If you get tired of walking around town or going to the Fairfield Beach, you might want something new to do with your weekends. Those who like hiking, biking, walking and jogging or who just like to enjoy nature might want to take a short trip to Indian Ledge Park.
Indian Ledge Park in Trumbull is a short 25-minute car ride from campus and can be a great way to take a day and spend it outside.
The park has something to offer for everyone. It is state-owned and is open to anyone who wants to use its land and natural space. Only Trumbull residents can park in the main parking lot, but anyone can park at a second lot that is right on the main trail.
The park is widely known for its very challenging and winding mountain biking trails, and also its main double track rails-to-trails path that is common among runners and walkers.
Indian Ledge has many other features as well. It is home to a BMX track, dog walking park, playground with water features, soccer fields and an outdoor amphitheater. This amphitheater has been graced with annual performances from famous bands such as Hall and Oats, The Beach Boys, Train and Chicago.
This park is very different from many others in the area. In addition to the many features and attractions offered, there is a nature experience that is hard to find anywhere else in the state. The single track trails in the wooded section are absorbing and very scenic.
They put the rider or hiker in a totally different world of wilderness. The trees are close and the trails are tight, with a small river running through the middle of it for the whole length of the park. The boulders and cliffs also add a whole different dimension and are fun to navigate.
The difficulty of the trails varies. There is everything from mild, hilly cross country trails that go along the river, to very steep, rocky and advanced mountain biking trails that are spread through the elevated east side of the park.
Any trail in this park, ridden or hiked, will be a great experience. However, it is important to keep a good idea of where you are or to go with someone who knows the park; the trails wind around a great deal and can look similar in many places. Also, any person who tries mountain biking at this park should wear a helmet because there is a great deal of challenging and dangerous terrain.
To get to this park from Fairfield University, take exit 27A off I-95 for CT-25 North towards Trumbull. Follow CT-25N for just over six miles; then turn left on Main St. (CT 111). After 0.8 miles, take a left onto Whitney Ave. and stay on this road until driving down a curvy hill. A crosswalk and rock wall on both sides of the road mark where the main rails-to-trails path crosses the road. Take a right into the parking lot.
This is where the double track starts. To get to the woodland single track trails for hiking and mountain biking, go down the main trail for a short distance until reaching a rocky path down a hill on the left. Take this to the bottom, where there will be the river. Then take the bridge across to find some of the best single track Connecticut has to offer.
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