Larkin State Park Trail facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Larkin State Park Trail |
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Looking west on the trail in Middlebury
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| Length | 10.3 miles (16.6 km) |
| Location | Southbury, Oxford, Middlebury, and Naugatuck, Connecticut |
| Established | 1943 |
| Designation | Connecticut state park |
| Trailheads | Southbury (41°28′20″N 73°12′25″W / 41.47234°N 73.20691°W) Naugatuck (41°30′45″N 73°03′56″W / 41.51246°N 73.06556°W) |
| Use | Hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing |
| Sights | Woodlands, horse farms, ponds, wetlands |
| Surface | Various: sand, packed dirt and cobbles, railroad ballast and cinders |
| Maintained by | Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection |
| Website | Larkin State Park Trail |
The Larkin State Park Trail is a cool place in Connecticut where you can go for a walk, bike ride, or even ride a horse! It's a special kind of trail called a "rail trail." This means it was once a railroad track.
This trail stretches for about 10.3 miles (16.6 km) across four towns: Southbury, Oxford, Middlebury, and Naugatuck. You can start your adventure near Whittemore Glen State Park or at Kettletown Road in Southbury.
Contents
Trail History: From Trains to Trails
When the Railroad Ran
The path that is now the Larkin State Park Trail was once a busy railroad line. It was part of the New York and New England Railroad. Trains used these tracks for many years, starting in 1881.
The trains stopped running on this line in 1939. This meant the tracks were no longer needed for carrying goods or people.
A Gift for Everyone
A few years after the railroad closed, a kind person named Dr. Charles L. Larkin bought a big part of the old track. He bought about ten miles of it! This was in 1943.
Dr. Larkin didn't keep the land for himself. Instead, he gave it to the state of Connecticut. He wanted it to be a special trail for people to ride horses. Because of his generous gift, the park was named in his honor.
What You Can Do on the Trail
The Larkin State Park Trail is a great place for many outdoor activities. It's open all year round for different kinds of fun.
Popular Activities
- Hiking: You can enjoy a nice walk or a long hike.
- Biking: It's a perfect spot for a bike ride, whether you're just cruising or looking for exercise.
- Horseback Riding: True to its original purpose, it's still a popular trail for horseback riders.
- Cross-Country Skiing: When it snows, the trail transforms into a path for cross-country skiing.
Exploring the Trail's Nature and Scenery
As you travel along the Larkin State Park Trail, you'll see many interesting sights. The trail surface changes too, from sand to packed dirt and even old railroad cinders.
What You Might See
- Woodlands: The trail passes through beautiful forests with many different trees.
- Horse Farms: You might spot some lovely horse farms along the way, reminding you of the trail's history.
- Ponds and Wetlands: There are also peaceful ponds and wet areas where you can see different plants and maybe some wildlife.
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection helps take care of the trail. They make sure it stays a great place for everyone to enjoy.
