Easy
Saugatuck Trail
HardConnecticut · United States
- Distance
- 17.9 km (11.2 mi)
- Elevation gain
- 395 m (1,296 ft)
- Typical time
- 4 hr 25 min
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- Point to point
- Highest point
- Not recorded
About Saugatuck Trail
Saugatuck Trail is a 17.9 km hiking route in Connecticut, United States. The profile is close to flat, so the distance is the only real variable. It sits firmly in moderate territory: enough climbing to feel like a proper day out, never enough to become a slog.
There is no one famous view here. The appeal is the sustained quality of the walking and the fact that you are unlikely to share it with a crowd.
Start and finish are in different places, which means public transport or a second car is part of the planning. The route is waymarked and marked on the ground with its own symbol, so navigation is straightforward in good visibility.
Spring through autumn is the natural window, and shoulder season means fewer people on the narrow sections.
In short, Saugatuck Trail suits regular walkers who want a full day without technical ground. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.
Route map
Hard17.9 km395 m
Numbered marks every 5 km
Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation
The route in detail
The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.
Highlights
- Waymarked and signposted
Know before you go
- Best season
- April to October
- Waymarked
- Yes, signed on the ground
- Surface
- Mixed natural surface
- Dogs
- Not recorded, check locally
- Wheelchair access
- Not accessible
- Entrance fee
- No fee recorded
- Camping
- Not recorded
- Drinking water
- Carry your own
- Toilets
- Not recorded
- Mobile coverage
- Generally usable
- Parking
- Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
- Emergency
- 112 in Europe, 911 in North America
How this trail scores
Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.
- Scenery
- 36/100
- Adventure
- 31/100
- Difficulty
- 53/100
- Accessibility
- 38/100
- Family
- 21/100
- Dogs
- 62/100
Terrain features, relief and photographic interest
Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is
Effort index from distance and climbing
Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it
Suitability for children who already walk
Access rules, terrain and water along the way
Tips from the trail
- Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
- Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.
Warnings
- Conditions change with the weather. Check a local forecast on the morning of your walk.
Safety
Emergency services in United States are reached on 911. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.
What to bring
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
- Weatherproof jacket
- At least 1.5 litres of water
- Small first aid kit including blister plasters
Photography
Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
No one has reviewed Saugatuck Trail yet. Be the first.
Trails near Saugatuck Trail
Other routes within a short drive, ranked by distance from this trailhead.
Easy
Connecticut · United States
- Distance
- 1.0 km / 0.6 mi
- Elevation gain
- 22 m
- Typical duration
- 15 min
Easy
Connecticut · United States
- Distance
- 0.5 km / 0.3 mi
- Elevation gain
- 11 m
- Typical duration
- 7 min
Easy
Connecticut · United States
- Distance
- 1.1 km / 0.7 mi
- Elevation gain
- 24 m
- Typical duration
- 16 min
- Coastal
Easy
Connecticut · United States
- Distance
- 1.3 km / 0.8 mi
- Elevation gain
- 29 m
- Typical duration
- 19 min
Easy
Connecticut · United States
- Distance
- 2.0 km / 1.2 mi
- Elevation gain
- 44 m
- Typical duration
- 29 min
- Waymarked route