Java’s Perspective – Mt. Higby
ails from the trails – a review of one of Java’s favorite sunset hikes, Mt. Higby!
Java here. My humans spend a good deal of time telling your humans about great places to hike…and let’s be honest, they really don’t get the dog’s perspective! Probably doesn’t help that they grew so tall…hard to get a good sniff in when you’re so far from the ground! I’ve been hiking my human for a while now, so I thought it was about time I gave you the inside scoop on some of my favorite hikes.
Last week, there was a rare break in the rain, so I herded my humans out the door and took us to the trails. They debated a few different hikes in the car, but I reminded them that beautiful days mean beautiful sunsets. And if you want some beautiful sunsets, there’s no better place to catch the sunset than Mount Higby just outside Middletown, Connecticut. It’s an easy ride, too. I slept all the way down I-691 to conserve my energy for a great day in the woods.
The trek to the summit is pretty easy for an experienced dog like me. I just love testing my leaps on some of the more vertical climbs. Don’t let the hike up scare you off, though! There are good pawholds for pups and humans alike. It can get a little muddy and slick on the rock outcroppings, so take your time if you’re new to hiking your humans…I often have to run back and forth to make sure they are still with me while I also scout ahead to make sure it’s safe for them.
Stick close to your human as you near the top, the trail splits and offers two options for getting to the very top of the ridge. I prefer leading my humans to the right at the trail split because you get to jump down a fun rock face before climbing back up onto the final ridge. If your humans are new to hiking or you think they need an easier route, take them to left for a meandering loop to the same climb. I happen to love jumping up and down the rocks–keeps me in good shape for my frisbee catching!
Be sure to stop along the way to enjoy the grass (it’s especially delicious in the spring after a week or so of rain) and to splash through the mud puddle on your right before you climb up the final slope to the top. I love the look on my humans’ face when they hear my “splash!” This is also a good place to be on the lookout for squirrels. I’m constantly putting them back in their trees!
Once you get to the top the real fun begins! There are two options here for those with more or less experience. The trail is pretty straightforward and easy to follow, so you don’t have to worry too much about getting lost. It takes you right along the ridgeline, and you can get a view of the sunset almost the entire hike. Did I mention this was one of my favorites?! So pretty! I mean, just look at me enjoying the beautiful sunset!
If you’re looking for an easier hike, you can veer to the right and skip the first view (I do recommend climbing the rock face…it’s just so much fun!) and hike to the second view. I really love this hike after it rains because the water that pools in the rocks is delicious. I also love staying to the left on this hike because you get to hike right along the edge of the ridge, and it gives you plenty of opportunities to look at the surrounding area. You’ll even catch a glimpse of some of my other favorite hikes: Sleeping Giant, Giuffrida Park, and Hubbard Park. I can’t wait to tell you all about them in future blog posts! (I wanted to talk about all my favorite hikes, but my human said I should focus on one at a time…)
Lots of folks turn around about 2 miles in and head back down, but if you do, you’re missing the best part! The trail does head back down off the top of the ridge, but the hike down gives you a great chance to cross a beautiful little waterfall that I often dip my toes in and catch a cooling drink. Once you cross the small stream, you can hike back up and onto another continuation of the ridge. Did I mention views for miles?!
While I hope to one day explore the end of the trail and the turnaround, my humans often get tired or it starts to get dark, so we have to turn around. If you’re experienced hiking your human, you will likely be able to do more of the trail before it gets too dark. If you are less experienced, I’d pay attention to the time and head down before it gets too dark. The trail back out takes you away from the sun, and well, both my humans need glasses if you know what I mean! The tall one is especially clumsy!
Mount Higby is a treat any time of day, which means that there are often other hikers, dogs, and children on the trail. So keep a close eye on your human as you hike. Finally, while I am a pretty brave dog, I really don’t like the sound of gunshots (reminds me of thunder!), and there is a gun range at the bottom of Mount Higby where folks go for target practice. You’ll be super safe up on the ridge, but the sound echoes off the rocks and can be a little upsetting. Usually, I just give them a few barks to let them know we’re on the ridge and then I guide my humans safely back down the trail.
Well, that’s it for this post. Taking my tail to another trail!
