Connecticut · Hiking

Clamshell Loop

Clamshell LoopPhoto: Pedro Xing, CC0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
2.1 mi
loop
163 ft
climb
490 ft
high point
Loop
route
Apr, Jun–Oct
best months

Clamshell Loop is a 2.1-mile loop hike in Connecticut, about 2.2 miles from the town of Washington. The route rises from roughly 470 feet to about 490 feet, with a total elevation gain of 163 feet, and it is rated easy. The climb is gentle, with the steepest stretch at about 1.8 miles, where the grade reaches 10 percent. Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Danbury show May highs around 72°F and September highs around 75°F, while July averages about 85°F and January highs sit near 36°F. The loop sits close to several other short hikes. Pinney Loop is just 0.2 miles away, and Shinar Trail and Steep Rock Loop are each about half a mile off. For time on the water, the Shepaug River is about 6.6 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Apr, Jun–Oct

    Best time to visit Clamshell Loop

    Best months: April and June–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      36° / 21°

      12 wet · 8 snow

    2. Feb

      39° / 22°

      11 wet · 6 snow

    3. Mar

      48° / 29°

      13 wet · 5 snow

    4. Apr

      61° / 39°

      12 wet · 1 snow

    5. May

      72° / 49°

      13 wet

    6. Jun

      80° / 59°

      12 wet

    7. Jul

      85° / 64°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      82° / 63°

      10 wet

    9. Sep

      75° / 55°

      9 wet

    10. Oct

      62° / 43°

      10 wet

    11. Nov

      50° / 34°

      10 wet · 2 snow

    12. Dec

      40° / 26°

      12 wet · 5 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Danbury, CT, 14.8 mi away at 405 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors