Talcott Mountain State Park
Talcott Mountain State Park
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
182 reviews
Excellent
116
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60
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6
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0
Daignejo
Montreal, Canada17 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Not for the faint of heart; quite an incline to go up the mountain. having said that, I have had both hip replacements and was able to climb but stopped a few times on my way up. Gorgeous view from the top but disappointed that the tower was not open for visitors; sign stated that it’s opened only Friday- Monday and I visited on a Thursday. It would have been nice if there was a sign that indicated that at bottom of the mountain. There were many paths but no signs indicting which way to go so we stayed on min path at all times. As out of state, parking cost 12.00 USD for parking on the side of the road in the grass. I’m glad I found a pen to write the information required to put in windshield as there were none to be found. Outside washrooms (port a potty) upon entrance to mountain; didn’t notice anything on top of mountain. Bring your water bottle! Pleasant day and much easier going down the mountain.
Written August 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grover R
Pensacola, FL22,266 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
In trying to see various parts of the country, I am hiking in every state and my opportunity in Connecticut was this beautiful mountain setting just outside Hartford. There are not a lot of mountains in Connecticut, especially outside the NW corner. However, there is a nice ridge between the Connecticut River and the state's NW corner that provides great views over the tranquil valley of western Connecticut.
We visited just after lunch on Labor Day under perfectly clear skies for hiking. On a holiday this close to Hartford parking was hard to find. However, even though there were a lot of people there, we did not feel necessarily crowded. There is a lot of space to find your own place in the park.
The entire hike, listed as #6 in the state, is 2.8 miles with 439 feet of elevation gain. We only had time to do about a mile round trip but most of the vertical feet, nearly 300 are in that first half mile. Despite the 17% grade, the view is impressive especially for a hill under 1,000 feet. Still the slight rise and the west cliff face provide you amazing views of the western Connecticut Valley. Our entire group greatly enjoyed this diversion and chance to get outside. While we did not get to see any wildlife, we did see a snake shed so there was wildlife close by. All in all, a good hike to get some exercise and to see the natural side of Connecticut.
We visited just after lunch on Labor Day under perfectly clear skies for hiking. On a holiday this close to Hartford parking was hard to find. However, even though there were a lot of people there, we did not feel necessarily crowded. There is a lot of space to find your own place in the park.
The entire hike, listed as #6 in the state, is 2.8 miles with 439 feet of elevation gain. We only had time to do about a mile round trip but most of the vertical feet, nearly 300 are in that first half mile. Despite the 17% grade, the view is impressive especially for a hill under 1,000 feet. Still the slight rise and the west cliff face provide you amazing views of the western Connecticut Valley. Our entire group greatly enjoyed this diversion and chance to get outside. While we did not get to see any wildlife, we did see a snake shed so there was wildlife close by. All in all, a good hike to get some exercise and to see the natural side of Connecticut.
Written September 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LaMar
Newington, CT241 contributions
May 2020 • Couples
Went to get dinner fresh air during the Covid 19 pandemic. It was our first time there and we didn't pay too much attention to the color of trails, but we went up the trail near the helicopter (Lifestar) pad. Yes I said Lifestar... we'r new the trail had potential to be dangerous when we saw that. As we went through the trails we realized it wasn't the trails but the cliffs if you went to close. The scenery is beautiful at the top. The tower was closed but we still had a great time.
Written May 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ZMAN3411
Westfield, IN351 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
I had read ahead of time about this being a pretty and fun hike. What I didn’t know in advance was the amazing history to the tower on top. Definitely recommend hiking up here when you can go inside and walk to the top of the tower.
Written June 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susie1028
San Diego, CA1,938 contributions
Dec 2019
Talcott Mountain offers a variety of different hiking trails, many of which lead to the top and the Heublein Tower. This park is wonderful during the fall, as it offers foliage during the hike. The main and shortest trail to the top is moderate: the initial 10-15 minutes of the hike are decently steep and will get your blood pumping but after that it levels off and becomes a much easier hike. In addition to the tower, at the top there are a bunch of picnic tables so you can pack a lunch/snacks and eat them at the top with a great view. I definitely recommend this place to bring family and anyone visiting! Well worth the effort for the views.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jake23
New Jersey6,839 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Talcott Mountain is a beautiful state park in Connecticut. Do some of the hikes and trails to the top and you are afforded with some beautiful views.
Written October 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
martha s
Simsbury, CT10 contributions
Oct 2012 • Solo
The one-plus mile walk to the tower is well worth the hike. The view from the top of the hill is great, but the 360 view from the tower is fabulous (on a clear day). Not to be done in high heels or with a baby stroller!
I've hiked here many times over 45 years and the hike gets more strenuous, but is worth it! If you plan to go prior to Memorial Day or after foliage season, bring your own water, because the fountain will be turned off.
I've hiked here many times over 45 years and the hike gets more strenuous, but is worth it! If you plan to go prior to Memorial Day or after foliage season, bring your own water, because the fountain will be turned off.
Written July 29, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
H M
Simsbury, CT7 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
Talcott mountain is a great place to go either for a couples hike and picnic or a family hike. The area is beautiful on a clear day you are able to see Bradley international airport, and as far as Massachusetts. It is inexpensive there is no fee to tour the tower/house.
Written May 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AliciaF5885
Parker, CO79 contributions
Oct 2013 • Family
Loved our hike to see the fall colors of Connecticut. Google and other map sites gave us odd directions and led us to a few private roads/dead ends, but we managed to find the start. Google "Summit Ridge Rd," which is the road that leads you to the trailhead (off Rt 185/Hartford Rd in Simsbury). Parking is on the side of the road and limited. It took us about 45 min up, 30 min down. We enjoyed the view and should have packed a lunch to eat at the top.
Written October 12, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
drelizabeth
Essex, VT42 contributions
Oct 2018 • Solo
If you are in shape this is a pleasant round trip walk up and back of about an hour. Take the time to watch the informational historical video at the top. Beautiful day, nice fresh air walk.
Written October 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tricia H
Stafford Springs, Connecticut
Is there a driveable road up to the summit or is it just hiking?
Written June 27, 2021
supriya1980
Charlotte, North Carolina
Hi,
I would like to visit Talcott Mountain to see the fall colours. I have two questions:
1. when is the best time to see the maximum colours for this year?
2. Is there a designated area for car parking once i reach the place?
Thanks
Written October 12, 2016
leaf peeping sept oct. not great this year but nice place to go anyway. yes there is parting
Written October 26, 2016
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