RISLEY POND LOOP TRAIL

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Trail Highlights
This 2.6 mile loop trail’s rocky terrain and elevation changes make it a moderately difficult hike. Several spots, such as brook crossings and flat stretches, can be unusually wet and/or muddy following heavy rains. White-tailed deer
frequent the trail, and wild turkeys have been spotted behind the pond. Mountain laurel along the ridge offers a showy display of flowers toward the end of June and, in the fall, the bright red leaves of the swamp maples are spectacular.

Risley Park is owned by the Manchester Land and Conservation Trust, Inc. It was donated in 1983 by Gladys R. Hall and Dorothy R. Miller in memory of their father, John S. Risley. The pond is a secondary source of water for the Manchester Water Company. Trail construction and mantenance provide entirely by volunteers for the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, a non-profit organization which manages 700 miles of Connecticut trails.

Parking and Accessibility
The trailhead is located on Lake Street in Vernon on the north end of Risley Pond. From I-84 east, take exit 66, Tunnel Road. Bear right on South Frontage Road. At stoplight, turn left onto Tunnel Road and follow to stop sign; turn left on Lake Street and follow about 1 mile to Risley Park. There is a parking area for approximately 10 cars. The trail is not accessible for wheelchairs.

Trail Head: Vernon, Lake Street
Hours: dawn to dusk
Length: 2.6 miles
Surface: rocky terrain
Difficulty: moderate to
difficult
Bike Lockers: No
Contact: Connecticut Forest and Parks Association, 16 Meriden Road, Rockfall, Connecticut, 06481-2961, (860) 346-2372, e-mail: info@ctwoodlands.org