Larkin State Park Trail Explained

Larkin State Park Trail
Location:Southbury, Oxford, Middlebury, and Naugatuck, Connecticut
Designation:Connecticut state park
Established:1943
Trailheads:Southbury (41.4723°N -73.2069°W)
Naugatuck (41.5125°N -73.0656°W)
Use:Hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing
Sights:Woodlands, horse farms, ponds, wetlands
Surface:Various: sand, packed dirt and cobbles, railroad ballast and cinders
Maintainer:Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Website:Larkin State Park Trail

Larkin State Park Trail is a Connecticut rail trail that follows the former New York & New England Railroad roadbed across the towns of Southbury, Oxford, Middlebury, and Naugatuck. The trail is 10.3miles long; its eastern terminus is at Whittemore Glen State Park, the western at Kettletown Road in Southbury. The trail is open for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing.

History

The rail line was in operation from 1881 until 1939. Four years after the line's abandonment, Dr. Charles L. Larkin bought a ten-mile section that he donated to the state for the purpose of creating an equestrian trail. The park was named in his honor.

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