Now that we've completed the river series. I want to tackle something just as fascinating: the major hiking trails of CT. We’ll depart on our journey on the mighty Appalachian Trail and trek all over the Constitution State, leaving no rock unturned.
Glad you’re back.
Patrick
The Litchfield Ledger
SEVEN SEATS REMAIN
By now you probably know the Summer Social happens next week. But did you know the Lost Fox Inn hired a brand new Chef who has prepared our menu?
Chef Thomas Burke’s Bio: Chef Burke honed his skills in some of the most demanding kitchens in the country, spending formative years in New York City and California. His career includes time in the kitchens of The French Laundry and Le Bernardin, where he developed a deep respect for technique, seasonality, and the pursuit of excellence at the highest level. Burke later rose to Executive Chef of La Crémaillère, earning recognition in the Michelin Guide for three consecutive years during his tenure.
Heads up - only seven seats remain. So if you’re on the fence, now’s the time to grab yours.
See you soon!
Patrick
THE FAMOUS TRAIL HIDING IN CONNECTICUT’S NORTHWEST CORNER
Most people think of the Appalachian Trail as somewhere else. Maine. Vermont. New Hampshire. Maybe Georgia, if you know where it starts. But a piece of it runs right through our corner of Connecticut.
The trail itself started as an idea in 1921, when forester and planner Benton MacKaye proposed a long footpath along the Appalachian Mountains. The Appalachian Trail Conference was formed in 1925 to help build it, and by 1937, the route was fully connected from Maine to Georgia.
Benton MacKaye was not a typical hiking-club founder. He was a Connecticut-born forester, conservationist, and regional planner who had worked for the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of Labor. He was thinking about forests, cities, labor, and what modern industrial life was doing to people.
In 1921, he proposed the Appalachian Trail. But he was not just imagining a long walk. He described it as “a new approach to the problem of living” and a “moral equivalent to war.”
What he meant was that the country needed something big, difficult, and shared that could give people purpose without destroying them. War demanded discipline, sacrifice, physical effort, and cooperation. MacKaye wanted that same kind of national energy pointed toward outdoor work, public land, mountain communities, and relief from crowded city life.
(On a personal note, my goal for the Litchfield Ledger is something similar on a local scale: building a project we all own together. I’m still not sure what that looks like or what it really means. Nevertheless, it urges me on.)
The full vision never happened. What survived was the footpath.
Benton Mackaye
Today, the Appalachian Trail is about 2,198 miles long, crosses 14 states, and gets an estimated 16.9 million recreation visits a year. More than 3,000 people attempt to thru-hike the whole thing in a single year, but far fewer finish. In 2025, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy counted 834 people who became official “2,000-milers.”
And part of that enormous trail passes through Sherman, Kent, Sharon, Canaan, and Salisbury before reaching the Massachusetts line near Sage’s Ravine.
That is the part I like.
You can be driving through Kent or heading toward Salisbury and pass near a trail people use to walk across the eastern United States.
In Connecticut, the trail follows the Housatonic River for several miles between Kent and Cornwall Bridge. It is one of the gentler stretches, and also one of the most beautiful. Then it climbs back into the hills, passing places like St. Johns Ledges, Falls Village, Rand’s View, Lion’s Head, and Bear Mountain.
That is what makes the Connecticut stretch so interesting. For some people, the trail is a months-long test of endurance. For others, it is a Saturday walk near Kent, a river path near Cornwall Bridge, or a climb up Bear Mountain in Salisbury.
Same trail. Very different day.
Here are a few pics from the Swift’s Bridge Abutment section this past weekend.
Main entrance at Swift’s Bridge
The Housatonic facing southward
The view as you venture south
Or
Check out the Appalachian Mountain Club
MAKE A CONTRIBUTION 📊
Thousands of readers across Litchfield County read The Litchfield Ledger each week for free.
Many of them choose to support it so we can keep documenting the rivers, forests, towns, history, and hidden corners of this place we all love.
