2024 Marathon Level 2 Hike #9: Indian Well/Tahmore Figure-8

SUMMARY:  This hike works in a lot of heart-pumping elevation gain in just 1.6 mile (410 feet). The footing is pretty good considering the hills, so it's fine if the ground is wet, and there's the Housatonic River overlook to enjoy.  It's a good hike if you are short on time but still want a good work out and great views. 

PARKING: Indian Well State Park hiker lot, on the left, directly across the street from the main entrance to the beach and boat launch facility. (Currently, Google Maps will get you almost there if you enter "Indian Well State Park." Just continue down the road a bit further).  If the gate is open, you can also park in the main lot (free if you have CT license plates).  During the off-season, this lot can fill up on weekend afternoons if the weather is nice. Cars tend to spill over into undesignated areas. 

PLANNING NOTES: Cell service is very poor at the parking area but is fine at the top of the hill. Pull up your phone maps before leaving the house.  The first part of the hike is very popular with users of Indian Well State Park, including people trying to view the falls. Mornings, weekdays, and offseason may be less of a hassle. 

MAPS: The official map for Tahmore Preserve with parts of Indian Well can be downloaded here. Use our custom Google Map #2 to geolocate yourself while hiking.

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CONDENSED DESCRIPTION: Head up the stairs located behind the info kiosk on the white access trail and turn left onto the blue-blazed Paugussett Trail southbound. At Tahmore Junction, start the Tahmore Trail loop (blue/yellow) going clockwise by heading for the overlook. Continue on the blue/yellow trail all the way around the loop (almost a mile) and return to Tahmore Junction. Follow blue southbound (temporarily north) down the hill to the Blue/Red Beach Cutoff Trail. Turn left and follow the b/r blazes to your car. 

FULL DESCRIPTION:  From the parking lot, walk past the informational kiosk and head up the steps on the white-blazed access trail. At the top, TURN LEFT onto the Paugussett Trail (blue) and continue up the hill. Arrive a Tahmore Junction, where blue/yellow blazes join the trail and there is a well-signed tree. 

With your back to the map on the tree, go forward on blue/yellow Tahmore Trail towards the overlook (the river valley should be to your left). Enjoy the view. 

Continue on Tahmore Trail, a 0.9-mile loop. Pass the red connector trail and then you may see a cow down the hill to your left before climbing up to the "Top of Tahmore." There are seasonal glimpses of the Housatonic at the high point. Continue back down the other side of the hill, cross the red connector trail once again, and descend back down to Tahmore Junction. 

Follow signage for the falls by taking the blue-blazed Paugussett Trail once again in the southbound direction (the trail temporarily heads north as it descends, which confuses people, but it will switchback shortly). The river valley will first be on your right, and then on your left. When you reach the first junction with the  blue/red  Beach Cutoff Trail, TURN LEFT. The river valley should now be on your right. Follow this trail back to your car.