Connecticut · Hiking · Near Middletown

Coginchaug Cave Trail

Coginchaug Cave TrailPhoto: bellemarematt, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)
1.2 mi
one way
175 ft
climb
586 ft
high point
Point to point
route
Apr, Jun–Oct
best months

Coginchaug Cave Trail is a short, easy hike in Connecticut, about 1.2 miles long and with a total elevation gain of 175 feet. It is a point-to-point route, and the climb is front-loaded, with the steepest stretch at about 0.09 miles from the start. The trail begins at an elevation of 578 feet and reaches a high point of 586 feet before descending to a low of 454 feet. The nearest town is Durham Center, about 2.1 miles away. The trail is a quick outing, estimated to take about half an hour, and it works well as a short addition to a day spent exploring the surrounding area. For comfortable weather, late spring and early fall are the best bets. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Meriden run to highs around 70°F in May and 75°F in September, though that station sits well below the trail, so temperatures on the route run cooler. Bear Rock, a climbing area, is about 1.3 miles away, and the Rockland Trail and Mica Ledges Trail are both within about 1.6 miles. Paddlers can reach the Coginchaug River, roughly 2.4 miles off.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Camp Farnam

    Campground

    Campground · 1.9 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Hard Hat Tavern

    Pub

    On your way back · 2 mi
  • If it rainsJoe Mabel, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

    Davison Art Center

    Gallery

    In town

    University art museum in Middletown, Connecticut

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors · Photos: Joe Mabel, CC BY-SA 3.0 (commons)

More in Middletown
  • Best time to go · Apr, Jun–Oct

    Best time to visit Coginchaug Cave Trail

    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

      37° / 19°

      10 wet

    2. Feb

      39° / 20°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      47° / 28°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      60° / 38°

      11 wet

    5. May

      70° / 48°

      13 wet

    6. Jun

      79° / 57°

      12 wet

    7. Jul

      84° / 63°

      12 wet

    8. Aug

      82° / 61°

      12 wet

    9. Sep

      75° / 54°

      11 wet

    10. Oct

      64° / 42°

      12 wet

    11. Nov

      52° / 32°

      10 wet

    12. Dec

      42° / 24°

      11 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Meriden Markham Muni Ap, CT, 10 mi away at 103 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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