Highland Trail

Not Far Afield
Highland Trail, Ellington
August 2026

I love how, in this day and age, new trails are being cleared, blazed, mapped, and hiked. Sure, rehiking some of Connecticut’s best trails is always an option, but it’s also nice to have somewhere new to explore when you have time to kill in Ellington.

Wait. Are you going to tell me you’ve never in your life found yourself in Ellington with time to kill? For shame.

On the off chance that you are in this situation someday, I… don’t really recommend seeking out the Highland Trail to hike. However, if you have this weird urge to “hike every trail” in, say, Ellington, then of course, go for it!

Just know that even though this is a relatively new trail, “opened” post-pandemic I believe, there are a few side trails that may cause confusion. Stick to the blazes, even when there aren’t any. (I’ll explain.)

There’s a nice, large hiker lot at the trailhead here and big, fat blue blazes take you down a hill into the woods. There’s a map at the kiosk near the parking area and also online. These will prove helpful even for this rather small property.

The blue trail is a short loop. I went right once when the trail went left – in my defense, there was a clear path. I didn’t go too far, but I’m glad I did as I got to see some slime mold of some sort – the kind that looks like soap bubbles.

Life is full of wonder.

Back to the blue trail which took me through a beech grove to the white trail white trail which took me to a field. I didn’t really know what to do here, so I walked the length of the field to some picnic tables and… walked in circles for a few minutes.

I believe I happened to be here when the field was completely mowed down. Most times, there’s a clear path through taller grasses and stuff. Also, when the leaves are off the trees, there’s said to be a westward view.

There’s also a blazed white trail that skirts the lower side of the field near a gully. I walked it and didn’t find it all too exciting.

Back into the woods, finishing the white loop and onto the orange-blazed loop. Here, you’ll find the oddest thing: a 20-foot, blazed spur trail over a bridge to… absolutely nothing. Perhaps the town commission plans to clear more trail?

I don’t think so, as I believe beyond the spur’s end is private property. But, like, why?