XC skiing in CT

2008-02-13

Drive time

4 hrs. 31 mins./261 miles

First travel from Portland to Putnam Memorial State Park in West Redding, CT by passing through NH and into MA on I-95. Take Exit 59 toward Worcester to get on I-495. Merge onto I-90 via Exit 22 toward Springfield, then get on I-84 via Exit 9. Next look for CT-15 S, which is by Exit 57 on the left. Merge to I-91 S (Exit 86) toward New Haven then take I-691 (Exit 18) toward Waterbury. You’ll get back on I-84, this time going West, until you see Exit 9, which puts you on CT-25. Go left onto Hawleyville Road, right onto Mt. Pleasant Road, left onto Old Hawleyville Road, right onto Dodgingtown Road and then left onto Putnam Park Road.

From Putnam Park to Squantz Pond you’ll start out West on Curiosity Lane, go right onto Long Ridge Road, left onto West Redding Road, right onto Starrs Plain Road. Take US-7 N and look for Exit 5. Off the exit, turn slight right to Downs Street, which will become CT-37. Turn right onto CT-39 and left onto Short Woods Road. This trip is 32 minutes and 15.5 miles.

Heading on to Kent Falls, you’ll head down Short Woods Road, take a sharp left onto CT-39 and then turn right onto Webatuck Road. Turn left onto Kent Road and left onto Bridge Street. This trip is 31 minutes and 18 miles.

Unlike many of the other New England states, CT isn’t exactly a downhill skier’s paradise. But by no means does a trip to the Nutmeg State in winter mean you’ll be confined to indoor activities. CT has some of the most gorgeous open space you’ll find anywhere so if you have snowshoes or cross country skis, strap them to the roof of you vehicle and head south for some outdoor adventuring.

This cross country ski tour starts in Redding’s Putnam Memorial State Park, found at the junctions of SRs 107 & 58. The park is home to 183 acres that are all covered in white this time of year.

While taking advantage of the trails, you’ll also be treated to views of the 1778 winter quarters of Gen. Israel Putnam and his troops and several other buildings on-site which have been restored. In summer there’s a body of water for fishing in the park and in winter, when that water freezes, it’s time for ice skating. The park is free to visitors and is open 8 am to dusk.

Just up Rte. 202 a bit is Squantz Pond State Park, located off SR 39 just north of New Fairfield. You’ll find another 172 acres of Nordic bliss here for skiing or shoeing. You can lose yourself in the trails and imagine you’re trekking through uncharted territory, though you’re just a few miles from the NY border. These trails will challenge you as the park is described as “four season enjoyment with steep, wooded slopes.” Keep this location in mind in warmer months for boating, fishing and even scuba diving.

Head still farther north and you’ll hit the town of Kent on SR 7. Here the can’t miss spot for outdoor enthusiasts is the 275 acres that make up Kent Falls State Park. This spot was once a favorite for Impressionist painters because the park features a waterfall that drops 250 feet into the Housatonic River. You can view this water spectacle from a half-mile trail that features observation decks and travel a path that leads to a covered bridge. This park is open 8 am to dusk daily, free of charge, but there is a parking fee of $10 on holidays and weekends.

Your best bet for accommodations near Kent Falls SP is the Chaucer House Bed and Breakfast on North Main Street in Kent (860-927-4858). It’s a colonial style bed and breakfast in the Housatonic Valley, with antique shopping, vineyards and winery, museum and galleries all nearby.

Near Putnam Memorial SP, you’ll find all the usual hotel chains — Best Western, Comfort Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Sheraton — within 10 miles of Redding.
Near Squantz Pond SP, your best bet might be to cross the border into NY or head southwest toward Danbury.

— Karen Beaudoin