APPALACHIAN TRAIL sampler in CT

Appalachian Trail in the area of Kent and Cornwall Bridge CT.  An easy (get-in-shape) backpack on the River Road section, S to N.  Gate (closed May-Sep) near trailhead for St. John's Ledges to Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter & Campsite 2.3 miles, camped here, user friendly, el 400', fair amount of road noise.  Nice walking alongside the Housatonic River - mostly deciduous trees.  Abundant birdsong, variety of birds.  Lightly used railroad on other side of river, Rt. 7 not too far away.  Stony Brook Campsites at 2.7 mi.  AT pulls away from river & goes along edge of grass/clover field.  Road crossing at 5.4 miles.  Climb 500'.  Silver Hill Campsite at 6.3 miles, el 900' - camped here - unique with pavilion, 3 picnic tables, well pump for water, a bench swing & observation platform - almost glamping but little privacy, some pines.  Lots of motorcycles heard on nearby Rt.7 on Sunday, quieter on Monday.  Went a bit further N, el 1,200', saw a little mountain laurel flowering.  Back the same way & side-trip up to St. John's Ledges, el 950', without the backpack.  No mud, plenty of bugs but nothing biting.  Saw quite a few thru-hikers, mostly northbound, guys usually bearded & lean.












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