HILLIARD TRAIL

Click here for a PDF printable version.

Trail Highlights
The E.E. Hilliard Hiking Trail is one of nine hiking trails that makes up Manchester’s section of the Hockanum Linear River Park. Small orange blazes on trees or rocks indicate the Hockanum River trails. Two blazes indicate that there’s a turn or intersection ahead. Three blazes indicate a side trail or alternate route. The side trail is marked with an orange blaze and white dot in the middle. There are three other towns with trails along the Hockanum River - Ellington, Vernon, and East Hartford.

There are views of the river, flood plain forest and water birds. This trail, although short in length, has a wooden bench allowing for a tranquil view of the Hockanum. This is a convenient spot for fishing or launching a kayak or canoe to explore the river. This trail is great for watching water birds such as the Sunny Brook Apartments’ resident White Goose..

The E.E. Hillard Company was listed as a producer of woolen goods in Manchester Town Directories until 1941. The mill buildings, with a few additions, still stand today across Hilliard Street from the trail.

Parking and Accessibility
Take I-384 to I-84 to eastbound exit 60, right at the end of ramp, left lane and left at traffic light, straight on New State Rd., for 1/4 mile, right into parking lot at corner at Hilliard St. This trail is not wheelchair accessible.

Trail Head: corner of hilliard and new state rd.
Hours: dawn to dusk
Length: 1/5 mile/4 minutes
Surface: rough Ground Difficulty: easy
Bike Lockers: No
Contact: Town of Manchester Customer Service Center, 41 Center St., Manchester, CT 06040, 860-647-5235. www.townofmanchester.org/leisure/hiking.cfm