If you like the work we do here, consider helping keep it alive.
Thank you for reading!
Patrick, Founder
EVENTS
Tuesday the 2nd
71° / 50° · ☀️ Mostly sunny
Gunn Memorial Library, Washington – Spend a creative day at the Summer Sewing Social in the Makerspace, where sewing enthusiasts can bring personal projects or learn to make a beginner-friendly quilted pillow cover. With access to sewing and embroidery machines plus guidance from the Makerspace Specialist, this relaxed workshop is perfect for both newcomers and experienced makers. 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM SEW & CREATE
The Oneglia Auditorium, Torrington – Experience an unforgettable evening with legendary duo The Righteous Brothers on their Lovin' Feelin' Farewell Tour. Featuring iconic hits like You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin', this celebrated show pairs founding member Bill Medley with vocalist Bucky Heard for a powerful performance honoring one of the most beloved catalogs in American music history. 7:30 PM FEEL THE MUSIC
Sage and Salt, Litchfield – Enjoy an elegant Spring Wine Dinner featuring a four-course menu expertly paired with five wines from Sunset Meadow Vineyards. The evening begins with a charcuterie and wine tasting mixer before guests are treated to seasonal dishes including seafood gratin, strawberry-walnut salad, Steak Au Poivre, and tiramisu, each complemented by thoughtfully selected local wines. Light Tasting & Charcuterie: 5:45 PM | Dinner Begins: 6:30 PM SIP & SAVOR
Wednesday the 3rd
79° / 53° · 🌤️ Mostly sunny
Cornwall Town Hall, Cornwall – Young artists in grades K–3 are invited to create a beautiful pressed flower suncatcher during this free after-school program led by Bloom Where Planted. Children will explore nature-inspired creativity while designing a colorful keepsake using real pressed flowers. 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM CREATE SUN CATCHERS
Litchfield Community Center, Litchfield – Discover how to create healthier, more resilient landscapes during Thinking Beyond the Honeybee, presented by soil and wetland scientist Cynthia Rabinowitz and hosted by the Northwest Conservation District. Learn the principles of permaculture, explore ways to support beneficial insects and wildlife, and see how ecological design can transform gardens into thriving, sustainable habitats. 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM GROW NATURALLY
Thursday the 4th
84° / 57° · 🌤️ Mostly sunny
South Farms, Morris – Kick off the 2026 season of The Social with live music from Matt Dylan, chef-crafted dinners, wood-fired pizza from Milestone Pizza, and refreshing drinks on the lawn. This beloved summer series brings together great food, local music, and community in a relaxed outdoor setting. 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM GATHER & GROOVE
Gunn Memorial Library, Washington – Discover the art of machine embroidery at this hands-on Tween Maker Club workshop, where participants will learn to work with digital embroidery files, select thread colors, operate an embroidery machine, and create their own custom iron-on patch. Designed for ages 9–13, this creative Makerspace program is perfect for young makers interested in combining technology and design. 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CREATE PATCHES
Friday the 5th
86° / 62° · 🌤️ Partly cloudy
Hollister House Garden, Washington – Spend a peaceful day blending art and nature during Garden Journaling: Flowering Trees and Shrubs with botanical artist Betsy Rogers-Knox. Learn pen-and-watercolor journaling techniques in the barn before wandering through the garden’s June blooms, capturing flowering trees, shrubs, buds, and blossoms in your own illustrated journal. Perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike. 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM JOURNAL NATURE
The Pink House, Litchfield – Dine surrounded by art during a special Plein Air Litchfield 2026 evening featuring artist John Forgione painting live during dinner. Enjoy The Pink House’s art-filled atmosphere, culinary artistry, and a chance to support the arts in one beautiful night. Dinner time: SUPPORT THE ARTS
Woodbury Brewing Company, Woodbury – Spend your Friday night with live music from Riverjack at Woodbury Brewing Company. Enjoy great beer, energetic entertainment, and a lively brewery atmosphere, with reserved front-stage table seating available for groups looking for the best view of the show. 8:30 PM – 11:00 PM ENJOY LIVE MUSIC
