2017 Lollipop Hike #7: Pine Lake to SIS Bypass Loop

SUMMARY: Starting at the Pine Lake parking lot, this trail follows the Rec Path to the second crossing of Constitution Blvd., takes the yellow square blaze trail bypassing the Intermediate School parking lot, follows the sidewalk to the Rec Path and returns back to Pine Lake.

PARKING: Take Route 108, also know as Shelton Avenue, to the parking area at Pine Lake. GPS 130 Shelton Avenue. Parking is available on both sides of Route 108 as well as the Senior Center.

BLAZE COLORS: The Shelton Lakes Recreation Path is an 8’-12’ wide gravel path which is very easy to follow and has occasional yellow blazes. At the second Constitution Blvd crossing, follow the yellow square blazes between Route 108 and the Shelton Intermediate School (SIS) parking lot to the sidewalk that take you back to the Rec Path.

TRAIL MAP:

HIKE DESCRIPTION:  Starting at the Pine Lake parking lot, the trail goes over the bridge on top of the dam of the reservoir and continues through a large number of tall white pines. A smaller trail enters from the right from the Shelton Police Department and the Shelton Senior Center where additional parking is available. Continue on the larger trail to Meadow Street.  Be very careful crossing Meadow Street. Cars should stop for hikers/pedestrians in the crosswalk, but may not.

Cross the road to the only paved section of the Rec Path, with a ball field eventually on your right. When the pavement ends, continue on the gravel path with the Shelton Intermediate School on your left. Go by a large boulder and up the embankment. Again be careful crossing the street, Constitution Blvd.

At the parking area, there is a kiosk and a small bridge.  Continue straight on the Rec Path until the left at the split rail fence post. Go over a large wooden bridge where you view Silent Waters and the remains of a dam that burst in 1903, flooding downtown Shelton. The trail takes a sharp left at the end of the split rail fence and cross over a small bridge before coming to the Constitution Blvd/Shelton Ave intersection. Cross Constitution Blvd and follow the yellow square blaze trail through the woods between Shelton Ave and SIS. When the trail ends, follow the sidewalk between SIS and the ball field back to the Rec Path, turn right and return to the Pine Lake parking lot,

A normal pace will complete the trail in 90 minutes. There is much to observe and admire.