Connecticut · Hiking

Purple Trail

Purple TrailPhoto: katerina_simons, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)
1.1 mi
one way
161 ft
climb
566 ft
high point
Point to point
route

The Purple Trail is a short, easy hike in Connecticut, about a mile long and rising roughly 160 feet from its starting point. It is a point-to-point route, and the climb is gentle enough to fit into a longer outing in the area. The nearest town is Paynes Corners, about 1.8 miles away. The trail starts at an elevation of about 490 feet and reaches a high point of about 566 feet. The steepest stretch comes at about 0.6 miles in, with a grade of about 41 percent. The route also has a total descent of about 296 feet, so it works well as part of a loop with other trails nearby. Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Mt Carmel show May highs around 71°F and September highs around 76°F, while July averages about 85°F. Several other trails and climbing areas sit within a short distance. The NEMBA Trail and North Summit Trail are each about 0.3 miles away, and Kyle's Slabs is a climbing area about 0.3 miles off. West Rock Park Road is about 0.6 miles away.

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