Schaghticoke Mountain(Kent, Connecticut-Litchield Hills)

Did a quick out and back hike today along a section of the Appalachian Trail up 1330 foot Schaghticoke Mountain along the NY/ Connecticut border on a cool but sunny late winter afternoon.  I got started from the parking lot for Bulls Bridge(Elevation 350 feet), which is a well known covered bridge that crosses the Housatonic River.

The rough and tumbling falls on the Housatonic just below Bulls Bridge.

From the bridge it was a short road walk on Bulls Bridge Road and then onto Schaghticoke Road, which actually doubles as part of the Appalachian Trail for about 3/10 of a mile.  The familiar white blazes of the AT head west into the woods and then climb steadily up the east slopes of Schaghticoke Mountain.  There was some spotty snow here and there on the trail but nothing of real consequence. 

Straddling two different states.

After roughly 2 miles of hiking I hit an open south facing viewpoint towards Ten Mile Hill(left) and Gardner Hill(right).  This is a great spot to take in the views.

From the same viewpoint, looking east into rural Connecticut.

Same vantage point, with Leather Hill now visible to the far right.

Just a few yards off trail from the lookout, I found some additional decent views to the west/ southwest as well.

With the clock ticking on the remaining daylight I skipped hitting the summit and turned back at the viewpoint, quickly dropping back down off the mountain and passing by handsome old stone walls on the way.

A nice and easy road walk me back to the car in no time.  About 4 miles total with a bit over 1000 feet of ascent. 

As I started my ride home, I caught this nice glimpse of part of Schaghticoke's south profile rising above the meadows below.