On the Trail
Lamentation Mountain Section of the Mattabesett/ NET Trail
By Jim Miller
I have been a hiking enthusiast dating back to my time as a Boy Scout growing up in northeast Ohio. Since moving to Connecticut in 1981, I have hiked extensively on CFPA’s Blue-Blazed Trails and section-hiked over half the Appalachian Trail. When I retired in 2015, I was looking for a trail management opportunity with CFPA, so when the Lamentation Mountain section of the Mattabesett Trail came available near my home in Middletown, I jumped at the chance. For me, it is just one more reason to get out and go hiking. I am also a CFPA-certified sawyer and help clear blowdowns on a number of local trails.
I manage the northern terminus of the Mattabesett Trail. This five-mile section runs from Giufridda Park in Meriden north to the Berlin Turnpike and primarily follows the Lamentation traprock ridge. While it is known to hikers for its series of spectacular views to the west, it is almost invisible to non-hikers. (As you drive around central Connecticut, there are very few views of it). The best views of Lamentation are from the adjacent ridges in Middletown and Meriden. It made national news last fall as the location of the deadly Hawthorne Fire. 
I enjoy hiking the Lamentation Mountain section year-round, and I inspect a portion of the trail about once a month. Autumn is my favorite time of year to be out hiking, but each season has its own features. It’s not unusual for me to flush out a few deer, especially on the quieter north end of the ridge. One spring I encountered a fawn that had been concealed just off the trail. You can count on seeing hawks or turkey vultures cruising the updrafts created by the cliffs.
Lamentation Mountain and Chauncey Peak (also on the Mattabesett) are often accessed from a parking area at Giufridda Park off Westfield Road in Meriden. The park includes Crescent Lake, a small reservoir, and is popular with dog walkers and fisherman. The most popular hike from Giufridda Park is to Chauncey Peak, which has a tremendous view to the east and south and is a 15-to-30-minute climb from the parking area.
Accessing the overlooks on Lamentation takes a little more commitment, but they are definitely worthwhile. The ridge offers commanding views in three directions: Hartford’s skyline to the north, as well as the Hanging Hills in Meriden and Sleeping Giant State Park to the west and south, respectively. Most of the hiking traffic tends to be on the southern half of the ridge. The northern half of the ridge can be accessed from a small trailhead on Lamentation Drive in Berlin.
Land ownership on the ridge is a “patchwork” of state, municipal, and land trusts, with a smattering of privately held properties. The Berlin Land Trust acquired about 50 acres several years ago, enabling greater access to the northern end of the ridge. CFPA maintains a campsite at Lamentation State Park about midway along the ridge. Unfortunately, the Hawthorne fire likely originated at the campsite, even though there was a posted fire prohibition.
I think this section of the Mattabesett— part of the New England National Scenic Trail—is a relatively unknown gem for hikers, right in the middle of central Connecticut, where the towns of Meriden, Middletown, and Berlin come together. It’s not on the trail, but there is a marker on the east slope of Lamentation where the three towns (and three counties) meet. It’s a great place to hike where you can get warmed up on the climb to the ridge, then enjoy some great views, fresh air, and a cool breeze even on the hottest days.
Jim Miller retired in 2015 after a 40-year career in agriculture, and in 2018 he became a CFPA Trail Manager. In addition to hiking, he enjoys genealogy, woodworking, beer making, cycling, and spending time with his grandchildren.
Learn more about the Mattabesett Trail