Talcott Mountain State Park

Simsbury, CT

The Heublein Tower awaits hikers at the top of the mountain, bringing together natural beauty, an architectural landmark, and 360-degree views. The 1,000-foot-high promontory provides unparalleled vistas of the Connecticut landscape. On the horizon, Mount Monadnock, eighty miles away in New Hampshire, is discernible. To the northwest, the Berkshires dominate the horizon. Long Island Sound is revealed as a thin blue streak to the south. Those with sharp vision can see an area estimated to be 1,200 square miles.

Virtual Tour of Talcott Mountain State Park 

Views from the Park
Location

Summit Ridge Drive
Simsbury, CT 06070

Details

Open Daily
(8:00 a.m. – Sunset)

Contact

Main (860) 242-1158

Aerial show of Talcott Mountain in Fall
Activities

Geology

Hiking

Body

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.

Nature

Picnicking

Additional Park Info

Fees

FREE – In-State Registered Vehicles
$15 – Out-of-State Vehicles (Weekends/Holidays)
$10 – Out-of-State Vehicles (Weekdays)
$112 – Out-of-State Vehicles (Season Pass)

Accessibility

No vehicular access to Heublein Tower. 

Pets

Yes, on leash