Quinebaug Trail - Connecticut Forest and Park Association

Details

Trail Length: 6.5 miles
Towns: Plainfield, Voluntown
Allowed Uses: Hiking
Partners: Friends of Pachaug Forest, Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (CT DEEP)

Trail Overview

Located within Pachaug State Forest, the Quinebaug Trail is a moderate trail that passes over gentle hills, wanders through pine forests, and follows woods roads. The gradual ascents and descents make winter snowshoeing a viable option as well as hiking or trail running. Excellent bird-watching opportunities abound at Lockes Meadow Pond and surrounding wetlands. Connecting trails link to both the blue-blazed Pachaug and Nehantic Trails.

Keep an eye out for old stone foundations, the Phillips Pond picnic area, and an unmarked side trail leading to a rock pile known as Devil’s Den. Many marked trails intersect the Quinebaug and allow for various loop opportunities. Parts of the Quinebaug Trail coincide with the Multi-use Trail which is primarily a motorcycle trail (marked with red arrows).

Longer backpacking trips can be achieved by linking the Quinebaug Trail with the Pachaug, Nehantic, and Narragansett Trails. Four overnight shelters in the State Forest can be used by backpackers on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more info on DEEP campgrounds and backcountry shelters, click here.

Part of the Quinebaug Trail in Pachaug State Forest is used for the annual motorcycle Enduro Race.

CFPA acknowledges we are on the traditional lands of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, the Mohegans, the Eastern Pequot, Schaghticoke, Golden Hill Paugussett, Nipmuc, and Niantic peoples. We pay our respect to the Indigenous people who are no longer here due to colonization, forced relocation, disease, and warfare. We thank them for stewarding this land throughout generations. We recognize the continued presence of Indigenous people on this territory who have survived attempted genocide, and who still hold ties to the land spiritually and culturally. We shall be good stewards of the land we all call Quinnentucket, Connecticut.