AMC Recommended Trips – Hiking Chatfield Trail–Cockaponset State Forest, Killingworth (Moderate Hiking in CT)
Source: Nature Walks in Connecticut
What you’ll see: An excursion along ledge faces, under rock overhangs, and over and through crevices.
What you’ll experience:
- Trails: Chatfield Trail, Alternate Trail
- Distance: 2.6 miles
- Type of Walk: Out-and-back with loop
- Approximate Time: 3.0 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate, with challenging rocky stretches (175-foot elevation gain)
What’s in the area:
- Imposing ledge cliffs and outcrops
- Caves
- Perched glacial erratic
- Chatfield Hollow State Park featuring accessible restrooms, a picnic shelter, and a swimming beach
Getting There
- From the north, take Route 9 to Exit 9 at route 81. Follow Route 81 south for 8.0 miles to route 80 in Killingworth. From the rotary, turn right onto Route 80 west, and drive for 1.4 miles (0.3 mile beyond the entrance to Chatfield Hollow State Park) to the small gravel parking area on the left. Watch for a blue sign indicating Chatfield Trail. Do not park along the highway.
- From I-95, take Exit 63 to Route 81 (north). Take Route 81 for approximately 5.3 miles to Killingworth. From the rotary in Killingworth, turn onto Route 80 (west) and follow the above directions.
