Having hiked along most of the paths on the Hockanum River in East Hartford and Manchester, I am constantly amazed by the ability of the trail blazers to navigate visitors through a thin ribbon of the natural world along the waterway.
The Hockanum River travels through some of the most developed stretches in Vernon, Manchester and East Hartford, but still retains its scenic qualities. The 1.4-mile Dart Hill North Trail is no exception. In fact, members of the Hockanum River Watershed Association call it "one of the most scenic, hilly and tranquil" of all trails along the waterway.
Visitors can either start on the northern portion of the trail, although I found starting a hike at Vernon's Wastewater Treatment plant to be kind of offputting. So I began my journey at Dart Hill North Park on Dart Hill Road where visitors are immediately introduced to the Hockanum River in the form of a picnic area along a high earthen bank with views down to the river.
The Hockanum comes from the Native American Indian word "Hocquaun" meaning "hooked-shaped" or "crooked" river. The Hockanum River watershed encompasses nine towns and 77 square miles as it flows from Ellington and Tolland through Vernon and Manchester before its confluence into the Connecticut River in East Hartford.
From the picnic area, the trail travels north and is marked with orange blazes on the trees. Unfortunately, this section of trail has been the victim of spray paint vandalism. Everything from trees to patches of moss and ferns were sprayed with various symbols and explicit words.
But don't let that detract from the visit because there is plenty to see here from great blue herons searching for fish along the banks to evidence of beavers attempting to take down some massive oak trees. Areas of the trail travel right along the river and showcase some scenic views of the waterway and marsh areas.
Don't worry about a wet journey as the trail remains dry as visitors are taken on a series of boardwalks over the path's wet areas. There are huge majestic trees along the banks and the path passes through large swaths of ferns. Those interested in kayaking – perhaps in the wetter months – can launch at an area near the treatment plant.
After leaving the trail at the northern terminus, I walked back to the car along a busy, noisy and heavily developed Route 83 amazed that a quiet natural world along the river lay just to the west.
I-84 to Exit 64/65 to Route 83 North. After several miles, take a left on Dart Hill Road and look for the parking area with a sign noting Hockanum River Park Trail. Visit http://www.hockanumriverwa.org for a map of the various trails along the river. Visit wwww.courant.com/cthiking for other hiking adventures in Connecticut's great outdoors.
