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.
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.