Bear Mountain (2,316 ft.) is the
highest peak in Connecticut. It is not, however, the highest
point of land in Connecticut. The highest point is 2,380
feet, found on the south slope of Mt. Frissell whose 2,453 ft.
summit lies in Massachusetts. Nonetheless, Bear Mountain
maintains its distinction as the highest summit in Connecticut
and it offers one of the prettiest vistas in the state. It's
a beautiful hike on the Appalachian Trail south of the summit
because you're hiking on rocks, surrounded by low bushes (including
blueberries!), and the view progressively opens up for you. A
stone pyramid built in 1885, about 8 feet high with a flat top,
sits on the summit and provides a great platform for checking
out the panorama. Prominently to the north in Massachusetts are
Mts. Race (to the right) and Everett (to the left with a firetower
on top if you look closely). To the east, you look down
into the valley where the Twin Lakes are. To the west is
Mt. Frissell and to the southwest is Mt. Gridley. Heading north
on the Appalachian Trail drops you into Sages Ravine and the Massachusetts
border (just over a mile away).
After your hike, be sure to check
out the town of Salisbury. It's a classy, little Connecticut town.
In Salisbury center, all within a stone's throw from each other
are the Village Store for hiking supplies, Beys Homemade Icecream
and Cafe for the obvious, and Epicure Market for sandwiches and
refreshments.
