The Sunrises and Sunsets of the Appalachian Trail in Connecticut
Over the past few years I have been working on a fun project in search of the best sunrise and sunset points on the Appalachian Trail in Connecticut. One of the best experiences you could possibly have in the outdoors is experiencing a spectacular sunrise or sunset and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail is Connecticut’s premiere outdoor setting. Here are some of the best places to check out:
Appalachian Trail Northbound Milepost 1453=Tenmile Hill
Tenmile Hill is one of the most underrated hiking areas on the Appalachian Trail in Connecticut, especially during the summer. It’s a short but challenging hike with offshoot trails that lead to great views of the Housatonic River. During June and early July tons of fireflies inhabit the area. However, during August and September the true light show begins. It’s at the summit’s viewpoint where one of the best sunsets around happens as it slowly descends through a heart-shaped treeline. The amount of trees in the area means that a good view of the sunset is only available during the late summer months, but it’s well worth the wait.
Appalachian Trail Northbound Milepost 1460=Viewpoint south of Indian Rocks
Between Schaghticoke Mountain and Mount Algo is a long section of heavily forested trail that can be quite intimidating. The only breaks in the action are Indian Rocks which offers views of southern Kent and another viewpoint just south of Indian Rocks that luckily faces east. That means it offers a good view of the sunrise. The sun emerges from the surrounding mountains and offers a nice morning experience as the first rays of sun reflect on the Housatonic River which is in view below this break in the trees.
Appalachian Trail Northbound Milepost 1467=St. John’s Ledges
St. John’s Ledges is one of the toughest sections of the Appalachian Trail in Connecticut. If you go through it on a northbound route it’s a perilous descent down where any sort of fall would certainly cause an injury. Travel it on a southbound route and you have a lung busting ascent to some of the best views in the area. The views of sunrise are quite similar to the sunrise at the viewpoint south of Indian Rocks (although a bit more expansive) where you see the sun rise from the surrounding mountains and its reflection is seen in the Housatonic River on the valley floor.
Appalachian Trail Northbound Milepost 1481=Viewpoint before Mount Easter
Mount Easter in Sharon is one of the less visited areas of the Appalachian Trail in Connecticut. Being a heavily forested area would also make you think it wouldn’t make for a good place to watch the sunset, but during the winter months the trees thin just enough for a good sunset to come into view just south of the mountain’s summit. It’s also an easy hike up from the road below the mountain, making it one of the more accessible points to see one of these things.
Appalachian Trail Northbound Milepost 1499=Lions Head
The higher you get in elevation the better the chances are you get more expansive views to see a sunrise/sunset. The highest points of the Appalachian Trail in Connecticut are in the northern areas of the state right before the trail crosses into Massachusetts. The first of these viewpoints is Lions Head, which faces east and the sunrise. The views of the Salisbury landscape are quite impressive from here.
Appalachian Trail Northbound Milepost 1502=Bear Mountain
The best sunrise in the state belongs to the state’s tallest summit, Bear Mountain. At 2,323 feet in elevation, expansive views are aplenty at this mountain and the summit area features a semi-alpine zone where the trees fade away. The summit itself points in an easterly direction meaning the sunrise is in its glory here. However, the ridgeline going down from the summit in a southbound direction offers pretty solid views of the sunrise as it faces a westerly direction. You can get the best of both worlds at Connecticut’s tallest summit.
