“Assured Growth or Triskaidekaphobia?”
Beginning January 2021, new retirees BarneyIrondequoit and GumbyFPE began taking weekly hikes in Connecticut (using snowshoes when necessary!). After hiking various trails suggested by GumbyFPE’s son, it was decided to hike in all of Connecticut’s State Parks & Forests (~140); as of this date, we have over 80 of these locations underfoot. Packing a lunch, we always find a wonderful spot to eat while enjoying the scenery.
Geocaching while on these treks began at the suggestion of arude1. Of all the trails hiked to date, this is the fourth location worth a return trip as it is another beautiful state property without a geocache. This is the first cache located in this State park. Enjoy the hike and the search- and as always, please respect the awesome beauty of Mother Nature! This hike is intended for those who truly enjoy nature- keep your eyes open for the many wonders of the woods. Note that we rate hiking in this State Park Reserve SUPERB.
For a quiet and VERY enjoyable outing, park at either the Bradley Road or Black Rock Road (just opposite Country Club Lane) parking lots for Aspetuck Land Trust in Easton. Follow the White Trail from either location to the Red Trail in your search for this cache. Terrain is “moderate.” Be sure to visit the Popp Mountain (Purple) trail for a nice view of the reservoir when the leaves are off the trees. St. Christopher, patron of travelers, pray for us, protect us in our travels.
While there may be a shorter route to this cache, take the opportunity to enjoy these park/ forest lands- while the cache is a destination, be sure to savor the journey! Location per Geocaching app N041-15.403 W073.20.955 and per Garmin N041-15.399 W073-20.949, about 40 paces off the trail. Location NOT snow friendly. Forest open sunrise to sunset, with hunting allowed during CT hunting season. BI90
FTF CHALLENGE- Cache includes trackable TBA6H8V. Please arrange for its travel to another state!
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BRIEF HISTORY of TROUT BROOK VALLEY STATE PARK RESERVE
The park is an integral component of the Aspetuck Land Trust (“ALT”, www.aspetucklandtrust.org ). From their website:
“Here’s a brief timeline of events below:
1994: A small group of open space advocates in Easton became aware of the Aquarion Water Company’s desire to sell a 730-acre parcel of off-watershed land located in the towns of Easton and Weston.
1997: Bridgeport Hydraulic Company and parent company, Aquarion, signed a contract with a developer to build a golf course and 103 luxury homes on what is now Trout Brook Valley. Under Connecticut law, the State, towns, and open space groups have the right of first refusal when a utility sells its land.
1998: Aspetuck Land Trust and the Coalition to Preserve Trout Brook Valley led the effort to purchase the land, working with local groups including Connecticut Fund for the Environment, Citizens for Easton, the Easton garden club, mountain biking and hiking clubs, and birders and naturalists. Actor and philanthropist Paul Newman and his family supported the effort. The Town of Weston voted to preserve the 45 acres of Trout Brook Valley located in Weston for $845,000. Aspetuck Land Trust was the only organization that qualified to preserve the 685 acres located in Easton which cost $11.3 million. The State of Connecticut provided $6 million towards the purchase. Aspetuck Land Trust and the Nature Conservancy raised the remaining $5.3 million from private sources.
1999: September, 2nd: Weston purchased its 45 acres and ALT purchased the Easton 685 acres.
Aspetuck Land Trust manages all 1009 acres of the preserve, which includes the 45 acre Weston portion, the 385 acre Easton portion owned by the Aspetuck Land Trust, 300 acres owned by the State of Connecticut, and the 279 acre Jump Hill and Crow Hill preserves. Enjoy this open space that has been preserved forever.”
Download trail map to your Android or iPhone. Download Avenza Maps app from the App Store, search for Trout Brook Valley, and save trail map.
Cache approval received 4/22/2022 from Connecticut DEEP- thanks Nathan Hale!