Located in Bloomfield, Connecticut, Talcott Mountain state park is home to hiking trails and a unique observatory tower. The park is located on 557 acres of public land. Part of the Metacomet Trail, a 51 mile hiking trail, runs through the grounds. One of the most unique features of this park is the observation tower. The Heublein Tower is a 165 foot tower with a lookout that offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. It was built by Gilbert Heublein, who is best known for the food products his company manufactured: A1 Steak sauce and Smirnoff vodka. It originally served as the Heublein family’s summer home. The tower was built in 1914, but it has been reconstructed several times. The tower passed into public ownership during the 1960s. After you climb the 110 steps to the top, you can even the skyline of Hartford from the tower, as well as the Farmington River Valley. Talcott Mountain state park is open all year, but the observation tower is only open seasonally. Heulien Tower is a popular destination during the fall, as it provides a beautiful view of Connecticut’s seasonal foliage. If plan to visit Talcott Mountain state park during the popular fall months, try to arrive early in the season while the attendance is still sparse and parking is still ample.
If you are interested in visiting Talcott Mountain state park, take careful note of the hours of operation. The park is open seven days a week from 8 am until sunset. If you are interested in visiting Heulien Tower, it is open to the public from May 24th until the end of August each year from 10am till 5pm. The tower is also open on weekends from Labor Day weekend until the end of October. Because seasonal hours can vary, call the park’s main office to confirm visiting hours before you plan your trip. The tower is closed on Mondays. To reach the tower, you will need to walk about 1 and 1/4 miles on a hiking trail. The trail is not handicapped accessible, nor is the tower. There is no fee for parking at the park, which is nice if you are on a tight budget. Although this park does not offer camping, its free admission and beautiful scenery make it a great place for a day trip with your family. There is a picnic shelter on the premises, and bathrooms are available.
If you need more information about Talcott Mountain, you can visit the official website at http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?A=2716&Q=325272. Downloadable maps are available on the park’s website that can help you plan your visit. Additionally, you can call the park office at (860) 242-1158. You can also email the Connecticut state park’s office at [email protected].