The Walkbook - Simsbury Land Trust

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62 NOTES Eastern Ridge
64 EASTERN RIDGE Metacomet Ridge, which serves as Simsbury’s eastern border, is notable not only for its imposing presence but for its unique geology and ecology. The extensive Metacomet Trail runs the length of the ridge and Penwood and Talcott Mountain state parks are situated there. The panoramic Tower Trail is doubtless the most heavily hiked trail in the valley. Hikers will find these trails well cared for and bursting with beautiful scenery and awesome vistas. The ridge was formed 200 million years ago when volcanic basalt extruded up between north-south running faultlines in surface geologic plates. The basalt cooled while still underground, and when the surface above it eroded, stunning columns of traprock remained. Because of the unique weathering characteristics of columnar basalt, the western edge of the ridge is fractured and heavy with rock debris called tallus. Along with the effects of west-toeast weather patterns, this has created specialized microenvironments. The windswept and exposed summit is another environment not seen elsewhere in Simsbury.When hiking here carry a plant identification guide and pay particular attention to the smaller species you find. In the spring depressions along the ridge fill with water, forming numerous vernal pools, which are vital for the survival of local toads, frogs, salamanders, and turtles. In the fall hawks and other birds of prey ride the thermals and follow the ridge during their migration. NOTES 65
Page 2 and 3: Box 634 Simsbury,CT 06070 Phone/Fax
Page 4 and 5: CONTENTS Trail Guidelines _________
Page 6 and 7: WALK FEATURE SYMBOL KEY Bogs and Ma
Page 8 and 9: 10 NOTES The Western Highlands
Page 10 and 11: 14 HEDGEHOG TRAIL Location Starts a
Page 12 and 13: 18 MCLEAN GAME REFUGE Location Stra
Page 14 and 15: 22 ONION MOUNTAIN PARK Location Tow
Page 16 and 17: WETLANDS Wetlands are among our mos
Page 18 and 19: 30 RIVERWALK NATURE TRAIL Location
Page 20 and 21: NOTES 34 Sand Plain Forests
Page 22 and 23: 38 GREAT POND STATE FOREST Location
Page 24 and 25: 42 STILL BROOK OPEN SPACE Location
Page 26 and 27: ETHEL WALKER SCHOOL TRAILS Location
Page 28 and 29: 50 SIMSBURY FARMS FAMILY FITNESS TR
Page 30 and 31: NOTES 54 The Terry’s Plain Area
Page 32 and 33: COLONIAL TRAINEBAND FIELD - Wegner
Page 36 and 37: 66 METACOMET TRAIL Location Trail e
Page 38 and 39: 70 TALCOTT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK Loca
Page 40 and 41: THE FARMINGTON CANAL Locations In S

The Walkbook - Simsbury Land Trust

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