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Post by andrewwmeisler on May 26, 2013 22:30:51 GMT -5
I am a new FKT member who joined after planning to attempt a one-day thru-run of CT's Metacomet trail from south to north. I was amazed that no fellow New Englanders (e.g., Ben Nephew, Jack Pilla) have posted an FKT on this run. Even more perplexing, I have been unable to nail down exactly how far it is from point to point (various sites show 51 to 62 miles), or even a precise start point. Having run most sections previously, I know it is rocky, rooty, and technical, with *lots* of up and down. It generally travels the traprock highland, with miles and miles of ridgeline views of valleys, escarpments, and reservoirs. Demanding but beautiful.
Right now, I am tentatively planning to give it a run on Sat., June 8th, 2013. Hoping to organize some limited support, as there are many road crossings but no easy store or supply access. Assuming I do complete the run in one day, it is likely to stand as an FKT/OKT for only a short time -- Ben, Jack, and others could easily cut my time by 30-40% or more if they felt like it.
I am not a techie and don't even own a GPS, but may buy or borrow one for this run, as (1) I want to post the profile, (2) determine mileage, and (3) get an estimate of elevation gain (I am guessing it's in the 15-20k ballpark).
Any knowledge, prior runs, or other relevant info would be most welcome.
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Post by Peter Bakwin on May 27, 2013 14:45:20 GMT -5
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Post by andrewwmeisler on Jun 7, 2013 10:12:43 GMT -5
With the weather forecast bad for Saturday, I re-arranged my schedule and started at 6:33 am on Wed, June 5th. Unfortunately, it wasn't my day, and I bailed at about the halfway mark where I had left my car (small commuter lot near junction of Rt 4 and I-84). Garmin at that point showed 27.8 miles with only 5,166 ascent and a bit less descent (surprising and, I think, questionably low).
I will likely try again soon, but in the interim anyone interested in trying feel free to ask advice. Despite blue blazes, the southerly portions of the route in particular require some careful recon and route-finding, with several segments overgrown and/or poorly marked, with sections of old trail still marked despite new re-routings nearby. Internet sites note that, “Despite being easily accessible and close to large population centers, the trail is considered remarkably rugged and scenic. The route includes many areas of unique ecologic, historic, and geologic interest. Notable features include waterfalls, dramatic cliff faces, woodlands, swamps, lakes, river flood plain, farmland, significant historic sites, and the summits of Talcott Mountain and the Hanging Hills.” The Pinnacle and, in particular, Ragged Mountain, are also noteworthy points along the way. If you don't love rocks, roots, and lots of up and down, this is not the trail for you.
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Post by beatcitymic on Jun 10, 2013 11:59:13 GMT -5
Good attempt Andrew. I've run the section from the Mass line to Penwood in one attempt, and my friend continued on until it crosses Rt 4 in Farmington. It's an incredibly difficult run due to the footing alone.
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Post by Andy Meisler on Jun 11, 2013 9:46:35 GMT -5
Thanks. Yes, I run the Penwood-Suffield sections all the time. Believe it or not, it's a breeze compared to the Rt 4-Meriden-Berlin section, particularly in terms of the footing as well as trail markings! Will definitely be back for another try later in the summer.
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Post by beatcitymic on Jun 12, 2013 11:14:17 GMT -5
If the small commuter lot is the one right as you exit out onto Rt 4, before you begin the section that runs behind the Exhange in Farmington and a couple miles away from the resevoir, then it looks like the trail in its entirety will be close to 55 miles. We got a total of 26.9(ish) from that lot to the MA line, added to your 27ish and I'd say 55 is a safe bet.
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Post by Andy on Jun 23, 2013 20:38:24 GMT -5
Well, our Garmin's are very close. I did the run yesterday from that lot to the junction of Rt 168 and Phelps Rd in Suffield -- it's short of the Mass line but the trail north of 168 only goes about 2/3 of a mile before being obliterated by a new power line. I got 26.6 miles, with 4542 ft ascent and 4204 descent. Combined, the entire trail looks to be about 54.4 m with 9708 up and 8968 down. Not posting any times here as it's yet to be done in one shot, but maybe later in the season.
Hope to see you out there!
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Post by beatcitymic on Jul 1, 2013 12:40:22 GMT -5
Should we set a specific start and end then? I believe when we started we started at the corner of Phelps Rd and Rt 168 in Suffield. As I've never been to the southern most point I'm unsure where the trailhead finally ends.
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Post by brianhayes on Feb 21, 2014 14:54:04 GMT -5
Does any one have any "good" map or gps file data for this? Thinking about giving it a try later this summer.
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Post by brianhayes on Feb 21, 2014 15:07:05 GMT -5
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Post by tirrell on Sept 9, 2014 20:23:37 GMT -5
if anyone needs a guide for the southern section of the CT Metacomet, I have routinely been running sections of the Metacomet Trail from the Southern Terminus to the Hublein Tower. I know these trails very well. These trails are pretty technical but enjoyable...if you like stepping on shards of pointy rocks with most every step. Be ware of the poison ivy if you have to drop trough in the woods.
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Post by Alex McDaniel on Sept 8, 2015 6:29:24 GMT -5
I'm interesting in trying this, most likely in 2016 or 2017 after some more recon. It will be very hard and support will be both key and gnarly. I live in New Haven and I'm around, if anyone else is interested in collaborating, let me know here and we'll talk,
Alex McDaniel
New Haven, CT
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Post by backpackingengineer on Oct 5, 2015 19:22:56 GMT -5
I may try for an FKT this coming weekend. I have run the entire trail over 2 separate runs. I really enjoyed the trail (actually broke my arm on it 2 months ago) and thought it would be fun to try and set the first FKT. If you are interested in joining me for a few miles, let me know!
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Post by backpackingengineer on Oct 11, 2015 7:05:43 GMT -5
This trail is still looking for an FKT. I did not finish my attempt yesterday. Made it 32.6 miles from the southern terminus in about 8 hours. Logged just over 6,000 ft of gain. I could have finished, but the pace would have been very slow. I will post a link to my report after I write in in the next week or so.
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Post by Art Byram on May 14, 2016 17:56:07 GMT -5
On or about 5:00AM Saturday May 21st I will be attempting an unsupported solo South to North Running of the Metacomet from Rt. 5 and Spruce Brook Drive in Berlin to the Metacomet terminus at the MA border. I am planning on filtering water from streams with a Sawyer mini, and using Tailwind. I ran the trail last summer in a series of shorter runs, as part of my quest to run all of the Blue Blaze trails in CT, and know some of what to expect from this beautiful beast. Art Byram Glastonbury, CT blueblazerunner #runeverytrail |
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