Prime Time for Two of White Memorial’s Marquee Trails
White Memorial has 40 miles of trails spread out across 4,000 acres and all the walks are wonderful for different reasons. Some trails stand out more than others, though.
The Little Pond Boardwalk Trail in Litchfield is so popular it draws visitors from all over the state and beyond – and elicits reviews and comments online that include praise like “magical” and a “gem.”
The Apple Hill Trail in Morris doesn’t get the buzz of the Little Pond Boardwalk Trail but it’s equally rewarding with its panoramic views of Bantam Lake and the hills to the south/southwest.
Late summer, when temperatures cool off, the bugs begin to retreat, and the light becomes softer and more flattering, is the beginning of prime time for these two marquee trails – and both shine brightest in fall foliage season.
A 1.2-mile wooden walkway elevates hikers above the wetland environment around Little Pond, which crosses the Bantam River in two spots. Walking it in the fall is like being immersed in an explosion of autumn colors.
Making access easier than in the past, there’s a large parking area off Whites Woods Road, just north of the intersection with Bissell Road, though many visitors prefer to take a longer hike by starting at The White Memorial Conservation Center after consulting the trail maps.
Apple Hill has two trailheads located along East Shore Road. The one closer to Litchfield (the northern entrance) leads hikers on a 1.5-mile ramble through Cat Swamp and then up to the summit of Apple Hill (1,200 feet in elevation).
It’s a great hike but also means a commitment of 3 miles total to return to the car, and many who enjoy this route will walk back on pretty East Shore Road.
Those who want to enjoy the panoramic views of Bantam Lake and the hills to the south/southwest from the viewing platform atop Apple Hill are in luck, though.
From the second trailhead, closer to the junction with Route 109 in Morris (the southern entrance) it’s just a half mile up to the summit, so one mile roundtrip. Take note that the access here is tucked among private properties and the parking is very limited, so guests using this entrance should be courteous and park appropriately.
If you want a rewarding shorter hike, take the Lake Trail from the Conservation Center/Museum area to the Bantam Lake viewing platform. It’s a short, flat walk and great for families and even young children. (Continue past the platform to see the ruins of a massive icehouse operation, including a narrow canal through which blocks of ice were floated from the lake to the icehouse and then onto rail cars bound for posh spots in New York City.)
