Trails in CT/eastern NY?

[Ritazza]

Looking for some new territory to explore this fall when the leaves are changing! Mare is finally back in full after her tendon injury and I am itching to get off the property and trail ride, it’s all I want to do!!

We’re in Fairfield County. I’ve been to Larkin and the Middlebury Bridle Land (was a member last year), and have recently had the pleasure of discovering the Racetrack in North Salem (HOW AWESOME IS THAT PLACE). I know Huntington is nearby but haven’t been. Also have been to the Fairfield Beach which I love, but I don’t think that it’s open to horses until October. Any suggestions or must see places?

[AnotherRound]

Cockaponset state forest. The Weber Woods section has been maintained for horses, includes jumps, fields, etc. Hunter pace being held there October 31 if you want to come for the fun - see the LCRVHC.org page for the entries - people come from all disciplines, western, lots of ECTRA folk around, and of course hunter/english. Two sections, one for the enjoyment and another for the competition. It might be a great way to introduce you to this section of the state forest. (Westbrook CT). If you want to come on your own another non-pace day, contact me re: where to park, etc.

then there are other sections of the State forest, in Killingworth and Chester. I can help you get to those too. Very nice rides.

[AnotherRound]

Oh. What is the racetrack in north salem? Please describe in detail and give contact information or location about how to get there, where to park, what its all about?

OH!! Also, in the winter we often trailer to Hammonassett Park - Its a beach and you are allowed on the beach in the winter, but there is a wonderful path all along the sand dunes (if your horse doesn’t like the ocean right there). Fields and estruary, georgeous open space and wildlife environment. In the fall, the birds congregate there before migration take off. In the spring, its where you go to see incoming birds - lots of people there with telescopes etc. Huge parking lots fine for trailers.

[AnotherRound]

I have a friend lived in Chester NY - about 40 mins from Danbury off 84 - she would have friends come from all over to ride in what she called “The Preserve” apparently really gorgeous. I can find out more about that if you are interested.

[Ritazza]

YES! I have been there in the summer and I LOVED it. Can you go in Sept. or do you have to wait for October?

The Racetrack is the North Salem Land Preserve off of Baxster Rd. It’s right up the street from Bevel’s. It’s hidden, you might not know it was there until you went to look for it, and even then it’s not well-marked - have to park on the side of the road. But there’s like 100 acres of green, mowed, rolling fields, coups, stone walls, trails through the woods, etc - where the locals apparently condition their field hunters. Footing is amazing. It’s gorgeous!

[Janet]

What about BRLA (Bedford Riding Lanes Asociation)?
http://www.bedfordridinglanes.com/

The trail system (over 100 miles of trails) runs from Ward Pound Ridge to Armonk.

[iloverain]

i currently keep my mare in stamford, ct. the greenwich trails are BEAUTIFUL.

[twofatponies]

The Oblong valley association has some hundred miles of trails. http://www.oblongtrails.com/

[joe21]

Have never been there but have heard the Rockefeller State Park in New York is a very nice ride.

If you want to travel a little further, there is the Catskill Scenic Trail in Delaware County New York. This is about 30 miles or trail along an old railroad route. Very out of the way and off the beaten track, but the scenery is amazing. Because it is an old railway, there is little elevation. You pass through large valleys and can see for miles. Hit is at the right time and the fall foliage will blow you away.

http://catskillscenictrail.org/index.html

(website is a bit dated. Still refers to the 19 mile length but I am sure they finished the trail all the way to Roxbury). Nicest views, IMO, are along route 10 between Bloomville and Stamford.

[JeanM]

In Litchfield County, there’s Steep Rock and Bee Brook, both as I recall in Washington, CT.

White’s Woods in the town of Litchfield too

[LookinSouth]

@AnotherRound;5112920

OH!! Also, in the winter we often trailer to Hammonassett Park - Its a beach and you are allowed on the beach in the winter, but there is a wonderful path all along the sand dunes (if your horse doesn’t like the ocean right there). Fields and estruary, georgeous open space and wildlife environment. .

I am so excited to read this! I have been asking people for years about riding at Hammonassett in the winter and no one I know thinks horses can go there…they all go to Bluff Point in Groton which is pretty nice but not nearly as nice as Hammonassett!!
A trip to hammonassett this winter is definitely going to be on my to do list…so excited!

Wish I could be more help as far as nice trail riding spots in the Fairfield county area but I am more familiar with places east of the river. That said, I have friends that ride at Weber woods and did the hunter pace. It is supposedly quite nice.

[Ritazza]

I am also seriously excited about going to Hammonassett - been in the summer, never thought I could go in the winter!! We always went to Fairfield Public Beach which is kind of bleugh unless the tide is way out. I know the Fairfield beaches are open to animals on Oct. 1st, is it the same for Hammonassett?