Gay city park ct
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Hiking it out and back is relatively uneventful, but conveniently bisects the Red Trail Loop and connects to several of the other trails on the property.
Established as a park in 1944 it is the site of a village from the 1800s.
The residents kept strictly to themselves, existing as distinctly separate from the neighboring communities. Today only some tumbling stone foundations, several grass-filled cellar holes and a few silent tombstones suggest its former existence.
Gay City was first settled in 1796 by a religious sect led by Elijah Andrus and later by Rev.
Henry P. Sumner. Once revived, the mill burned to the ground in 1830, beginning the town's decline with the exodus of many people to urban factory jobs. It serves as a nice mid distance loop but lacks eye catching destinations.
White Trail Loop – 2.46 miles
- The white trail travels the interior of the park and catches all the sights like the pond, mill ruins, brook and river views.
Nature began to reclaim the structures, leaving behind evocative ruins.
Today, these remnants offer a poignant glimpse into a bygone era, allowing visitors to walk through history amidst the serene forest.
Understanding the park’s compelling origin story truly sets the stage for knowing how to best experience its trails and historic ruins today.
Water activities include swimming and fishing - be sure to check the water quality and fishing guidelines.
So pack a lunch, grab your hiking boots, and step into a fascinating piece of New England’s story.
Description
Gay City State Park offers multiple activities throughout the trails. The park includes a network of trails for cyclists, walkers, and hikers.
There are picnic areas, and if it piques your interest, explore the ruins of the old sawmill town that called this park home back in the late 1800s.
Other Information
History
Located on the Hebron-Bolton town line, Gay City's 1,569 acres offer swimming, picnicking and an almost endless opportunity for exploration.
This trail is 7.7 km long with an elevation gain of 121 m.
What is the longest trail in Gay City State Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Gay City State Park is Blackledge River Loop. Most notably, a branch of this family adopted “Gay” as a nickname, which eventually became synonymous with their local presence.
They were among the earliest European settlers contributing to the nascent community that would later flourish around their land holdings.
Establishing a Prosperous Mill Town
By the 19th century, the Sumners (or Gays) spearheaded the development of a thriving industrial village, now known as Gay City.
Established around various mills, the village was eventually abandoned, leading to its "ghost town" status before the land became a state park. Rev. Sumner's son built a paper mill which again revived the town somewhat until the Civil War, when many of the town's younger men were killed in battle. The remnants offer a tangible connection to the area’s industrial past.
From the whispers of a lost mill town to the tranquil waters of its pond, Gay City State Park offers a unique blend of Connecticut history and outdoor adventure.
The park's runner-up is Gay City Red Blazes Trail, which has 121 m of elevation gain.