Canaan Mountain Ledges(Litchfield County, Connecticut)

Headed east into the hills of Litchfield County in NW Connecticut to check out a series of open ledges along the steep west slopes of Canaan Mountain this afternoon.  Unfortunately, almost on cue, extreme heat and humidity greeted me on this first full day of summer, so-although steep-this would be a fairly short hike.  I parked in an unmarked parking area on the east side of Route 7 in the town of Canaan(Elevation 725 feet) and headed east through thick weeds until I hit the wood line and Connecticut State Land discs.

Once in the woods, I picked up an unmarked but obvious herd path.  Followed this herd path quite steeply up to a green blazed trail, which continues a very, very steep ascent.

Once on the ridge, after nearly 800 feet of climbing in about half a mile, the green trail(mixed with white blazes as well) finally levels out a bit and turns north.  Followed this trail until a yellow blazed trail comes in from the west, which I picked up and continued north along the ridge.

The yellow blazes hug the very steep western slopes of the mountain, soon emerging in a series of small ledges and clearings. 

With the leaves on the trees, the first couple of ledges offered just teasing views, until a nice, open ledge finally provides a wide open vista.  Dripping in sweat, I stopped to enjoy this nice view to the SW into the sweltering, soupy air mass.

Just a very short distance north of the first set of ledges is a second, much broader area of open rock, at just over 1500 feet in elevation, where the views are outstanding.  These nearly 180 degree views stretch from the south/ SW all the way to the north with Route 7 far, far below.

My favorite view of the day is to the NW from these wide open rock ledges.  This view takes in the peaks of the Appalachian Trail(left to right on the horizon) Bear, Race and Everett.

After enjoying the spectacular views, I began heading back on the yellow trail. Instead of returning the way I had come, however, I decided to follow the yellow blazes on an even steeper descent than my route up. 

This route ended up being quite fun and even a bit challenging, with two ladders and a huge boulder squeeze to get through!  Rope was found in a couple of steeper spots as well.

Once off the steepest part of the descent, I picked up a red blazed trail which heads south at the foot of the serious cliffs I had just come down.  If you look carefully, you may be able to pick out one of the ladders near the center of the photo.

Followed the red trail all the way back down to the unmarked herd path which all but disappears at the bottom, in thick brush.  Pushing through the tick infested weeds, I stumbled upon some kind of old foundation which happened to be only a few yards away from the parking area.

Got back to the car, literally drenched in sweat.  The only saving grace today, was a gusty south wind that at least helped me from getting too hot.  About 3.5 miles total and nearly 1000 feet of ascent and had the woods to myself.