October 31, 2017
Review: Much more here than advertised! Think of it as a big hill bordered by Rt 189/Tarrifville to the Southwest, Rt 187/Bloomfield to the east, Hatchet Hill Rd/East Granby to the north. What is given here, is that you can access this park from 187 in East Granby, which is the best trailhead. Beginner flowy flat sections are a blast to warm up on. Head southwest toward power lines and you climb to the top of the hill. You are met with the Metacomet Trail, in which there are several trails that diverge off. The crown jewel is Smaug's Lair to Keg Roller! Perhaps the best downhill in CT! This takes you down to the Tarrifville side of the mountain where there are several XC trails that take you along Farmington River. There's even a hidden natural jump park to session! Climb back up to the ridge and head east on Metacomet for flows, some chunk, climbs and descents! Head back down to the power lines and look for Tobaggan Run back down to Cowles park. Looking for an epic ride in the Hartford area? Link the West Hartford Reserviors to Penwood State Park riding north via Metacomet Trail to Tarrifville. Cross bridge in Tarrifville center, immediately turn right into woods at Metacomet trailhead, ride along river and climb to the ridge, down to Cowles and return. Not for the feint of heart, and truly epic single track riding! I did this last week starting from West Hartford Reservior off Rt 4. Five hours of very challenging riding!
Similar Trail: Rockland