  For hiking, the Mattatuck Trail system allows an ascent to a large black rock, Black Rock, from which there are views of Thomaston, Watertown, and parts of Waterbury.  According to legend, the name is derived from the local graphite deposits (graphite, from the Greek for 'to write,' is the "lead" of pencils) that early settlers of the Naugatuck Valley were allowed to mine by the resident Indians (Mohegan, Paugusset, and Tunxis) in 1657.  Black Rock was given to the people of Connecticut in 1926.  Access roads and facilities were developed by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corp) in the 1930's.  It became a state park in 1952.

DIRECTIONS:  Use "2065 Thomaston Road, Watertown, CT" as a GPS address.

From Route 8 North:  Take Exit 38.  Turn left at the end of the exit ramp to the first traffic light.  turn left onto Route 6 West (Pine HIll Road).  The Park is a half mile on the right, on US Route 6 (at this point Thomaston Road).

From Route 8 South:  Take Exit 38.  Go straight ahead to the end of the rampe to Route 6 West.  The Park entrance is on the right.

AFTER-HIKE SOCIAL:  For those interested, the after-hike social will be at a nearby restaurant:  Black Rock Tavern & Restaurant, 78 Main Street, Thomaston, CT.  The restaurant has a website with the menu.  The restaurant features burgers and a wide variety of beer and hard ciders. 

David Ostafin & Giovani Querido