Connecticut · Hiking

Northwest Loop

Northwest LoopPhoto: dddaag, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)
0.5 mi
one way
159 ft
climb
1,044 ft
high point
Point to point
route
Apr, Jun–Oct
best months

Northwest Loop is a short, easy hike in Connecticut, about half a mile long and with a total elevation gain of 159 feet. It is a point-to-point route, and the climb is front-loaded, with the steepest stretch at about 0.15 miles from the start. The high point on the route reaches 1,044 feet, and the nearest town is East Hartland, about 1.7 miles away. The most comfortable months for a visit are typically late spring and early fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Barkhamsted show May highs around 70°F and September highs around 75°F, with July the warmest month at about 84°F. That station sits roughly 334 feet lower than the route's high point, so temperatures on the loop run a little cooler. The hike takes about half an hour, and the surrounding area offers plenty to pair it with. Lost Acres Bouldering and Big Roadside are both climbing areas about 0.6 miles away, and the Main Loop hike is a similar distance. Balance Rock Trail lies about 2.8 miles off.

  • Best time to go · Apr, Jun–Oct

    Best time to visit Northwest 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

      34° / 14°

      11 wet

    2. Feb

      37° / 15°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      46° / 24°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      59° / 35°

      11 wet

    5. May

      70° / 45°

      13 wet

    6. Jun

      79° / 55°

      12 wet

    7. Jul

      84° / 60°

      12 wet

    8. Aug

      82° / 58°

      10 wet

    9. Sep

      75° / 51°

      9 wet

    10. Oct

      63° / 40°

      11 wet

    11. Nov

      50° / 30°

      10 wet

    12. Dec

      39° / 21°

      11 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Barkhamsted, CT, 7.3 mi away at 710 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