2024 Marathon Level 2, Hike #11: Buddington Rd to Hope Lake

Paugussett Trail Lollipop Loop (Level 2, Hike #11)
Buddington Road to Hope Lake (3 miles, 225 ft total ascent). 

SUMMARY: This is relatively easy hike through Shelton Lake's quiet side featuring Eklund Garden and Hope Lake. The most southern section of the Paugussett Trail is closed to mountain bikes and features more rocky footing than other trails at Shelton Lakes. 

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MAPs: See Google Map #2 for driving directions and to geolocate yourself while hiking. The official Shelton Lakes trail map can be downloaded here. 

PARKING: Paugussett Trailhead parking, Buddington Road. GPS #179 Buddington Road. Back into the parking area because this lot can be difficult to pull out of. 

CONDENSED DESCRIPTION: Blue-blazed Paugussett Trail to Hope Lake. Left on red-blazed Oak Valley Trail. Left on Rec Path (no blazes). Keep straight under powerlines as Rec Path veers right, and join white-blazed Nells Rock Trail, continuing along the powerlines. Trail goes left up rocks steps and under powerlines. Right onto blue-blazed Paugussett Trail back to car. 

HIKE DESCRIPTION: Follow the blue-blazed Paugussett for about a mile all the way to Hope Lake, passing through Eklund Garden on the way.  Enjoy the lake views, then continue on blue roughly following the southern shoreline.

After crossing a low bridge across the Hope Lake inlet, leave the Paugussett and TURN LEFT onto red-blazed Oak Valley Trail. 

Cross the powerlines and arrive at the Rec Path (no blazes). TURN LEFT onto the Rec Path and follow it alongside Oak Valley Road Extension, crossing two driveways, then pass "Great Ledge" under the powerlines (old deeds called it that). 

Stay on the powerlines straight ahead when the Rec Path turns right to go back into the woods. There should be a sign for Nells Rock Trail, which is just up ahead. Follow white-blazed Nells Rock Trail along the powerlines towards the next set of Eversource towers, where the trail will curve left to climb a new set of stone steps and pass under the powerlines to re-enter the woods.  

Continue following the white-blazed old woods road until the Paugussett briefly joins the trail. TURN RIGHT to follow the blue blazes back to your car.