Source: AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Connecticut

What you’ll see: Tornadoes swept through the area in 1989 and left debris that can be still seen today, but has been overgrown by young forest in some places. Fall, when foliage is at its peak, is a particularly nice time to visit the new growth hardwoods.

What you’ll experience:

• Distance: 3.7 miles
• Elevation gain: 740 feet
• Estimated Time: 2.5-3.5 hours
• Map: USGS Cornwall

What’s in the area:

• Deer and pileated woodpeckers frequent the hemlock groves along the Mohawk Trail.
• Wild Turkey abound in groups of ten or more through the hardwood forest of ash and red maple.

Getting there:

• From Routes 4/125 in Cornwall, turn onto Pine Street. Turn left onto Valley Road and proceed 0.2 mil. Veer left onto Essex Hill Road and drive 0.2 mile to a small parking area on the left.