Mount Tom State Park
Near Litchfield, Connecticut is Mount Tom State Park. A beautiful park where glaciers have stirred around the rocks to create interesting geological features and a pond that offers swimming, scuba diving and picnicking. Visitors can spend a great family day by hiking to the top of Mt. Tom, strolling past the interesting rock features or just relaxing by the pond.
Hiking activities
Mount Tom State Park has many basic trails that are enjoyed by any level of hiker. The Mt. Tom trail is a well-marked and maintained trail that is one mile long and rises 500 feet to 1325 feet above sea level. At the top, hikers can climb to the top of the tower and enjoy a 360 degree view of the state of Connecticut, truly one of the best view points in the state. Several branching trails take the hiker to outcrops of schist embedded with garnets, as well as past boulders strewn haphazardly around that were once left by melting glaciers. Many rocks made up of quartz and feldspar crystals are also easily seen.
Pond activities
Mt. Tom pond is spring fed with cool clear water, the perfect place for a cooling swim after a hike. Because of the clarity of the water, the pond is also good for scuba diving. The pond is also a great place for fishing and kayaking. Large mouth bass, blue gill and trout are just three of the several species that are fished for on Mt. Tom pond. The beach is well graded, making it easy to put in a kayak just about anywhere.
Facilities
Mount Tom State Park has paved parking to easily access its beaches. Restrooms and change houses are also available. There is a concession stand and canoe and kayak rentals. The park is open from eight a.m. to sunset, and leashed pets are allowed at the picnic area and on the hiking trails, but not on the beach.
One of the oldest parks in the state park system, Mount Tom State Park is a favorite for hikers. Not only does it offer one of the best views in the state from atop the stone tower on Mt. Tom, but it also is a great place for family swimming and picnic fun. Visitors can enjoy the quiet of the wilderness and listen to birds sing or delight in the beach side fun at Mount Tom State Park.