Compounce Ridge and Tunxis Trails

Louise and I did a nice loop hike on the southern section of the Tunxis trail today. It was cold with occasional snow flurries. A great day to be in the woods.

We parked at the end of Panthorn trail. The aptly named Steep Climb trail starts between two houses but then steeply climbs to the ridge. There are occasional views back into the Lake Compounce amusement park. Lots of cool rocks on the way up.

Near the ridge we hit the junction with the Compounce Ridge trail and took it north. The trails runs across a series of bumps, the tallest of which is Compounce Mt.

There are a couple of views, mostly east, when up on the ridge.

 You can see the traprock cliffs along the I-91 corridor in the distance.

Near the top of one of the summits is the Not a ski lift. I assume its a ride at Lake Compounce. Nice views back down the lift line.

 Shortly thereafter we picked up the 0.4 mile long Bobcat trail over to the Tunxis Mainline trail which we had hiked on last week. We headed south on the mainline trail, which is mostly a woods road well abused by the ATV riders. Eventually we reached Lilly's Bump and the junction with the south end of the Compounce Ridge trail. We had a nice lunch in the shelter of this rock.

 From Lilly's Bump we continued south on the mainline trail as far as the New Brittain reservoir we visited last week. Here's the picture I regretted not taking last week. At this point we turned around and headed back north.

Back at Lilly's Bump we picked up the Compounce Ridge trail and followed it over Madsen's Bump (partial views) and back down to the Steep Climb trail and eventually to the car.
About 5.8 miles in 3 hours. Nice day out.