Hike on North Haven's Tidal Marsh Trail on March 16, 2024

[David Ostafin]

Join us for a pre-Spring, easy hike on the Tidal Marsh Trail in North Haven, CT on Saturday, March 16,2024 at 11:00 a.m. to view the marsh along the Quinnipiac River and to walk through the ruins of the abandoned Cedar Hill Rail Yard.  Meet at the trailhead in the rear parking lot of North Haven's Target Store (200 Universal Drive, North Haven, CT) at 10:30 a.m. for a prompt departure at 11:00 a.m.  The rain date is the following day, Sunday March 17.

ABOUT THE HIKE:  The total distance of this flat, easy hike is less than 3 miles, but the hiking duration will be about 2 hours, as there is much to explore and photograph:  the picturesque marshland, the dilapidated buildings and control towers of the rail yard, and the numerous graffiti splattered among the ruins (which to many achieve the level of urban art).  Also along the trails there is an awesome view of the Sleeping Giant off in a distance.

Besides the marsh and the rail yard ruins, the climax of the hike is the 14-foot Polar Bear Sculpture, created by artist Michael DeAngelo and located in the former rail car repair shop.  The artist created the sculpture from discarded material found scattered throughout the abandoned rail yard.  The artwork itself is beginning to deteriorate, as if to integrate with the surrounding ruins.  Our hike is an opportuned to view the sculpture, while it still bears a resemblance to a polar bear.

ABOUT THE LOCATION:  The trail itself was developed in 2012 by the North Haven Trail Association from both public and private funds.  The area was hit by the tornado of August 2020, and many large trees were toppled.  One sees many of these fallen trees and limbs along the trail, but the Association keeps the trail itself clear of obstructions.

The Cedar Hill Rail Yard was opened in 1894 by the New Haven Railroad in the Cedar Hill neighborhood of North Haven.  Most of the structures were built in the 1920's.  At its height in the early 1940's, it was the largest rail yard on the east coast, spanning 880 acres and having a capacity of 15,000 rail cars.  The rail yard began its decline with the construction of the nation's highway system in the post World War Two era.  Rail transportation could not compete with the motor vehicle.  The New Haven Railroad filed for bankruptcy in 1961.  There was a merger with Penn Central in 1969, and then a subsequent merger with Conrail in 1976.  There was a last ditch effort to repair and renovate the yard in the 1970's, before total abandonment ensued.

Michael DeAngel created the Polar Bear Sculpture in May 2020.  There are many videos online that feature the sculpture.

DIRECTIONS;  As noted above, the trailhead is located in the back of the North Haven Target Store (200 Universal Drive, North Haven).  Take Exit 9 off of Interstate 91 to reach the North Haven Target.

IMPORTANT NOTES;  Because of its proximity to a marsh, the trail is "Mosquito Heaven" in warm weather.  We are hoping that the mosquitoes will be inactive in March, but, notwithstanding, ample bug spray is suggested.  Strong boots are recommended for walking upon areas of scattered debris in the rail yard.  Dog owners should pay heed to the debri-strewn areas which might contain shards or other sharp fragments.  As always, dress appropriately and read our DISCLAIMER in the ABOUT section.

The Polar Bear Sculpture is off-trail, and can be easily missed by hikers.  It is important that participants follow the hike leaders, especially in the off-trail area as we venture to the sculpture.

AFTER HIKE SOCIAL:  The optional after-hike social and luncheon will be at Torito Mexican Restaurant, located at 150 Universal Drive, North Haven, which is about a five minute drive from the trail head.  The menu, feature Mexican cuisine, can be viewed at:  https://toritomexicanrestaurant.com

Since the hike will take place on St. Patrick Day weekend, participants should consider wearing something green for the hike. 

David Ostafin & Giovani Querido

CT Pride Hikers