BarLows and Highs of That CTMQ Life
Barlow Park, Manchester
May 2017
A 2022 commenter below suggests a hint of a trail here, but the Manchester Land Conservation Trust no longer lists it as a trailed property in 2025.
You know how you think I’m nuts? Like, “what is wrong with that dude and why does he care about doing this stuff” nuts? I hear you.
As I was finishing up everything to do in Manchester I could do for CTMQ, I returned to Barlow Park deep in the southwestern corner of town. (So southwestern that a portion of the Barlow property is in East Hartford.)
And when I write “returned,” I mean, “returned again for a third time.”
And when I wrote “nuts” earlier, now is when I tell you that I couldn’t find any discernable trail to hike at Barlow. Yes, it took me 3 visits to sort that out.
First visit: a foot of snow on the ground and both children with me. Wasn’t going to happen.
Yeah, nah
Second visit: I didn’t have much time and there was frozen snow in the tiny “parking area,” if that’s even what it is, so I didn’t try.
Third visit: I parked, took the picture of the little plaque, walked towards the house and woods, looked for a trail, and said, “that’s nuts enough for me and my readers.”
Importantly, this land was donated by the Barlows who have been leaders in the MCLT for years and whether or not there’s ever a trail here – and really, why? – they deserve recognition for being awesome people.
Manchester Land Conservation Trust
CTMQ’s Manchester Land Conservation Trust Trails
J. Sainsbury says
November 10, 2022 at 1:40 pmJust discovered this “park” after passing it for years. There are a couple posts marked “trail” now. In the woods there are both blue and yellow blazes. Heavy leaf litter. Hard to see a trail. Apparently to crosses through to Oak Street in East Hartford. Don’t see an entrance on that side.