Explore the most popular trails near Waterbury with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.
Surprisingly lovely. If you hike with a fur baby keep them leashed along the ridge, sheer drops. Best option for “dog” hike..go out and back on lower level.
Beautiful trail, easy to find and well marked. Just walk past the yellow gate. One side of the loop takes you along the river (flat for the most part) and the other is along the ridgeline (tougher part of the trail) above it. There is a beautiful little waterfall right at the fork where the two sides of the trail meet.
Today was my first time here, and I will absolutely be back. What a hidden gem! Like other reviewers, I would have never believed a forest trail like this could exist in Waterbury. Parking is under surveillance, because of the quarry, so I’m totally cool with leaving my car here. Once you pass the yellow gate, and start walking along the rock scramble road towards the woods, the feeling of being in a city is completely gone. The river flow was pretty good after the soaking rains we’ve had. My dog loved it, the view at the top of the ridge is outstanding, and the trail has a few good steep climbs. It is a little narrow in spots, but certainly manageable.
Pretty impressed tbh. Nice workout. Challenging in some spots. We went clockwise which seemed like it was probably the better way to go. Nice views. Slippery because of fallen leaves and steep in some places. Definitely worth the visit.
The view is incredible. I was a little skeptical getting out of my car and walking a trail in Waterbury but it turned out to be a nice hike AND our truck was still there when we finished lol
This was my first time hiking this trail. The trail can be steep and rocky in places both up and down. There is parking at the end of Sheffield Street. If you cross yellow metal gate along quarry property, it will bring you to a gravel road which will lead you to the trail head. I suggest you wear long pants, have bug spray, water, and a walking stick. Also good sturdy above ankle hiking boots are a must.
Look for the blue marker just to the left of the “bridge”. Great trail along the river, with multiple options afterwards. Incline wasn’t much, but could be a troubling ascent for a beginner. Sights at top make it seem like you’re anywhere other than Waterbury, CT.
Not what I expected ! surprisingly a very nice little loop. Would recommend going during weekends to avoid noise from the quarry
Great trail. Was a nice find. The previous reviews on description were accurate. The walk alone the water was flat but very pretty. Once you hit the ascend ( and you will know which one when you get there) definitely a challenge. Not for beginners. A very narrow but pretty cool path. Saw a bunch of lady slippers along the hike as well, surprisingly.
Chuck S. on Hancock Brook Trail
Hancock Brook Trail is open. Trail does not cross river over abandoned bridge but proceeds North along the side of the quarry area. Trail runs North about 1.5 miles following Hancock Brook. It then swings to the left and makes the return trip South on top of the ridge. One of my favorite trails especially when there has been a recent rain.
The trailhead is on the other side of the quarry. You have to actually cut across the quarry to reach it and ignore the rotten bridge everyone keeps mentioning. The trail is fairly simple going beside a small stream, across from which is a train track. Once you get to “the end”, looking ahead you will see a scrap yard or something through the trees into the distance. That’s not the end of the trail of course as it loops by going up the cliff face to the left of that “end”. It’s a bit of a difficult climb at points and can be strenuous, so make sure you have plenty of water and are part mountain goat. The views from the top of the various cliffs are nice during the warmer months. The trail eventually ends where it began and you have to cross the quarry field again.
Looks like this trail is longer accessible. The starting bridge is out.
Went to hike this trail today and found that trailhead is no longer accessible as bridge to trail is in ruins (no road, only steel girders and rotten boards). Could not find alternate trailhead.
