South Mountain (New Haven County, Connecticut) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South Mountain |
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Ledges of South Mountain from East Peak. Merimere Reservoir and Mine Island in foreground
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 767 ft (234 m) |
| Parent peak | 41° 33' 16"N, 72° 49' 25"W |
| Geography | |
| Location | Meriden and Berlin, Connecticut |
| Parent range | Hanging Hills / Metacomet Ridge |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | 200 million yrs. |
| Mountain type | fault-block; igneous |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | No official trail |
South Mountain is a cool peak in Meriden, Connecticut. It's part of the Hanging Hills, a chain of mountains. This mountain stands tall at 767 feet (234 meters). It offers amazing views of the area, including Long Island Sound.
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Discovering South Mountain
South Mountain is a special place in central Connecticut. It's known for its rugged look and beautiful scenery. The mountain rises sharply about 400 feet (122 meters) above the city of Meriden. Its tall, straight cliffs are easy to spot. From the top, you can see far across southern Connecticut. You can even see the sparkling waters of Long Island Sound!
What Makes South Mountain Special?
South Mountain is a type of mountain called a traprock peak. This means it's made from a very hard rock. This rock formed about 200 million years ago. Back then, hot, melted rock (magma) pushed up from deep inside the Earth. It cooled and hardened into the tough rock we see today. Over millions of years, softer rocks around it wore away. This left the harder traprock standing tall as a mountain.
Exploring the Mountain
Most of South Mountain is part of a big park called Hubbard Park. This park covers about 1,800 acres (7.3 square kilometers). It's a great place for outdoor fun.
Trails and Activities
- Hiking: You can explore the mountain on foot.
- Snowshoeing: In winter, you can strap on snowshoes.
- Backcountry skiing: If there's enough snow, you can even ski!
The Metacomet Trail is a long path that goes through the woods on the back side of South Mountain. This trail is 51 miles (82 kilometers) long. It's a great way to see the natural beauty of the area. However, there isn't an official path that leads directly to the southern cliffs. Even without a direct trail, the views from the mountain are worth seeing.
