Talcott Mountain State Park

Around four miles of trails wind through the park, including a section of the blue-blazed Metacomet Trail, but the vast majority of visitors head up the main path to Heublein Tower. Hikers may encounter a variety of wildlife including deer, fox, and rabbits in this natural sanctuary. Birdwatchers enjoy occasional sightings of the turkey vulture, bald eagle, and pileated woodpecker. During May, visitors find wildflowers such as trillium, trout lily, wood anemone, and Dutchman's breeches among the damp, craggy rocks.

The Tower Trail (Yellow Blaze) 

• 2.5-mile out-and-back trail to the Tower with scenic views
• Level of difficult: Moderate 
• By far the park’s main event, this trail takes you up Talcott Mountain to Heublein Tower. After a quick, but initial climb, the trail levels out and follows along a ridge rewarding you with sweeping vistas of Simsbury and Avon. Continue uphill on the main path to reach the summit, where Heublein Tower sits. Take a breather to appreciate the views, then make your way up the six flights to the top floor observation deck for panoramic views of the Hartford skyline, Farmington River Valley, and surrounding areas.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

If you see a bear, enjoy it from a distance and advertise your presence by shouting and waving your arms or walk slowly away, and report it to the Wildlife Division at (860) 424-3011. Never attempt to feed or attract bears.

• Trail Map 
• Mobile Trail Map

Seasonal

From its perch atop Talcott Mountain, 1,000 feet above the Farmington River Valley, Heublein Tower is a familiar landmark visible from miles around. Located on a long, precipitous wooded ledge named after the Talcott family, the 165-foot Tower was designed to withstand 100-mile-an-hour winds with reinforced concrete and 12-inch iron girders anchored into the bedrock of the mountain ridge.

Gilbert Heublein built the structure as a summer home in 1914. In doing so, he made good on his promise to build his wife “a castle on the mountain”, a promise made while they were hiking on Talcott Mountain before they were married. Used mainly as a summer escape from city-living in Hartford, the six-story tower included luxuries bedrooms, living spaces, a ballroom, and the state’s first residential elevator.

After Heublein’s death, the property shifted hands, including a stint with the Hartford Times which aspired to convert the space into its radio broadcasting station. It was eventually slated for residential development, but those efforts were thwarted by the cooperative efforts of private conservationists and state and federal governments. The State of Connecticut purchased the 557-acre property in 1966, and after several years of renovation, opened the park to the public in 1974. The Tower was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

A TALE OF FOUR TOWERS

Heublein Tower is the fourth to stand on the summit of Talcott Mountain. The first two, both built by Daniel Wadsworth of Wadsworth Atheneum fame, blew down in a windstorm and burned to the ground respectively. The third’s demise is less certain, though its curmudgeonly owner, was so incensed that Heublein purchased the adjoining property, he cut down trees and dynamited the access road to delay construction of the fourth tower. Not very neighborly!

Group larger than 20? Please call the park office at 860-242-1158 to make arrangements in advance.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Museum open seasonally 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 
• The Heublein Tower historic home and museum is accessible by walking trail only.
• No pets, food, drink, and walking sticks in the museum. 
• Heublein Tower History