National Natural Landmark: Beckley Bog Norfolk Designation Date: 1977 I do not hesitate when asked what my favorite area of Connecticut is. While I love many diverse parts of the state from Stonington’s downtown borough to Yale’s historic buildings and New Canaan’s modernist neighborhoods, the extreme northwest … [Read more...]
NNL: Bingham Pond Bog
National Natural Landmark Bingham Pond Bog, Salisbury Designation Date: 1973 This serene pond in the extreme northwestern corner of the state is not just one of our 8 (at present) National Natural Landmarks, it also holds the equally impressive distinction of being the highest elevation pond in Connecticut. … [Read more...]
NNL: Chester Cedar Swamp
National Natural Landmark Chester Designation Date: 1973 Prior to this one, I’d only visited two other National Natural Landmarks. One was inside (Dinosaur Trackway in Rocky Hill) and the other has an extensive and well-maintained and documented trail system (McLean Game Refuge). This one, a swamp no less, … [Read more...]
NNL: McLean Game Refuge
National Natural Landmark Granby & Simsbury Designation Date: 1973 McLean will always hold a special place in my heart. Not just because it’s beautiful and offers a lot in the way of hiking and such, but because it’s where I had my first face to face meeting with a mama bear and her cubs. I’d seen a few in the … [Read more...]
NNL: Dinosaur Trackway
National Natural Landmark Rocky Hill Designation Date: 1968 Of all the nearly 600 National Natural Landmarks, very few are singular items like this. In fact, this one may be the smallest Landmark in the country. I'm guessing it is. The tracks are preserved at Dinosaur State Park and Museum which has a lot more … [Read more...]
National Stuff
CTMQ is Going National! (Not Really.) People don't think Connecticut has any national "stuff." But we do. Heck, we finally have a (sort of) national park now with Coltsville National Historical Park in Hartford. We also have our National Champion collegiate sports teams and trees and pizza of course. But what … [Read more...]
McLean Game Refuge (Eastern Region)
The Game Here is Hiking it All Efficiently - My Kinda Game! Simsbury/Granby, 9 trails, variable miles, solo October 13, 2008 [2018 Update: The CFPA/McLean have released updated maps which adds some of the trails I “found” and hiked below. I’m sure the blazes now also make more sense than described below. Just … [Read more...]
McLean Game Refuge (Western Region)
Great Hike? Or Greatest Hike? Simsbury/Granby, 4 trails, about 6.7 miles, solo October 12, 2008 [2018 Update: The CFPA/McLean have released updated maps which adds some trails to this region. Just know that this was written in 2008. Also, this is one of those old pages with tiny pictures from a time when tiny … [Read more...]