20s & 30s Great Falls Reservoir, Mount Prospect, Raccoon Hill, Rand's View

Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 4 - Moderate
Trip Leader(s): Lee Thao
Registration Type: Registration
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX0000015aTh
Audience: 20’s & 30’s

Description: ⛰️ Rugged Ridelines & Waterfalls: The AT via Mount Prospect & Raccoon Hill 🥾 Ready for a hike that offers big views and a classic Appalachian Trail experience? Join us for a trek through the Northwest Hills as we tackle a stunning stretch of the AT featuring Great Falls, Mount Prospect, Rand's View, Raccoon Hill, and Hamlet Hill. This is a quintessential Connecticut hike, combining rushing water, technical climbs, and some of the best vistas in the state. We’ll start near the thundering Great Falls before catching the white-blazed Appalachian Trail. The path takes us through lush forests and up onto the ridge, where we’ll be rewarded with sweeping scenery from the Mount Prospect and Raccoon Hill overlooks. At Rand's View, one of the most iconic spots in Connecticut, we'll take in a panoramic look at the Berkshires and beyond. Expect rocky terrain, steady inclines, and that 'top of the world' feeling that only the AT provides. 🥾 The Stats Distance: ~7.2 miles Elevation Gain: ~1,500 ft 🎒 What to Bring Hydration: 1+ liters of water 💧 Fuel: Lunch and snacks—We will stop at Hamlet Hill and have lunch. 🍱🥪 Layers: Ridge-tops can be significantly windier and cooler than the trailhead. 🌬️ Footwear: Sturdy, lugged hiking boots or trail runners are highly recommended. 🥾 Trekking Poles: Highly recommended for the descent and rhythm on the climbs. 🦯 🅿️ Parking & Logistics Parking: Available at the Appalachian Trail crossing near Falls Village/Great Falls. Meeting Spot: The exact meeting location will be sent out to confirmed participants via email. 🍽️ Summit Social & Lunch We will stop at either Rand's View or Hamlet Hill to sit, socialize, and enjoy lunch together. It’s a great spot to refuel and take in the surroundings before we continue along the ridge and eventually make our way back.
📧 Confirmed Participants Will Receive: Weather updates and gear reminders. A Google Sheet for optional carpooling. The exact GPS meeting location. 🔗 Helpful Links AllTrails Route: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-great-falls-reservoir-mount-prospect-raccoon-hill-and-hamlet-hill-via-appalachian-trail-24ebdef New England Waterfalls : https://www.newenglandwaterfalls.com/ct-greatfallshousatonic.html Berskirehiking : http://berkshirehiking.com/hikes/randsview.html

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!