The Mohawk Trail is a rugged 21-25 mile point-to-point backpacking route through the Litchfield Hills of northwestern Connecticut, following the original eastern route of the Appalachian Trail before its 1980s relocation. This challenging Blue-Blazed trail traverses Mohawk, Wyantenock, and Housatonic State Forests, crossing multiple peaks over 1,200 feet from Coltsfoot Mountain in Cornwall to Barrack Mountain in Falls Village. With nearly 6,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain, demanding rocky terrain, and limited maintenance, this trail appeals to experienced backpackers seeking solitude and a physically challenging trek. Most hikers combine it with the Appalachian Trail to create a popular 35-40 mile loop over 2-3 days.
Current Status Alert: As of 2024-2025, the trail has significant maintenance issues including overgrown sections with high grass, poor blazing in the northern half, at least one collapsed shelter, and a 3-mile road walk detour near Coltsfoot Mountain due to private property closure. Plan accordingly and verify current conditions with CT DEEP before your trip.
Backcountry camping permits are required for all overnight stays at Mohawk Trail shelters and tent sites. Reservations must be submitted at least 14 days in advance and are limited to one night per site. Contact the CT DEEP Western District Office at (860) 485-0226 or email tamera.procko@ct.gov to confirm site availability before submitting your application. Submit applications here to Western District Headquarters, 2065 Thomaston Road, Watertown, CT 06795.
The trail has 4 designated shelter sites (Adirondack-style lean-tos) and 1 tent site, though Lean-to #1 in Mohawk State Forest has been closed since May 2023, and reports from 2024 indicate the shelter near Red Mountain has collapsed. Fires are permitted at designated sites with existing fire rings. Shelters are maintained by CT DEEP and the Connecticut Forest and Park Association.
Hunting Regulations: State forests along this trail permit hunting, with archery deer season running September 15-December 31 and firearms seasons in November. Wear blaze orange during fall hunting seasons. Sunday hunting is prohibited within 40 feet of blazed public trails.
Late April through October offers the most reliable hiking conditions, though each season brings distinct tradeoffs.
Spring (April-May): Water sources are most reliable following snowmelt and spring rains, making this the best time for water availability. However, trails may be muddy, and tick activity begins ramping up in May. Wildflowers appear in late April, and the historic Cathedral Pines area near the southern terminus is particularly scenic during spring green-up.
Summer (June-August): Warm weather provides comfortable camping conditions, but water scarcity becomes a major concern by July with many seasonal streams drying up. This is also peak tick season (May-July presents the greatest exposure risk on Connecticut trails). Expect high humidity and limited views due to full leaf cover. Bring plenty of water capacity—2-3 liters minimum between reliable sources.
Fall (September-October): Excellent hiking conditions with cooler temperatures, brilliant foliage color in early October, and reduced tick activity. Water sources remain scarce from summer drought. Archery hunting season opens September 15, requiring orange clothing for visibility.
Winter (November-March): Snow and ice make the already-rocky terrain hazardous. Mohawk Mountain's northwest slope can hold significant snow accumulation. The Mohawk Mountain Ski Area on the trail indicates reliable winter snow from December-March. Winter camping is technically allowed year-round in state forests, but shelters offer limited protection in harsh conditions.
Water availability is the primary logistical challenge on the Mohawk Trail. Sources are extremely limited and highly seasonal.
Water Sources: Dean's Ravine features a reliable year-round creek with waterfalls approximately 0.5 miles from the shelter, making it the most dependable water source on the trail. The Housatonic River crossing provides a guaranteed water source near the midpoint. Beyond these, hikers report "not a lot of water on some parts of the trail"—including only a stagnant pond near Mohawk Mountain's ski area. Many wet areas and seasonal streams flowing in spring completely dry up by June and remain dry through early fall. Plan to carry 2-3 liters capacity and tank up at every reliable source. A water filter or purification method is essential.
Resupply Options:
Cornwall Bridge (southern terminus): Cornwall Country Market on Routes 7 & 4 offers groceries, deli sandwiches, and local products. This is the primary southern resupply point and convenient for those starting from the Cornwall end. The market caters to hikers and has good sandwich options for trail meals.
Falls Village (northern terminus): Fifes convenience store at 172 Route 7 N (860-824-4661) provides basic resupply including deli and take-out, though selections are more limited than Cornwall Country Market. Falls Village serves as an AT resupply town, so it's hiker-friendly. Drake Petroleum Co. (200 Route 7 N) is a gas station with limited convenience items.
Mid-Trail: No resupply options exist between Cornwall Bridge and Falls Village. For the loop hike combining the Mohawk and AT, carry food for the entire duration (typically 2-3 days).
Mail Drops: Not practical given the lack of post office access near trailheads and the relatively short trail length.
