“Because They’re There”
CT17ers & 10 Highest Peaks in Connecticut
I have considered this page way, way more than you’d care to imagine. I have engaged in lengthy email chains with similarly concerned peakbaggers and I have consulted dozens of maps. All to come to the conclusion (for now, in 2020) that it will be a work in progress for a while.
Round Mountain summit, October 2017
Because Connecticut is not blessed with dozens of clearly defined mountains, these lists are very, very difficult to develop. This site was a starting point, but it’s not correct. My list is comprehensive, but it’s not correct either.
(I won’t bore you with the vagaries of prominence and the AMC’s rules regarding it when it comes to peakbagging lists. I received input from a guy who followed the AMC’s 200′ prominence rule religiously, and as a result, his Top 10 List is rather different from mine. Not wrong, just different.)
Bear Mountain
Adding confusion is the fact that several of the highest peaks, whether prominent or not, are not named. Several are privately owned, and the Great Mountain Forest folks aren’t too keen on random people bushwhacking to its unnamed peaks. Here’s a 2017 page that now exists only for historical insight..
I became a bit obsessed with creating a CT17er list at some point. That is, I wanted a list of 17 peaks over 1,700 feet in Connecticut. This requires playing fast and loose with prominence “rules” and, yes, includes one non-peak and one supposedly mere inches under the 1,700-foot threshold. I plan on stacking some dirt there to make it official. As one emailer said, “It’s your list.” Darn straight.
10 Highest Peaks
1. Bear Mountain, 2,323 feet, Salisbury
2. Round Mountain, 2,280 feet, Salisbury
3. Gridley Mountain, 2,192 feet, Salisbury
4. Bald Peak, 1,997 feet, Salisbury
5. Bradford Mountain, 1,962 feet, Canaan
6. Mount Riga(s), 1830 feet, Salisbury
7. Crissey Ridge Peak, 1,800 feet, Norfolk
8. Bald Mountain, 1,768 feet, Norfolk
9. “North Yale Peak,” 1,740 feet, Canaan
10. Lion’s Head, 1,732 feet, Salisbury
CT17ers
The above 10 peaks plus the 7 below make up my CT17ers. Peaks in quotation marks have been given names by me. Only three below are trailed. Also, I haven’t listed any of the several on the “Canaan Massif” where Bradford Mountain is – not only for prominence rules, but because there are 10 of them and that’s just a pain.
11. “Seldom Seen Peak” 1,725 feet, Norfolk
12. Stone Man Mountain, 1,722 feet, Canaan
13. “South Yale Peak,” 1,720 feet, Canaan
14. East Bald Mountain, 1,715 feet, Norfolk
15. “Wangum Mountain,” 1,705 feet, Norfolk
16. Thorpe Mountain, 1,699.48 feet, Salisbury
17. South Slope of Mt. Frissell, 2,380 feet, Salisbury
CTMQ’s Geography page
CTMQ’s Peakbagging page
Twelve Mile Circle says
March 24, 2014 at 7:29 amI think you should do them all in one day so you could tell everyone that you’re the first person in history to climb the 10 highest peaks in CT in a single day.
Cumulus says
March 27, 2014 at 8:12 pmWikipedia lists Haystack at 1716′, but looking at various topo maps, Acme has it at about 500 meters (1640′), Google Maps at about 1680′, and USGS at about 1660′.
Let me know if you do plan to hike all these some day.
Brendan says
April 20, 2014 at 10:40 amIt looks like the stuff in Canaan is Housatonic State Forest/Yale School of Forestry land, so it looks like it could be done without being chased by a guy with a shotgun.
