Scantic River - Enfield, CT

Date Hiked: Sunday, February 3, 2019
Estimated distance:  1.76 miles
Weather: 34°F, cloudy
Resources: Scantic River Watershed Association, Scantic River Linear Park (Enfield) Map
Highlights of the trip: walking along the river


I noticed the Scantic River Watershed Association was offering a game day Super Bowl hike and it seemed like a good idea to get out and get some exercise and fresh air before planting myself in front of the TV and eating chicken wings!

We met at the parking lot of Powder Hollow Brewery.  There were quiet a few of us, enough to divide into a couple of groups.  I got a chance to catch up with someone involved with the American River Heritage Commission that I had met at CT Trails day in 2018 on the Scantic River in East Windsor.  This is another reason why hiking with groups can be fun.  Getting to meet such nice people.

I know we stopped to look at the fish ladder, but with the number of people, I didn't get a real good look.  We continued along next to the river and got to hear a little of the history of the area.  I had worn my microspikes, but they really were unnecessary.  In fact, there was one little girl walking along in her sparkly, pink sneakers.  She didn't seem to be having any problems, but I have to imagine her feet were cold and probably a bit wet by the time we got back to the parking lot.

The weather wasn't perfect, but I enjoyed the hike and seeing some place I hadn't been to before.

CF&PA Trails Weekend: Scantic River State Park - East WIndsor

Date Hiked: Sunday, June 3, 2018
Estimated distance:  2.6 miles
Weather: 68°F, scattered clouds
Resources: Scantic River Park Map, American Heritage River Commission Facebook Page
Highlights of the trip:  new bridge
Progress toward NET Hike 50 Challenge: 10.5/50 miles completed


I have long wanted to participate in CT Forest & Park Association's Trails Weekend, and I finally made it happen this year.  I selected a hike in East Windsor that was along the Scantic River.  The parking for this event was at the end of Melrose Road on the east side of the river.  From the map, you can see that there is a Melrose Road on the other side of the river, but the road is not connected.

When I arrived, there were quite a few cars already lining the road and as I looked down to the end, there was a group of people all wearing the same color shirt.  Also, the person I parked behind had legislative plates on their car.  Ugh.  What was I getting into?  I thought I was just going for a hike.

It turns out, that the American Heritage River Commission, who had organized this hike, was having a ribbon cutting for the new bridge that had been laid down.  It was placed within the framework of the old Melrose Road Bridge.  The ribbon cutting and speech took very little time and then we were off on our hike.  I do not remember the name of the trails, but they make a big loop.  First we climbed up along the ridge and then came down and walked back along the river.

The river was very shallow and I don't think it would be good for kayaking right now.  When we got back, I checked out the new bridge.  I have included pictures of the signs that were on display. 

On the far side of the bridge, the volunteers have just started clearing a path that follows the old road bed.  It is still pretty rough, and it looks like it took a lot of work.  A lot of undergrowth.  I don't know if they plan on continuing it all the way to the western part of Melrose Road.  During the dedication of the bridge, someone in the audience was explaining that this used to be the main road for the farms to get their goods to the Connecticut River.  It makes sense if you look at a map.  Melrose Road runs straight into Route 140 which continues straight to the Connecticut River.

One of the highlights of this hike for me was speaking with the hike leader after the event.  I had been on the hike by myself, and didn't know anyone, so felt a little out of place.  After speaking with the leader and learning more about the work the Commission has done and other activities they organize, I left feeling glad that I had attended.