Saturday the 6th
85° / 62° · 🌥️ Mostly cloudy
Prospect Mountain Preserve, Litchfield – Celebrate Connecticut Trails Day with a family-friendly Scavenger Hunt at Prospect Mountain! Younger children can enjoy a nature-themed hunt and activities in Pepper Meadow, while older adventurers can explore the trails in search of hidden treasures and natural wonders. Parents and guardians must accompany children throughout this outdoor adventure. 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM HUNT TREASURES
Litchfield Fire Department Parking Lot, Litchfield – Shop local and seasonal every Saturday at the Litchfield Farmers Market, featuring fresh produce, baked goods, meats, dairy products, artisan foods, handcrafted goods, and more from regional farmers and makers. This beloved community market offers a vibrant way to support local agriculture while enjoying the best flavors of the season. 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM SHOP LOCAL
New Milford Green, New Milford – Bring the kids and their favorite stuffed friends to the 29th Annual Teddy Bear Festival & Craft Fair, hosted by the Women’s Club of Greater New Milford. Enjoy craft vendors, games and prizes, a parade, country line dancing, balloon twisting, a Teddy Bear Hospital, adoption center, raffles, face painting, and food trucks on the Village Green, rain or shine. 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM BRING A BEAR
Pub Knight Party, Harwinton – When the medieval faire ends, the party begins. The adults-only Pub Knight Party transforms the fairgrounds into an after-hours celebration with music, dancing, drinks, and a lively festival atmosphere. Guests with a same-day faire ticket can stay and enjoy the festivities at no additional cost, while admission is available for adults 18+ with valid ID. 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM PARTY KNIGHT
Merryall Center, New Milford – Experience an unforgettable evening with Flamy Grant, the acclaimed Asheville-based artist whose groundbreaking blend of drag, music, storytelling, and spirituality has earned national recognition. Known for her chart-topping album Bible Belt Baby, Flamy delivers a powerful, heartfelt, and entertaining performance that challenges expectations while celebrating authenticity and connection. 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM BE INSPIRED
Sunday the 7th
76° / 52° · 🌧️ Thundershowers
Music Mountain, Falls Village – Celebrate the opening of Music Mountain’s 97th season with Benjamin Hochman & Friends from the Met Opera in Gordon Hall. The afternoon chamber program features music by Bach, Brahms, and Fauré, followed by a season-opening benefit reception in one of the region’s most beloved summer music settings. 3:00 PM OPEN THE SEASON
Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, Bethlehem – Spend a relaxing afternoon painting among the summer blooms during Plein Air Painting in the Bellamy-Ferriday Garden. Artists of all skill levels are invited to bring their own supplies, explore the historic gardens, and find inspiration in one of Connecticut’s most beautiful landscapes. Grounds admission is waived for participants on Plein Air days, making this a perfect opportunity to enjoy art and nature together. 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM PAINT OUTDOORS
St. John's Church, New Milford – Experience the beauty and power of Johannes Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem during The Kent Singers’ annual Summer Great Works Concert. Conducted by James Knox Sutterfield and featuring professional soloists and a chamber orchestra, this moving performance is one of the region’s premier classical music events of the season. 3:00 PM HEAR BRAHMS
Monday the 8th
68° / 54° · 🌦️ AM showers
Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust, Woodbury – Registration is now open for Flanders’ 2026 Summer Camps and Specialty Academies, offering weeks of outdoor adventure, animal care, nature exploration, art, science, and hands-on learning. Designed to spark curiosity and build confidence, these programs provide children with meaningful experiences in the natural world through engaging activities led by experienced educators. Half-day and full-day options are available, and popular sessions fill quickly. Programs run June 8 – August 28 | Half Day: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM or 1:00 PM–5:00 PM | Full Day: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM REGISTER NOW