Chris says
September 29, 2014 at 10:07 amI’ve done Frissell, Bear, and Round more times than I can remember. You can see Gridley from the top of Bear, Round, and from the top of Everett (just over the border into Massachusetts, which I think is a nicer hike than anywhere in CT). Riga is definitely a bushwhack and so is Gridley. I do have a friend who did Gridley and he says it was very anti-climactic. I’ve had my eye on Bradford for a while, as well as a bunch of its ‘sister’ peaks. You can see them all if you are on Rt 44 in East Canaan, especially when you get to the big cow farm. Bradford is the highest peak south of the farm along the towering ridge that runs parallel to the road.
As a seasoned Connecticut hiker, I can assure you the rest of those peaks are bushwhack nightmares with wooded summits offering no views. There are many other great hikes that are far more rewarding if you are willing to travel just a few miles north into Massachusetts.
In regards to the comment from Cumulus, Haystack has a tower on top and I bet the 1716′ number is from the top of the tower, and not the true summit, though I could be wrong.
John Maloney says
August 3, 2017 at 11:19 amThe first time I climbed to the summit of Bear Mountain (around 1951) I discovered it to be a nightmare, because, knowing little about trails in the area, I bushwacked from Route 41 (not too far from well traveled trails). At some point in the climb(?) I was swimming across the tops of mountain laurel, but I was in pretty good condition and made the summit. Fortunately, I found the well traveled trail back to Route 41 and my car! My experience tells me that it would be near impossible to do all 10 summits in one day, let alone one week. Just the travel between starting points would be daunting, although Round, Frissell and Gridley are fairly adjacent. Good luck if you plan to try!
TomK says
November 6, 2017 at 5:41 pmNoticed that a couple of peaks in the list are in Norfolk, and then I remembered that on the back of the Great Mountain Forest map, it states that Crissey Ridge is the highest point in the Town of Norfolk. Maybe it got missed because it is named as a “Ridge” rather than a “Peak” or “Mountain”. The ridge is in Great Mountain Forest, and there is a trail up the ridge. The trail gets a bit sketchy as you get above 1,700 ft, and I don’t know that I reached the actual top of the ridge. My GPS gave an altitude of 1,801 ft, but the topo map shows no contours above 1,740 ft. But if the ridge is over 1,740 ft, that would put it on the list, right?
Henry Miller says
November 12, 2017 at 2:44 pmThe highest peak of Wild Duck Ridge in the Great Mountain Forest, though not on the list, is clearly marked as being well above 1,700 ft. on USGS topo maps- in fact 1,740ft. These same maps have Stone Man Mt. at 1,732 ft. whereas the list lists 10 feet less at 1,722 ft. If the topo was correspondingly incorrect about Wild Duck that would suggest 1,730 ft. or possibly 1,725ft. for Wild Duck- higher than several of the peaks that made the list. The name comes from the Great Mt. Forest Recreation Map (which unfortunately is not available online) and is not mentioned on the USGS topo map. Looking at the topo map it is north of Crissey Ridge, east of Wangum Lake, south of Mountain Rd., and just to the west of Camp Pond and straddles the GMF/Housatonic State Forest boundary.
Henry Miller says
November 12, 2017 at 3:12 pmThe Norfolk Land Trust lists Haystack Mt. at 1,716 ft. however this elevation may include the stone tower at the summit- I’m not sure. Supposing this at at least an additional 30′ leaves an elevation of less than 1,700 ft. for the mountain proper, though as I say I am not sure if they include the tower in their elevation calculation. It is certainly a 10 ‘highest points’ if not a 10 ‘highest peaks’…
Henry Miller says
November 12, 2017 at 3:58 pmCORRECTION: Since South Slope Frissell is a ‘CT highest point’ (vs. a ‘CT highest peak’) it would knock Haystack to No. 11 on the ‘CT highest points’ list…
Henry Miller says
November 12, 2017 at 4:11 pm… in the event it doesn’t qualify for the ’10 Highest Peaks’ list.
Henry Miller says
November 12, 2017 at 4:38 pmFrom above: ‘I only need to pile an inch of dirt and rock on the summit of Thorpe, we can call them the 17ers…’- by this logic Haystack would make the ’10 Highest Summits’ list even if it does indeed reach 1,712 ft. by way of the tower, if that is the case…
Henry Miller says
November 13, 2017 at 7:08 pm2nd CORRECTION: The addition of Wild Duck Ridge (circa 1,740 ft.) to the top 10 peaks would remove East Bald Mt. from the list- and Haystack Mt., if confirmed at 1,712 ft., would be just out of the top ten as well at #11 with East Bald Mt. behind it at #12, suggesting 12 CT ’17ers… Now if we could find 5 more we’d have 17 17ers- similar to the Catskills 35 35ers…
Henry Miller says
November 13, 2017 at 7:35 pmSorry to go on and on but I have just located four more 17ers in the general Canaan Mt./ Housatonic State Forest/ Great Mountain Forest Region using the topo at Peakbagger.com. #1- just to the west of Wild Duck Ridge and due south of Wangum Lake; #2- just to the east of Stone Man Mt. across Wangum Lake Creek; #3- north of #2 just above the Yale Forest Camp in the Great Mt. Forest; #4- east from #2 in the Great Mt. Forest This being the case we may only need one more 17er to hit 17 ’17ers. Crissey Ridge confirms at 1,770 ft. on this topo.
Henry Miller says
November 13, 2017 at 7:47 pmWhat is your criteria for clear prominence? 300 ft.? 600 ft.? I ask because there are two or three more 17ers in the vicinity of Bradford Peak… one to the immediate east and a couple further to the west- these on what I have taken to calling the ‘Canaan massif’…
Henry Miller says
November 13, 2017 at 8:02 pmSome of these Canaan Massif/Great Mountain Forest peaks might be eligible under a 200 ft. clear prominence rule but probably not under a 300 ft. rule and definitely not under a 600 ft. rule…
TomK says
November 13, 2017 at 8:59 pmThe AMC 4K lists uses a 200 foot rule. I’d wonder if somewhat less prominence should apply in CT, which is flatter. But I don’t make lists, I just comment on them.
I saw some (but not all) of the high points you mentioned, but I would be concerned about prominence from Crissey Ridge if a 200 foot rule is used.
Didn’t mean to kick up a hornet’s nest.
Henry Miller says
November 13, 2017 at 9:11 pmJudging from comments at http://4000footers.com/list_ne67.shtml the AMC uses the 200 ft. measure for clear prominence in judging 4,000 ft. peaks. It will take some work to apply this standard to all of the peaks I have just identified above. I’ll report my own conclusions at some future date. Of course, since we’re talking about mountains in the 2,000 ft. range instead of the 4,000 ft. range an argument might be made for adjusting the prominence requirement accordingly (i.e. in half, or 100 ft.?).
Steve says
November 14, 2017 at 7:29 amPlease do go on.
2 things – we need to be wary of prominence. I’m in no position to define a rule here, but just looking at the “Canaan Massif” (love that) and Bradford… you’d have a hard time convincing me that the subpeaks WNW of Bradford’s true peak should qualify somehow. I think that would greatly diminish what we’re really trying to do here.
It will take me some time to sort through all the recent comments – which I thank you for. But as for Henry’s goal to get to 17 somehow… I’ve approached that in a different way:
The 10, throw in Frissell’s slope (CT HP), Haystack Tower, Thorpe and then the 4 trailed peaks in winter. (Bear, Round, Crissey Ridge, Stone Man). 17.
Henry Miller says
November 14, 2017 at 3:27 pmFOR YOUR CONSIDERATION: There is a 18′ margin of error in determining unmarked elevations from 10′ delineation topo maps where both the starting point and the summit are between contour lines. I say 18′ because it is reasonable to conclude that a starting point between contour lines is as much as 9′ below the first line that is above it, and that, conversely, a summit elevation that is between contour lines is as much as 9′ above the last line below it- hence a margin of error of 18′. Where one or other of the points is on a contour line the margin of error is reduced to 9′ accordingly. (I’t’s tempted to think that the relative proximity of starting and summit points to the contour lines, where discernible, could be used to reduce this margin of error but doubt this reliably establishes much if you consider a case where you have a very flat saddle on a ridge or where you have a rock sticking up on a summit, etc.)
Henry Miller says
November 14, 2017 at 3:45 pmYou are correct that several of the peaks that I mentioned do not pass the 200′ distinct elevation test- particularly Wild Duck Ridge and the Bradford satellites. The peak just to the south of Wangum Lake, however, does qualify and I’m going to begin calling this ‘Sam’s Peak’ as there is a Sam’s cabin on the GMF map. I will be reviewing further peaks this weekend.
I have received an e-mail from an AMC climber who has done many of the New England lists and who has carefully compiled a 20 peaks list for CT. He insists on a 200′ distinct elevation test as per AMC and says that several of your peaks do not qualify, accordingly. He has every USGS topo map for CT. If you want to e-mail me I can send you a few of his comments and find out if he is willing to communicate with you directly.
RE GMF- My impression is that the GMF is primarily two things- a forestry management study area and a wildlife sanctuary and study area. My feeling is that they allow hiking because they get some public grant monies that probably stipulate a certain amount of public access. However, when I called the office trying to find out where I can get a copy of their map they did not respond. Also note that they have not posted their map online. Furthermore when we went to climb Crissey Ridge last week there was a new ‘Trail Closed’ sign on the trail. This was just about the time that you added Crissey Ridge to your list which is an interesting coincidence. In short, GMF seems to tolerate hiking on a limited basis but I’m not sure that they really promote it and probably would prefer not to gain the distinction of being on published high peaks lists as most of them are technically off-limits… having said that I do continue to find attempts to arrive at an accurate list interesting.
Henry Miller says
November 14, 2017 at 3:48 pmMeant to add that the GMF guidelines which are accessible online stipulate that hiker’s remain on designated trails…
Steve says
November 14, 2017 at 5:24 pmWell, yeah. Most of CT’s top 10 are on private land. The GMF can’t “undo” topography though. I’m here to make an accurate list, not to tell people to trespass.
The other commenter, TomK, did mention in an email to me that the GMF was considering closing that trail to Crissey Ridge before I published anything.
I don’t get it. Even WITH a “top 10 in CT” list, I think it would generally be very lightly regarded.
TomK says
November 14, 2017 at 9:31 pmAfter I hiked Crissey Ridge in July 2017, I e-mailed GMF to let them know that the trail was hard to follow. They replied, stating that they were considering removing it from their hiking opportunities. Looks like they have. :( Later in the summer, I e-mailed them on another subject, and they were very responsive. But in my e-mail conversation with them, I got the impression that only hiking on the published trails and roads was allowed. Bushwhacking might be considered trespassing. :( But my experience with GMF is that on the whole, their trails are well maintained and marked, and they have been responsive to my e-mails. But I agree, hiking is likely well down the list of priorities.
Karl Lewis says
March 11, 2019 at 5:10 pmMy brother and I did Gridley today from Mount Washington Road. While there is a good view west from an open ledge near the summit, as a whole, the mountain is choked with mountain laurel, which is nearly impenetrable on the summit plateau. If you are thinking of doing it, approach from just north of due west on MWR and go up the steep west side. Avoid at all cost the approach from the NNW along what looks like a more gradual climb; it is thick with mountain laurel and all but impassible.
Joe L. says
July 5, 2019 at 6:48 pmSeeing all these comments left by people who have hiked these mountains has been very helpful. I personally am obsessed with hiking the highest elevations in each state. When I saw the list of the 1700s, I was quite disappointed that a lot of them were privately owned and are also bushwackers. I was able to hike Frissell, Bear and Round Mt. Then I decided to hike Haystack which was hard to find but extremely easy to hike. Since I’ve done those mountains, I’ve joined the 4000 foot club in New Hampshire. I definitely plan on hiking all 48 soon. I’ve done a lot of research and have found a book that is extremely helpful. In August I plan on hiking Mt. Marcy, the highest point in New York State. Next year I plan on hiking Katahdin. Last year I did Jerimouth Hill R.I. and Mt Greylock in Massachusetts. My only regret in life is that I didn’t take up hiking when I was younger. At 53, I’m determined to hike all 48 in New Hampshire within a 6-7 year time period. One other mountain I climbed that I truly enjoyed was Mt. Monadnock in New Hampshire. Although not a 4000 footer it was an awesome hike with spectacular views.
Mike M. says
September 18, 2020 at 12:56 pmWhy would you put a name to a peak if its not on a contour map. Are there other names to the ones you have “named”. If you are listing peaks with no names or possibly no trails to get to those peaks I would think you could at least put in GPS coordinates for those who want to go bushwacking (I’ not one of them). I’d like to hike the top ten or so peaks in the state with a trail to get there.
Steve says
September 18, 2020 at 1:20 pmBecause I’m a terrible person? Honestly, the “top 10 peaks with actual trails” in CT wouldn’t be in the top 30 peaks I’d guess. Haystack would be one. After that, we’re talking hundreds of feet less of elevation. Of the above 16 actual peaks, only 5 are trailed off the top of my head.
Mike Zuzak says
September 18, 2020 at 2:46 pmReally love the idea of a CT peak bagging List. CT unfortunately has only a few notable “mountains” to hike and it forces us to drive hours away to the Catskills or mountains further north in New England. If this list could be confirmed it would be a cool challenge for us CTers who love peak bagging. Also the fact the Mt Frissell isn’t a CT mountain is annoying. How did the political geography fall like that. Really wish we just moved the border north a tad so we can claim it.
Mike M. says
September 23, 2020 at 9:23 amFair enough Steve. I see your point. I’m sure I will I’ll do a couple of them though much of joy for me in hiking is to end up on top of a peak with nice views to enjoy. As others have said many nice hikes in more northern New England like Greylock and Monadnock. No matter what kind of hiking floats any ones boat, just get out there and enjoy!
Greg says
July 29, 2022 at 5:47 pmI have added a version of this list to Peakbagger.com:
https://peakbagger.com/list.aspx?lid=21419
This list is based on a strict 100-foot prominence cutoff. All the elevations and prominences are based on LIDAR data with 1-foot contours, which is much more accurate than the old USGS maps.
I came up with 20 peaks of over 1700 feet of elevation and 100 feet of prominence.
Any feedback is welcome.
Jamie says
August 2, 2022 at 6:19 amAn interesting list from Greg. Others have commented on Great Mountain Forest and private land issues already and I don’t have much to add to that except to say that, on occasion, I’ve been known to bushwhack around one or two of those locations and while it’s fun to poke around, it’s not as satisfying a hiking experience. Lots of our summits are pretty flat and have no views. It would be nice to hit a lot of these but I’d just as soon give my limited time and effort into more interesting hikes. I did notice that several of the summits on the list are within the Housatonic State Forest so access to those at least wouldn’t come with potential trespassing issues. Those would be higher on my want to do list that say, East Bald Mountain and/or Southeast Bald in Norfolk. I have no idea how one would get in there without serious trespassing.
Jeremy W. says
October 7, 2022 at 12:24 pmUpdate on Crissey Ridge: The former head forester at GMF went in a did a thorough clearing of the trail in 2020. I hiked it in April of 2021 and it is now easy to follow and a pleasant hike with some limited views from the summit. I live in Norfolk so it was fun for me to be able to say I have been to the highest spot in my town. But it’s not a spectacular peak by any means.
For many years GMF has had an excellent paper map that I believe is out of print and they aren’t making any more. There is a newly updated version of this map posted online which has indeed removed some trails from public view, though for now most of them still exist of course, until they become too overgrown to be passable. It can be easily found on their website.