Molloy - Hiking through history: New England: exploring the regions past by trail

This hike treks along the wild Housatonic River, first spanning it via a historic covered bridge. Next join the Appalachian Trail, wandering by whitewater rapids amid former farmland, replete with stone fences. The hike then stops by an AT shelter, where old agricultural implements can be found. Leave the enticing water and then climb to Ten Mile Hill for a view. A mini-loop at hikes end leads by old chimneys from a forgotten homesite.

Start: Bulls Bridge parking area

Distance: 4.7 miles out and back with a mini-loop on return

Hiking time: 33.5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate due to 700-foot climb

Trail surface: Natural

Best season: Summer for aquatic fun

Other trail users: None

Canine compatibility: Dogs allowed

Land status: First Light Power Generating Company, National Park Service

Fees and permits: No fees or permits required

Schedule: Open 24 hours a day year-round; no trailhead parking allowed between sunset and sunrise

Maps: Appalachian Trail, Kent to CT 55 section

Trail contact: National Park Service, Appalachian Trail Park Office, PO Box 50, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425; (304) 535-6278; nps.gov/appa

Finding the trailhead: From the intersection of CT 7 and US 202 in New Milford, Connecticut, take CT 7 north 9 miles to the hamlet of Bulls Bridge. Turn left onto Bulls Bridge Road at a traffic light and follow it just a few feet; turn left into a parking area just before driving through Bulls Bridge. Trailhead GPS: N41 40.539' / W73 30.494'

The Hike

The community of Bulls Bridge, in western Connecticut near the New York border, is named for the covered bridge located here. The one-lane bridge, part of this hike, spans a channel of the Housatonic River. As we all know, George Washington got around in his day, and it is said that the general lost his favored horse while crossing the Housatonic at the bridge site and had to pay a hefty bill of $212 to get it retrieved from the rapids. The 109-foot covered bridge was built in 1842, long after Washingtons day.

Enjoy both human history and natural beauty on this trek. After crossing the power generation canal dug by First Light Power Generating Company, you stroll through Bulls Bridge, which is open to cars but regularly walked through by tourists and hikers alike. In fact, to get from the trailhead parking to the trail itself, you must hike through the dim wooden structure rising above frothing torrents of the Housatonic River. Ahead, trails spur off, including a portage trail whereby Housatonic paddlers tote their boats around the power station. On your way to the AT connector trail, look for the short loop path leading to an overlook of the convergence of two channels of the Housatonic. Observe the whitewater extravaganza as daring boaters ply their craft, while others head for riverside rocks to fish or soak in the atmosphere. No swimming is allowed hereabouts.

You then pick up a connector to meet the Appalachian Trail. Your southbound hike leads along the Housatonic River gorge, an impressive mix of motionless stone and frenetic aqua. See more watery wonders in the form of Ten Mile River, which you cross on an impressive iron span. The sandy confluence of the Ten Mile and Housatonic Rivers beckons you to linger. AT thru-hikers camp here and at the nearby Ten Mile trail shelter. The structure faces a field and offers a perspective of what this area looked like before reforestation shaded the amazing number of stone fencelined fields. Scan for old farm implements near the shelter, further evidence of a previously peopled past.

The first section of the Appalachian Trail in Connecticut was constructed in 1930 by Ned Anderson. He and his Boy Scout troop maintained the Connecticut AT for the next eighteen years.

After exploring the shelter/camping area, continue on the Appalachian Trail to the crest of Ten Mile Hill. En route, the path leads through deep towering hardwoods shading a mossy, ferny, and stony forest floor. Switchbacks ease the climb. A short spur at the top of the 1,000-foot peak leads to a stone outcrop amid sturdy oaks and hickories. Here, peer northwest into the Ten Mile River valley and the state of New York. From this vantage, make the descent back to the HousatonicTen Mile River confluence, crossing the iron span again. This time, an alternate loop leads up a low hill on a time-worn farm road. Here, more stone fences appear; a keen eye will spot a pair of standing chimneys, one brick and one stone, all that remains of a Housatonic valley farm. Before reaching the trailhead, you get one more chance to walk through Bulls Bridge, with its undersize windows letting in just enough light for you to make your way.

Miles and Directions