Hike at St. Johns Ledges in Kent CT

We will be in the area anyway for the Kent Falls hike and picnic so lets do some high exertion early in the morning before the heat kicks in (I know it's really early!).http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/d/d/a/event_5696794.jpeg

Located across the Housatonic River from Kent Falls is the Appalachian Trail and a section called St. Johns Ledges. This section has some very serious ups (about 736 ft.) on the trail up the cliff face (note part in the picture). No rock climbing but high exertion.

There are two possible ways we could hike this. One is a thru-hike from the parking area for St. Johns Ledges off of River Rd. to Route 341 and would be about 4.9 miles. We would have to spot some cars on Rte. 341 to shuttle back to the start. The second way we could hike it is as a loop from St. John's Ledges parking area where we hike trail about 3 miles and then hike on Skiff Mountain Rd. and River Rd. about 2 miles to loop back to the start. Which way we go depends on the conditions, how everyone feels at the Skiff Mtn. Rd. road crossing, and time (I need to be to Kent Falls before 11 AM).

We will take up to about 3.5 hours for this hike.

Those who wish to go must have:

• 2 quarts of water
• backpack to stow items
• Hiking boots

Suggested items:

• Bug spray
• Camera
• Hiking poles

Dogs are not allowed due to steepness. Children are not advised unless they are experienced hiking steep trails and the related dangers with rocks and cliffs.

Approximate location/directions parking in dirt parking lot off of River Rd., dirt/gravel road (about 165 River Rd., Kent, CT):
MapQuest: http://mapq.st/KBGXX7
Google: (Google Maps is missing River Rd. in Kent! Use MapQuest.)

Hiking Map:
See Connecticut Forest and Park Association's book "Connecticut Walk Book: West" 19th edition to see the maps (maps AT-5 and AT-4 on page 36 and page 35 respectively).
Topo: http://www.ctxguide.com/ctxguide_227.htm

St. Johns Ledges - More information:
This has slant towards rock climbing: http://www.summitpost.org/saint-john-s-ledges-5-2-5-10/245850

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