That’s Connecticut’s own castle, for royals and commoners alike. It’s Castle Craig, in Meriden, Connecticut.
It has been a few years since I took a ride through Meriden’s Hubbard Park and on up to Castle Craig, and the clear weather sure made it a great day to revisit a high point in my life when my mother and father had taken me up the mountain many times growing up.
This stone observation tower atop East peak in Meriden, Connecticut stands at an impressive elevation for Connecticut, of 976 feet. On a good clear day you can see as far as Long Island to the South, and Mt. Tom, in Massachusetts to the north.
After a short drive up the mountain, and a walk up some steep iron stairs, you are rewarded with one of the best sights in Connecticut. Here is what it looks like after you get to the top.
Looking to the west.
And, a nice view of Hubbard Parks, Mirror Lake below which you drive through to get to Castle Craig.
Another one of Connecticut’s hidden treasures. A great activity for photographers, hikers, and anyone who loves the outdoors. If you would like to have a great day trip for FREE, check out Hubbard Park, and Connecticut’s own Castle Craig. CtCameraEye gives this location a thumbs up! Go see it for yourself!
I took a detour one winter day and decided to walk to Castle Craig. The accessway is closed at the highway overhead sometime in October, so I had to hoof it up to the reservoir. Way too far to walk up the road so I headed in and grabbed the white (or blue, hard to tell) trail which brings you to the base of the mountain where Castle Craig lives. Very pleasant till you hit the incline then it’s a 50° trail to the top. About half way up I thought my heart was going to pop. Even with the cold temps I had my jacket half off. Then I caught my second wind and soon it was a real thrill to be standing on the ledge looking out at Long Island sound and Sleeping Giant. Alone. lol. Can’t get into the tower, but you can see all the sharp edges intentionally worked into the stone to prevent predators from gaining access. As far as Mirror lake, I find it’s easier and drier to drive around it. Probably easier to wait till spring and drive up too, but nowhere as rewarding. Thanks for the nice write-up!