Cockaponset State Forest

Cockaponset State Forest Viewpoint–YMCA Pond, 3 lakes

4.1 mi · ▲ 538 ft · 1 hr 38 min

Cockaponset State Forest Viewpoint–YMCA Pond, 3 lakes is a 4.1-mile out-and-back in Cockaponset State Forest near Durham Center, CT. The route passes YMCA Pond and Cockaponset State Forest Viewpoint before reaching Bear Rock Pond at the turnaround, 2 miles in. It climbs 538 ft. It scores 65/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: backcountry feel.

Elevation

0 mi341 – 650 ft4.5 mi

Getting there

Trailhead: Unnamed 41.48055, -72.65270
Nearest town Durham Center, CT

Directions

AMBLEWAYwww.ambleway.com

Cockaponset State Forest Viewpoint–YMCA Pond, 3 lakes

4.1 mi · ▲ 538 ft · 1 hr 38 min

Elevation 342–649 ft

Out & Back · Cockaponset State Forest

Trailhead: 41.48055, -72.65270

Weather Sep 20: sunrise 6:37 AM · sunset 6:53 PM

Parking lot at the trailhead

  1. Start at the trailhead, heading SE.
  2. 50 ftPass YMCA Pond.
  3. 0.3 miTurn right, heading S.
  4. 300 ftTurn right, heading SW.
  5. 50 ftBear right, heading SW.
  6. 0.1 miTurn left, heading W.
  7. 250 ftTurn left, heading S.
  8. 0.7 miTurn right, heading SE.
  9. 0.6 miPass Cockaponset State Forest Viewpoint.
  10. 0.1 miTurn right, heading NW.
  11. 450 ftPass Bear Rock Pond.
  12. 250 ftReach Cockaponset State Forest Viewpoint, then turn around and head back the way you came.
  13. 0.1 miTurn left, heading W.
  14. 0.7 miTurn left, heading NE.
  15. 0.7 miTurn right, heading W.
  16. 300 ftTurn right, heading SW.
  17. 0.1 miBear left, heading W.
  18. 50 ftTurn left, heading W.
  19. 300 ftTurn left, heading N.
  20. 0.2 miArrive back at the trailhead.

Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.

Weather

Sunrise 6:37 AMSunset 6:53 PM

Sunset

The best sunset spot on this hike is 1.5 mi in (~47 min). Leave by 5:46 PM for the 6:53 PM sunset. Back at your car by 7:49 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

More sunset hikes nearby

Good to know

  • Parking lot at the trailhead

Other ways to reach this destination

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