Connecticut · Hiking

Zoar Trail

Zoar TrailPhoto: H. Morrow Long, CC BY-SA 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
6.3 mi
loop
1,009 ft
climb
646 ft
high point
Loop
route
Apr–Oct
best months

Zoar Trail is a 6.3-mile loop in Connecticut, about a mile from the town of Cedarhurst. The route rises from a low point of 107 feet to a high of 646 feet, with an elevation gain of 1,009 feet. The climb is moderate, and the steepest stretch comes at about 5.1 miles, where the grade reaches 30 percent. Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Ansonia show May highs around 69°F and September highs around 75°F, with July and August peaking near 82°F. That station sits about 500 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the summit run cooler. Kettletown State Park, a climbing area, is just 0.3 miles away, and the Crest Trail and Pomperaug Trail are both within a mile. For paddling, the Pomperaug River is about 8 miles off.

  • Best time to go · Apr–Oct

    Best time to visit Zoar 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

      36° / 18°

      9 wet

    2. Feb

      38° / 19°

      8 wet

    3. Mar

      47° / 27°

      9 wet

    4. Apr

      58° / 37°

      10 wet

    5. May

      69° / 47°

      11 wet

    6. Jun

      77° / 58°

      10 wet

    7. Jul

      82° / 63°

      9 wet

    8. Aug

      82° / 62°

      8 wet

    9. Sep

      75° / 54°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      63° / 41°

      8 wet

    11. Nov

      52° / 32°

      9 wet

    12. Dec

      41° / 23°

      9 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Ansonia 1 Ne, CT, 7.6 mi away at 136 ft. The station sits about 500 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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