The Torrington Trails Network and Torrington Historical Society will conduct a Trails Day Hike from the John Brown Birthplace site on John Brown Road, Torrington on June 1 at 10 a.m.
The John Brown trail loop is an easy 0.7-mile loop that circles the site of the family home at the time of Brown’s birth and is maintained by the Torrington Historical Society. A recently built half-mile connector trail and boardwalk through a bog, constructed by the Torrington Trails Network, connects this loop to the Five Points Art Center located on University Drive in Torrington. The hike starts and ends at the home site.
The hike will begin with an historic overview of the site and a discussion of the importance of John Brown to U.S. history by the Torrington Historical Society. The site is a quiet, contemplative place surrounded by 100 acres of forest land. It is listed on the Connecticut Freedom Trail and is a Connecticut Archaeological Preserve.
The hike will start on the loop and continue on the bog connector trail and boardwalk to the Five Points Art Center, celebrating its Print Festival. This festival is free and hikers are encouraged to visit the exhibits, demonstrations, activities and food trucks. The hike will then retrace the route and return to the John Brown home site.
This hike is for all ability levels, although you can expect uneven ground and some muddy areas. Pre-registration is not required. Dogs are not permitted on this hike.