Rocky Terrain: This is the trail's defining challenge. The Mohawk Trail features "easily on par with the Appalachian Trail" difficulty with large boulder scrambles, sharp drops, and technical rocky sections totaling nearly 6,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain. The ascent and descent from Lookout Point on Barrack Mountain is particularly steep with exposed drops. Sections involve "zig zagging up massive rocky slopes and overhangs with terraces of boulders and outcrops." Wet rocks after rain significantly increase difficulty and injury risk. Sturdy boots with ankle support and trekking poles are highly recommended.
Trail Maintenance Issues (2024-2025): Recent reports describe the trail as "pretty much unhiked and unmaintained with high grass and lots of ticks," particularly in the northern half. Poor blue blazing makes navigation challenging in overgrown sections. Download offline maps and bring a compass or GPS device. A 3-mile road walk detour currently reroutes around private property on Coltsfoot Mountain near the southern terminus—verify the current route with CT DEEP before starting.
Ticks and Lyme Disease: Connecticut has one of the highest Lyme disease rates in the nation (~2,200 cases annually), with peak tick exposure from May-July on trails. Wear permethrin-treated clothing, tuck pants into socks, use DEET repellent (>20%), stay in the center of trails, and perform thorough tick checks after hiking. Take a hot shower within 2 hours of finishing each day if possible. Ticks need 24+ hours attached to transmit Lyme disease, so quick removal reduces risk significantly.
Water Scarcity: As detailed above, limited water sources create serious dehydration risk, especially June-October. Carry extra capacity and ration carefully between Dean's Ravine and the Housatonic crossing.
Shelter Conditions: At least two shelters are reportedly collapsed or closed (Lean-to #1 and the shelter near Red Mountain). Bring a tent as backup and don't count on shelters being available or in good condition. Check current status with CT DEEP before your trip.
Wildlife: Black bears inhabit the state forests along this trail, though encounters are uncommon. Hang food properly or use a bear canister if available. No bear canister requirement exists. Rattlesnakes are present in Connecticut's rocky areas—watch hand and foot placement during boulder scrambles.
River Crossing: The Housatonic River crossing near the mid-trail point is typically straightforward, but can be challenging during spring high water or after heavy rains. No reports of dangerous ford conditions were found, but use caution.
Trailheads:
Southern Terminus (Cornwall): Multiple access points exist near Cornwall Bridge at the intersection of Routes 7 & 4. Parking areas include Cathedral Pines parking area off Route 4, Toomey Road parking lot, and the Music Mountain Road/Cream Hill Road intersection area. Cornwall Country Market is near this southern access.
Northern Terminus (Falls Village): The trail ends at its junction with the Appalachian Trail on Warren Turnpike near Falls Village Regional High School. Specific parking details for the northern terminus are limited—contact CT DEEP for current parking information.
Driving Directions: From Hartford, take Route 4 west approximately 45 miles to Cornwall Bridge (southern access) or continue to Falls Village via Routes 7/63 north for the northern terminus. Roads are paved and accessible by standard vehicles. No high-clearance requirements reported.
Nearest Airport: Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Windsor Locks, CT, approximately 60 miles east. Rental cars available.
Shuttle Services: Since most backpackers complete this as a loop with the Appalachian Trail, professional shuttles are rarely needed—park at one trailhead and return to your vehicle after completing the circuit. For point-to-point hiking, no dedicated Mohawk Trail shuttle services were identified. General AT shuttle services operating in Connecticut may accommodate Mohawk Trail requests.
Parking: Free parking at designated trailhead lots. No permit fees reported for day-use parking, though overnight parking policies should be verified with CT DEEP.
Loop Direction: Hikers completing the Mohawk-AT loop report counterclockwise (Mohawk first, then AT south) works well, starting from Cornwall Bridge. This approach saves the slightly less rugged AT section for when you're more tired.
Shelter Strategy: Given collapsed/closed shelters, carry a lightweight tent as primary shelter rather than relying on lean-tos. If shelters are available and in good condition, they provide welcome relief from ticks since you can hang above the ground in the open-front design.
Navigation: Download offline trail maps before starting given poor blazing conditions in northern sections. The Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CFPA) publishes detailed Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails maps.
Water Planning: Tank up at Dean's Ravine and the Housatonic River. Carry water purification for all sources. In dry summer months, consider carrying 3 liters between reliable sources.
Timing: Allow 11-13 hours for the full trail as a day hike or 2 days for a more comfortable backpacking pace. For the loop with the AT, most backpackers complete it in 2-3 days.
Hidden Highlights: Cathedral Pines historic forest area near the southern terminus, Dean's Ravine waterfalls, and views from Lookout Point on Barrack Mountain are trail standouts. Red Mountain offers limited views due to tree cover but marks an important midpoint landmark.
Current Conditions: Before starting, call CT DEEP Western District Office (860-485-0226) to verify shelter status, parking areas, and the current route around private property closures. Trail conditions can change significantly season to season given limited maintenance.
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