🥾 Castle Craig Hiking Adventure! 🏞️

Ready for an adventure? Join us for a guided hike to the iconic Castle Craig in Meriden, CT! Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking to get outdoors and meet new people, this event is for you.

***

**📅 **DATE:** Sunday, June 29, 2025 VIRTUAL: https://shorturl.at/QndvC**
🕚 **TIME:** 2:45 pm (Hike begins promptly at 3:00 PM—no late starts!)
📍 **LOCATION:** Hubbard Park (Castle Craig), W. Main St., Meriden, CT 06451
📍**MEETING PLACE: ** We should meet at the trailhead where the small parking lot is near the entrance diagonal from the pond, as the road first rounds it.
🅿️**PARKING:**

• Primary: Small lot northwest of Mirror Lake (closest to the trailhead)
• Overflow: Large lot east of Mirror Lake—just stroll along Mirror Lake Drive to the trailhead.

***

WHAT TO KNOW:
📏 Distance:
The shortest hiking route from Mirror Lake to Castle Craig is approximately 1.2 miles one way (about 2.4 miles round trip).
A longer, moderate loop is about 3.6 to 3.9 miles round trip, depending on the exact trails taken.
⏱️ Time:
The 1.2-mile route typically takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour each way, depending on pace and stops.
The full 3.9-mile loop is estimated at around 3 hours.
⛰️ Difficulty: Moderate.
Expect steady elevation gain, with some sections that are steep and have loose rocks. The final approach to the tower is the most challenging part, requiring careful footing and possibly the use of hands for balance
👟 Terrain:
Mixed terrain: wooded trails, rocky sections, loose stone, and some steep ascents. Trails are well-marked (white, red, blue, and orange blazes). There’s also a pedestrian bridge over the highway and some paved roads near the summit.
🅿️ Access:

• Year-round parking is available near 999 W Main St, Meriden, CT, at the lot by Mirror Lake.
• From May 1 to October 31 (10:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.), you can drive up Peak Drive to a parking lot at the tower for easy access.
• If the small trailhead lot is full, use the larger lot to the east and walk along Mirror Lake Drive to the trailhead.

THINGS TO BRING:

• Pack a snack 🍌🍱🥪🍎and enjoy the scenery.
• Water bottle💧

WHAT TO WEAR:

• Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are perfect for the gravel path. 👟🥾
• Sunscreen and bug spray 🧴
• A small backpack for your gear 🎒
• Rain or shine—dress for the weather 🌧️

***

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• We’ll kick off our hike on the scenic White Trail, winding through peaceful woods (with a bit of highway ambiance).
• Cross a pedestrian bridge, then ascend to the Red Trail for a short, steeper climb.
• Options to mix up your route with alternate trails for a little extra adventure!
• The final push takes us up the White Spur Trail to the summit, where the historic Castle Craig observation tower awaits.
• (Optional) Climb the 32-foot tower for stunning 360° views of Meriden and beyond.
• AFTER THE HIKE: 📌We will be heading to a nearby spot to eat —an optional chance to relax, refuel, share stories from the trail, and socialize with fellow hikers. No pressure—just good food, good company, and a great way to end the afternoon!

***

🍽️Frida Restaurant
Address: 151 Lewis Ave, Meriden, CT 06451
Phone: (203) 237-1212
Menu: fridameriden.com
Casual restaurant for traditional Mexican dishes, including burritos and cemitas, plus smoothies. Also serves vegetarian dishes

***

🚶‍♀️🏞️ Attention New Haven Collective adventurers! Before you join our awesome event, please read this important info:
By signing up for our group event, you agree to the following:

1. You're responsible for your safety and preparedness.
2. You won't hold New Haven Collective organizers, hosts, or other members liable for any injuries or mishaps.
3. Research the event, know the area, and bring proper gear.
4. We don't provide liability insurance for participants.
5. This waiver covers all potential injuries and damages, even unforeseen ones.

REMEMBER: You're attending AT YOUR OWN RISK. We're just friends hiking together!

***

Let’s get outside, enjoy the views, and make some new connections!