Shenipsit State Forest-Soapstone Mountain — Attraction in Somers

Totalling almost 7,000 acres, the Shenipsit State Forest is dispersed across 11 different tracts, around Somers but also neighboring Ellington and Stafford.

It all began right here in Somers in 1927, with the construction of a watchtower atop the 328-meter Soapstone Mountain to keep an eye on the surrounding wooded landscape in case of fire.

Although it’s not strictly part of the forest, the town of Somers maintains public land that encompasses another peak, Bald Mountain.

Both peaks are on the course of the epic Shenipsit Trail, which we’ll talk about below.

After many decades of clear-cutting and occasional fires, the forest is mostly oak, which of course produces valuable timber, while its acorns are a vital food source for deer, squirrels...

Great place to come hike or just drive up the mountain for the view/ride. I love coming here, this is one of my favorite places to come and relax when I'm in the area. There are picnic tables at the top of the mountain to sit and eat or just hang out (which it seems like a lot of kids do because of the many drawings/writings on the tables). There are trails but I haven't gone down many of them, I like riding up the dirt road from across the street because it's a great surface for my dirt tires. I wish that the picnic tables were stained with something that would make it impossible for people to ruin but I guess that's just how it is, some people don't appreciate what we have but I'm telling you it's worth...

The Shenipsit State Forest has been one of my favorite places since my childhood. I've often climbed Soap Stone Mountain and explored the surrounding trails. There are lots of views and the trails contain areas with lots of rocks from the glaciers. There are fire roads that can be explored with the appropriate vehicle. The trails are pretty well marked. The area is pretty steep in sections but well worth it. The main road can be driven to the top of Soap Stone Mountain for those not looking to climb. From the mountain top parking area it's a short trail walk...