Mattabesett Trail (part of The New England National Scenic Trail)
Berlin to Middletown, ~65 miles
Began: May 2008
Completed: November 2008
Major reroute update: November 2023
Post-2009 is an exciting time to hike the Mattabesett Trail! Why? Because our Federal government finally stopped worrying about trivial matters such as war, terrorism, and the economy and started doing important things like designating National Scenic Trails! The Mattabesett (along with the Metacomet and Menunkatuck Trails) now form a good chunk of the 233-mile long New England National Scenic Trail!
Don’t think for one second that this 65-mile trail is somehow not worth hiking because of its location in the center of the state. It is… it totally is. From its western terminus on the Berlin Turnpike (The Metacomet’s southern terminus), the Mattabesett immediately ascends to one of Central Connecticut’s traprock ridges and takes in stunning views (above). The number and quality of viewpoints along the U-shaped trail does not diminish at any point.
The bottom of the U is in Guilford, near Bluff Head (and the Menunkatuck’s northern terminus) and the Eastern end is along the Connecticut River in Middletown. There is much history along the way as well as other cool little curiosities.
This is an amazing trail considering its location. Let’s get to it.
Mattabesett Trail
Notes: These hikes were originally done a long time ago and therefore the pictures, when viewing on a desktop, are often tiny and bad. Hike section numbers are my own convention and begin at the Berlin Turnpike in Berlin and follow the u-shape to the terminus near the Connecticut River in Middletown.
Section 1: Berlin Turnpike to Country Club Road, Berlin, Meriden, Middletown
Section 2: Country Club Road to Route 66, Middletown & Middlefield
Section 3: Routes 66/147 to Routes 68/157, Middlefield, Meriden, Wallingford, Durham
Section 4: Routes 68/157 to Stage Coach Road, Durham & Wallingford
Section 5: Stagecoach Road to Lone Pine Trail, Durham, N. Branford, Guilford, Madison
Section 6: Lone Pine Trailhead to Harvey Road, Guilford, Madison, Durham
Section 7: Harvey Road to Seven Falls (Route 154), Durham & Haddam
Section 8: Seven Falls to Brooks Road, Haddam & Middletown
Section 9: Bear Hill Road to River Road, Middletown
Mattabesett Trail Afterword
Official Mattabesett Side Trails
Following the same general west to east direction.
Lone Pine Trail, Madison & Guilford
Coginchaug Cave Connector, Durham
Seven Falls Loop, Bear Hill Loop, & Reservoir Loop, Middletown
CFPA Trails Map
CTMQ’s CFPA Blue Trails Challenge
CTMQ’s Hikes, Bikes, and Paddles
Mike says
January 18, 2010 at 3:07 pmI was curious about the Mattabesett Trail In North Guilford. I own an ATV. I was curious about taking it there and riding it for the day as part of my recreation sport. Is it allowed? Or Can i use the trail for this purpose? Can you please email me back with a response. thank you very much.
Mike Torre
Steve Silva says
February 23, 2010 at 11:58 amI recently completed the Mattabesset and it really is beautiful. The rock formations and vistas are well worth the hike. I completed it during the winter months and I assume there are some resticted views during the spring through fall season. Nice job with the documentation of your journeys!
Ralph says
March 20, 2010 at 2:44 pmDear Mike
Sure you can take your ATV there! Why not? I would suggest starting at the top of Bluff Head and then head dead east really fast. Have a great ride and tell me how it works out.
Patricia says
July 11, 2011 at 9:44 amI would like to hike the Mattabesett Trail, but I don’t know how to get there exactly. I went this weekend and I couldn’t find the park where it starts… any suggestions?
thomas pullman says
July 12, 2011 at 8:17 pmI completed the Mattabessett Trail this weekend!!It took me a few years but I was on vacation and didnt have any real obligations so I did it and I am glad i did it!!
Angela says
February 21, 2012 at 10:02 amI did 12 miles yesterday, my first time! WOW! Now I want to do the rest of the trial! Are there organized groups of people who lead hikes? Can you share information, please?
Mary says
August 20, 2013 at 10:43 pmATV use is not allowed anywhere on the Mattabesett trail. This is a hiking trail.
Chelsea says
May 20, 2016 at 4:24 pmWhere is the official Trail Head/Trail End? If you wanted to hike in it’s entirety, where do you recommend staying, since I’ve been reading that camping is not allowed.