| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Higby Mountain, Beseck Mountain, CT |
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 | Trails: |
Mattabesett Trail (New England Trail) |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Monday, December 1, 2025 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
The indicated parking area at the northern end of CT Section 12 did not appear to exist when I drove there. Ended up parking 1.1 miles south of this, at the Park & Ride in Middletown, CT, where there was room for many vehicles. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Ice - Black, Wet Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Couple of easy rock hops. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trail is generally in excellent shape, with only a few minor stepovers. Blue blazing is inconsistent on the road walk sections- definitely have a map available (internet access is abundant as long as your device has power). Once in the woods, if you go a couple minutes without seeing a blue blaze in either direction, you are probably not on the New England Trail. Most of the intersections are unmarked, and there are a number of well-maintained trails encountered that may look like the proper route. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Would be an excellent choice, noting that water is scarce up on the ridgelines. |
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 | Bugs: |
None. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Did an out-and-back of CT Sections 12 and 11 on the New England Trail, heading north from the Park & Ride to the end of Section 12, before backtracking to complete the remainder of Sections 12 and 11. The road walks weren't an issue, and the actual trail was surprisingly scenic (from open ridgelines) despite the relatively low elevation. The cited mileage may be a bit inflated at 26.6 (I thought 24-25 miles was more likely), but this still presents plenty of challenge, especially given the numerous small climbs. Part of Section 11 (the southern end past Powder Ridge in particular) felt like a roller-coaster. Conditions are certain to be different now, but when I hiked this on 12/01/2025, there was no snow cover, and only traces of avoidable black ice. Full details on Unnecessary Climb! |
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 | Name: |
Jason |
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 | E-Mail: |
kurlando7@hotmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2025-12-14 |
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 | Link: |
 https://unnecessaryclimb.wordpress.com/ct-new-england-trail-sections-11-12/ |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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