Larkin State Park Trail

Larkin State Park Trail
Looking west on the trail in Middlebury
Length10.3 miles (16.6 km)
LocationSouthbury, Oxford, Middlebury, and Naugatuck, Connecticut
Established1943
DesignationConnecticut state park
TrailheadsSouthbury (41°28′20″N 73°12′25″W / 41.47234°N 73.20691°W / 41.47234; -73.20691)
Naugatuck (41°30′45″N 73°03′56″W / 41.51246°N 73.06556°W / 41.51246; -73.06556)
UseHiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing
SightsWoodlands, horse farms, ponds, wetlands
SurfaceVarious: sand, packed dirt and cobbles, railroad ballast and cinders
Maintained byConnecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
WebsiteLarkin State Park Trail
Larkin State Park Trail is located in Connecticut
Naugatuck
Naugatuck
Southbury
Southbury
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Location of trailheads in Connecticut

Larkin State Park Trail is a Connecticut rail trail that follows the former New York & New England Railroad roadbed across the towns of Southbury, Oxford, Middlebury, and Naugatuck. The trail is 10.3 miles (16.6 km) long; its eastern terminus is at Whittemore Glen State Park, the western at Kettletown Road in Southbury. The trail is open for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing.[1]

History

The rail line was in operation from 1881 until 1939. Four years after the line's abandonment, Dr. Charles L. Larkin bought a ten-mile section that he donated to the state for the purpose of creating an equestrian trail. The park was named in his honor.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b "Larkin State Park Trail". State Parks and Forests. Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Retrieved February 5, 2013.
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