Little Rock Pond — Attraction in Wallingford

This is a pond on top of a mountain. It gets five stars automatically for being a pond on top of a freaking mountain. It's beautiful, but not easy to get to. It has an island that I would also rate five stars for being an island in a pond on top of a freaking mountain. Don't try to drag a lot of beach gear to this pond. It's 2.2 miles over an annoying, rocky, but mostly level trail from the nearest road. You'll also have to cross a stream without a bridge at one point. If you don't like crossing streams on your way to a pond (which would be weird if you were trying to get wet in the first place), you can hike over the peak of Green Mountain to get there, but it's not easier. The ducks in this pond are super-chill though. None of the attitude you get from low...

Lovely hike in, short but covering terrain from a pleasant walk in the woods to gnarly big rocks. It's kinda perfect for shaking out a pack or evaluating a new pair of boots! The shelter is rugged and handsome. There's a loo. And a fire pit with State Park style grills if you feel like a feast. The dispersed campsites are clean and arranged well. The caretaker (shout out to Pterodactyl) sorts campers out into the best spots and it works,out well . There are a mated pair of loons on the pond. It's ...

Easy enough hike in, but I recommend you being poles because the boards and rocks can be slick. Two water sources nearby. Swim in the pond, but no soaps or dishwashing! There's a composting privy at the back of the camping area--only for #2, never #1. Its $5 per person per night to camp there and it goes to trail and site maintenance by the GMC caretaker. Love this quiet...