20s/30s Mount Sanford loop

Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 3 - Easy
Trip Leader(s): Conrad Ward
Registration Type: Registration
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001FEi1
Register By: 8/23/2026
Audience: 20’s & 30’s

Description: Come join our Appalachian Mountain Club 20s/30s community for a 5 mile loop that winds around Naugatuck State Forest and finishes with a pass over the summit of Mount Sanford. The first three miles will be hiking through the forest without major vertical change while only the last two miles will be hiking the mountain with elevation ranging from a minimum of 360 feet to the summit at 890 feet. A scenic view is at the top.
New people are always welcome! Registration is required. I am capping participation at a small group size and delaying registration due to limited parking. If you are committed to carpooling or are willing to meet at a nearby location to leave a vehicle, let me know and I may be able to let a couple more people in. Any final notes and weather cancellations will be emailed to registered participants 1-3 days before. Would like to bring a well-behaved dog? Prefer there not to be a dog on the hike for any reason? Please coordinate with the leader in advance. The hike end time is just an estimate.
What to bring Footwear, water, and snacks for 5 miles of hiking in the woods / up to 4 hours Bug spray / sunscreen as needed
Directions Coordinates: 41.4506, -72.9466. Parking area is at the far north end of Downs Rd in Hamden, CT, a short distance past 2635 Downs Rd. I can do pickups on the way from Guilford if given advanced notice.
Meal / Social (Optional) After the hike, we may regather for lunch at Fresh Greens & Proteins Hamden.
About Founded in 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club is a non-profit organization that promotes the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the mountains, forests, waters, and trails of America’s Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. The Connecticut Chapter of AMC is active across the state and volunteers organize hundreds of activities each year. The CT Young Members Committee is geared towards participants in their 20s & 30s. Some goals of the 20s & 30s group is to add more frequent activities and expand into multi-day adventures such as camping trips, hostels, backpacking, and destination trips that build community and lasting friendships.
20s/30s Calendar Find our other activities and happenings here !

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!