Connecticut · Hiking · Near Middletown

Eric L. Stone Trail

2.4 mi
loop
58 ft
climb
445 ft
high point
Loop
route
Apr–Oct
best months

The Eric L. Stone Trail is a 2.4-mile loop in Connecticut, about 1.3 miles from the town of Paynes Corners. It is an easy hike with a low elevation gain of 58 feet, and the route reaches a high point of 445 feet with a low of 390 feet. The trail is a loop, and the steepest stretch comes around the 1.5-mile mark, where the grade reaches about 15 percent. That makes the climb the most noticeable part of the route. The trail's short distance and gentle grade make it a good choice for a walk that can be done quickly or combined with other trails in the area. Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from the Mt Carmel weather station, about 4 miles away, show May highs near 71°F and September highs near 76°F, with July highs around 85°F. The Sargent River Trail lies just 0.1 mile away, and the Old Field Trail and Stony Loam Trail are each about half a mile off. Climbers can find Kyle's Slabs about 1.9 miles from the trail.

Around this trail

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

    YMCA Camp Mountain Laurel

    Campground

    Campground · 4.5 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Billy's Ice Cream

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 3 mi · Open after 6
  • If it rainsMConradWard, CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

    Meriden Historical Society Museum & History Center

    Museum

    On your way back · 14 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors · Photos: MConradWard, CC0 (commons)

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

    Best time to visit Eric L. Stone Trail

    Best months: April–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

      38° / 20°

      10 wet

    2. Feb

      41° / 22°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      48° / 28°

      11 wet

    4. Apr

      60° / 38°

      12 wet

    5. May

      71° / 48°

      11 wet

    6. Jun

      79° / 58°

      10 wet

    7. Jul

      85° / 64°

      10 wet

    8. Aug

      84° / 62°

      9 wet

    9. Sep

      76° / 55°

      9 wet

    10. Oct

      64° / 43°

      9 wet

    11. Nov

      52° / 34°

      9 wet

    12. Dec

      42° / 26°

      11 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Mt Carmel, CT, 4.4 mi away at 180 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors