2017 Lollipop Hike #8: Lane St. Rec Path to Basil Brook Bypass

SUMMARY: One of Shelton’s newest trails, Basil Brook Bypass offers a pleasant ramble along a stream, past a picturesque waterfall and through a stand of mountain laurel. Connecting at either end to the Shelton Lakes Recreation Path, Basil Brook Bypass is named in honor of Basil Dikovsky, a preservationist who donated land so that the Shelton Lakes Recreation Path could maintain handicapped-accessible grades.

PARKING: There is parking for only a couple cars at the trailhead, which is at one end of the Shelton Lakes Recreation Path, just past 19 Lane Street. Hikers may park on weekends at the parking lot across from 11 Lane Street, despite the “private property” signs. Alternatively, you should park behind the Shelton Community Center at 41 Church Street, and walk to the trailhead, which marked by a kiosk and the familiar granite “Shelton Lakes Recreation Path” posts at the start of the trail.

BLAZE COLORS: Yellow blazes are occasional on the Shelton Lakes Recreation Path, but the wide packed gravel path is easy to follow. The Basil Brook Bypass trail has not been blazed, but it is well marked with orange flagging ribbon around trees along the route.

TRAIL MAP:

HIKE DESCRIPTION:  Starting on the Rec Path, the first part of the hike winds along the edge of a beautiful meadow. At the end of the meadow, the trail bears left and rises up a hill. After the path flattens out at the top of the hill, the trail bears sharply right. In about 0.10 mile, you’ll come to a paved road, Wesley Drive. Cross Wesley Drive and continue to follow the Rec Path for about 0.15 miles. Watch for two trees on the right both bearing “Basil Brook Bypass” signs. Follow the woodland trail between the two trees and down to the stream.

The trail follows the stream a short way, and then crosses it, with large boulders making for an easy crossing. The trail then meanders near the brook on your left for some ways. Keep a lookout on the left for a “Waterfall” sign, just as houses come into view. The waterfall, which empties into a pleasant vernal pool, is just a few steps off the main trail.

Shortly thereafter, the trail turns away from the stream and rises gradually up a hill. Down the other side, you’ll find a forest filled with mountain laurel, a particular treat if you’re hiking in early summer when it’s in bloom. You’ll come across a fork in the trail. If left branch is too wet, take the right one over higher ground. The two routes converge very shortly. After some more gentle up and downs there’s a second stream crossing – this one over a pedestrian bridge.

Shortly thereafter the trail splits briefly, with both forks converging after several feet. Soon after the split, you come out of the woods in a clearing under the power lines. Continue straight for a while watching for the “Shelton Lakes Rec Path” sign pointing to a short feeder trail on the left.

Take the feeder trail to the Rec Path and make a left. In about 0.40 miles, you’ll cross Wesley Drive at a different location than you did at the beginning of the hike. Continue down the Rec Path, passing the original Basil Brook Bypass turnoff, retracing your steps back down the “stick” of the lollipop to the beginning of the Rec Path on Lane Street.