Southford Falls State Park: An accessible Wandering in valleys and cascading falls.
Hiking is my way to disconnect from a very digital lifestyle in which I live. It is good exercise, and als a tether to nature and balance. And, it can be done close to home or on a trip on another continent. It is a way for me to weave more experiences into travel, near or far.
I am not an ambitious or a professional hiker by any measure. I won’t be going vertical rock climbing anytime soon. Three to six miles is an ideal hike for me. I am particularly inspired by ikes that have waterfalls and riverways or with scenic overviews where I can just tune out and meditate for a few hours.
In this series of hiking posts, I will start with one of my favorites close to home. Southford Falls State Park that straddles the line of Southbury and Oxford, Connecticut.
While at only 169 or so acres, Southford Falls packs a lot of interesting scenery and good hikes. It resides in a few ridges providing interesting and at times moderate challenge if you didn’t bring your hiking poles. It’s most famous features are its covered bridge and cascading waterfalls of eightmile Brook that is sourced from Papermill Pond. The covered bridge is situated at the very end of the falls for a nice little loop to back to the parking lot and Papermill Pond, or onto the main hiking trails.
For those who do not want to take a hike, the falls and covered bridge are located at the very beginning of the park, near the parking lot. There is a small walking loop that originates from the parking area to the covered bridge, and another bridge by Papermill Pond before you hit the falls. In total it is about quarter mile to do the loop with some modest elevation. You do not need hiking boots, poles or gear to traverse this well plotted trail.
For those who are seeking more of a challenge, there are two trails offered. The primary red loop that makes an oval course from the the picnic areas by Papermill Pond out just under a mile to a fire tower that offers particularly good views in the fall for a nice foliage hike. On the west path closest to Quaker Farms Road, there is a boardwalk that abuts Eightmile Brook in a rapids section that makes for some great viewing across the valley. Along the way, there are several paths that connect the eastward and westward loops.
In addition, there is a less blazed series of trails by the end of Oakcrest Drive. These are disconnected from the mail loop. One can probably go off trial a little bit, but it is not advisable. For gear, I recommend hiking boots and perhaps poles if you need support. There are some hilly parts of the loop as you branch out towards the fire tower.
The park is free and is open during sunlight hours. It is also dog/pet friendly. There are several picnic areas along Papermill Pond and the Southford Falls cascade. For the trout fishing enthusiasts, it is also a readily stocked pond. The waterfall loop is the most travelled part of the park for obvious scenic reasons.
All told, if one travels the whole red trail loop, add in one of the bypass paths and does the waterfall and Papermill Pond loop, it can work out to about a 4 mile hike all said and done. It is also a great place for a family outing or a nature inspired date. It is ideal for those who are not looking for the most intense hike but still get to see some waterfalls and elevation changes.
Leave a Reply