talcott mountain state park

From the top of Talcott Mountain State park, a national park destination, the Heublein tower give you splendid views of almost the entire farmington valley. During the fall you can enjoy a cornucopia of fall colors in there splendor. The trail is a nice hike up but it is worth the trek to the summit it's a natural wonder worth the experience to behold.

Great hike for with the dog or families, beautiful view of the valley. Nice rest area at the top and historic tower. Pack a lunch and take it up, get down the mountain and go to Rosedales around the corner when they open for wine tasting. Perfect day!

This hike care can be accessed from Simsbury or West Hartford. It's fairly easy but worth hiking even if you're a seasoned hiker - about 90 minutes RT. There are beautiful views at the top and you can also go to the top of the Heublein tower. In the fall you may see people hang gliding off one section (Simsbury side) about half way up - It's very interesting to watch. Some weekends get extremely crowded, so best to go during the week if you're looking for a little solitude. The West Hartford side is a little more challenging but nothing too hard. There's also a Tower Toot in the fall (I think around Oct) where there's music, hot chocolate, donuts, etc.

It was about a 1.5 mile hike to the top/3 mi round trip using the yellow trail. Great views and the tower is gorgeous! Made the trek in early December. There was a little snow and ice from a snow the week before, so it had a few slick spots. A good pair of shoes help. Fairly steep, good workout!

I make the trip to the summit every year for peak leaf peeping. There is no place better in CT, and few place within a few hours drive.A short 45 minute walk, although the first .10 mile can be hard for those not use to the hike.Not only are there great views but there is geological, natural and historical features as well.On the hike up you will see several exposed basalt outcrops. These are from ancient lava flows, well before the Farmington River Valley was formed.The area has many wildlife and plants. On previous trips I have seen coyotes, deer, kestrel, and many more.At the summit it the Heublien Tower. With an enclosed 360 degree viewing area that sits 160 feet high on top of the 900 foot Talcott Mtn, you'll see why there are no better views. Heublein has his own story you can learn about on your visit.Finally, the third weekend in October is not just the peak time for leaves, it is also the weekend "Tower Toot" at the summit. This is a great fun family atmosphere event. There are no rides or games, just German music, burgers & dogs and more, and many hikers who also come to join the "Friends of Heublien Tower"Other activities while on your hike... Letterboxing, bird watching, and just enjoying the outdoors. Maybe even catch on of the hang gliders launching off the edge, what a sight it is.

This park is a great way to see the area. It does involve a hike up the side of a mountain. I really recommend hiking at your own pace. A lot of people may pass you as they go every day. There are several places to rest along the trail.

You should visit Talcott Mountain State Park and the Heublein Tower if you have a chance. It is a spectacular place with killer views, especially in foliage season.I lived just a half mile south of Heublein tower for many years with a couple of friends after college, and we had horses, so got to ride in the area including past the Tower. We did not know how good we had it, living in beautiful surroundings. Heublein Tower was built by a successful German immigrant who owned a liquor and drink company which had the license to Make Smirnoff Vodka, Heublein. He built a home and show place on top of Avon mountain, Heublein Tower, with many rooms on different levels, and a ball room on the level just below the upper observation deck; the place was spectacular and many important visitors came over the years to see the sights and enjoy Heublein's hospitality. It is said that Heublein got into some trouble during WW2, when it was alleged that he sent signals from his tower to Long Island sound (which is visible on a crystal clear day) to communicate wit German U-Boats, quite the story.Beware, the hike up from the parking area which provides legal access is not for beginners; it is steep and rocky in places. When you get to the top, you can see guys fly their kites off the mountain and fly for a long time in the updrafts and land safely in the meadows below, quite spectacular. The view of the Farmington Valley below stretches for miles. Enjoy!

This state park is only about 2 miles from where I was staying in Simsbury, so I decided to walk. I wished there would have been a trail to take vs. walking along hwy 85, as it was awfully busy. I don't recommend doing this.However the hike up to the Heublein Tower was very pretty, especially during the fall season. Trail has a gradual ascent and I saw everyone from seniors to children heading up. There are several seats on the way for those that want to take their time. The 360* view at the top of the tower is nice and there are little museum stops on nearly every floor.I wished I would have had more time to check out the rest if the park. There was one trail I planned to take, but hunters had just arrived and I did not have bright colors on and well, didn't feel like being mistaken for prey.

For those that can't make it up to New Hampshire to check out the leaves, you don't have to leave the state! I was surprised I've never checked out the Heublein Tower; rich in interesting history that include FDR and Ronald Reagan staying here when it was a hotel. The top of the tower is enclosed in glass with 360 degree views and signs explain what you're seeing; CT is more rolling hills which allow you to see all the way into MA or down to Long Island Sound. The hike is 1.25 miles and starts off pretty steep on coarse rock, definitely not stroller friendly or those who don't like physical exertion. It levels off halfway up, climbing the tower requires several flights of stairs. Real bathroom facilities for those that fear a port o potty await them at the top! Parking on Columbus weekend was packed, get there earlier unless you want to park on the road and walk a mile just to get to the trail entrance. Fantastic views are your reward!

This hike was great and the view gorgeous. The beginning of the hike was quite steep and challenging but it peaks a bit and then becomes much more level with a gradual incline. Many beautiful lookout spots and the tower was very interesting. The tower has many rooms that include the history of who lived in the tower and their history and includes great history. The view at the top is beautiful. A great find!

We took the Yellow Trail up to the tower on Saturday 8/30 morning. The views from the trail and tower were amazing, and you could see out for miles.

Without a doubt, this hike has some of the best views in all of CT. Check and make sure you can go up the tower, because it identifies what you are looking at across CT and some of Mass.

Beautiful views - a great hike. Steep hills for novice hikers. The house was closed during the time we went but the sunset view was spectacular.

This is a great hike. What I love is that it is a mix of challenging and simple. It's long enough to the top but only takes 2 hours to go up and down. And I feel safe enough to hike it alone. Great views! Definitely take the trail that starts at the helipad.

HI,This is a hike that you can take the whole family on. I used to take my 2-3 year old several times a month. It's not super easy walk in the park, but it's not too hard either. About a 5 on a scale of 1-10. It is a really nice walk, not all uphill, not all steep. There are several look out places along the way when you get close to the top. Make sure to take a lunch or snack & water. That way you can sit at the top and enjoy the view. The view is well worth the hike. It is a favorite hike. Go early in the day. The parking lot gets full and they will close it if there are too many cars.