20s & 30s Annual Gathering Hike at Chatfield Hollow State Park

Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 4 - Moderate
Trip Leader(s): Lee Thao, Conrad Ward
Registration Type: Registration
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001L24f
Audience: 20’s & 30’s

Description: Join the young members committee for an incredible autumn trek through Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth! Nestled in a scenic valley framed by rocky ledges and pine forests, Chatfield Hollow is renowned for its rich geological features, historic CCC stone structures, and tranquil waters, all set against a backdrop of brilliant fall colors. 🌄🍁🌲
Our loop will take us past an amazing lineup of the park’s best highlights, including the unique Indian Caves rock recesses, the historic Old Mill Pond Dam , Old Mill Pond , the charming Covered Bridge , Schreeder Pond , and the Schreeder Pond Dam . We will also stop by the Oak Lodge Nature Center (NRHP) to learn about the natural history at Chatfield Hollow State Park. At the very end, we will take the 825 ft, Paul F. Wildermann Boardwalk , as we cross over the wetlands at Chatfield Hollow State Park and take in some immersive nature observation of the local flora and fauna.

This route is roughly 5 miles with 610 ft of elevation gain — a rewarding, moderately paced loop featuring a fantastic mix of rolling forest paths, rocky outcroppings, and scenic waterside trails. 🎒 What to Bring: 1–2 liters of water 💧 Trail snacks to keep your energy up 🥨 Sturdy footwear / hiking boots (Recommended; the trail includes rocky terrain and uneven root-filled paths) 🥾 Hiking poles (optional, but helpful for the rocky ascents and descents) 🦯 🅿️ Parking & Meeting Location: Chatfield Hollow State Park - Parking Lot Address: 381 N Branford Rd, Killingworth, CT 06419 Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/x4Yc1gh6ouJomdmk8 Parking Fees: FREE – In-State Registered Vehicles $15 – Out-of-State Vehicles (Weekends/Holidays) $10 – Out-of-State Vehicles (Weekdays) $112 – Out-of-State Vehicles (Season Pass)
🍜 Social Lunch: Connecticut AMC Annual Gathering & Meeting This hike is an activity in association with the Connecticut AMC Annual Gathering & Meeting and 20s/30s Deer Lake Camping Weekend Fall 2026 at Deer Lake Outdoor Center. * You do not have to attend the annual gathering or the camping trip to participate in this hike. A fantastic catered meal by Chef Gordon of Café Laurel will be serve at the Connecticut Annual Gathering. Lunch starts at 12:30 pm, the cost is $45. If you are interested in attending the Annual Gathering, click here to register and purchase your tickets! Location: Deer Lake Outdoor Center Address: 101 Paper Mill Rd, Killingworth, CT 06419 Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3jooyApEpRSeMK4e7 The Connecticut & Narragansett Young Members Committee will be holding a camping weekend at Deer Lake Outdoor Center, if you are interested in joining us for the camping trip, please register at this link: 20s/30s Deer Lake Camping Weekend Fall 2026 📧 Confirmed participants will receive: Weather updates A Google Sheet for optional carpooling Exact meeting location / pin via Google Maps 🔗 Helpful Links Connecticut's Official State Park Site: https://ctparks.com/parks/chatfield-hollow-state-park Trail Map: https://ctparks.com/media/414/download?inline AllTrails Hike Route: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/chatfield-hollow-state-park-hike-1-2803378?u=i&sh=yfqmuk

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!