Hancock Brook Trail, Hiking trail in Waterbury, Connecticut, US.
Hancock Brook Trail is a hiking route that extends roughly 2.8 miles through Mattatuck State Forest with parallel north-south paths along the western side of Hancock Brook. The path climbs steep inclines and reveals remnants of early 1800s mill operations along the waterway.
The area has roots in early industrialization, particularly through old mill operations along the brook from the early 1800s. A railroad line built in 1850 supported industrial transport in the region for many decades until passenger services stopped in 1960.
The trail is part of a regional network of hiking paths maintained by the Connecticut Forest and Park Association. This organization has installed the blue markings to help visitors navigate the route.
The starting point is at Sheffield Street with a small parking lot beside a quarry, and blue blazes mark the entire path. The climb is steep, especially toward Lion Head Peak, so plan enough time and wear proper hiking shoes.
At the end of the hike, visitors reach Hancock Cascades, a waterfall that marks the natural conclusion of the journey. This sight rewards hikers after the steep climb and provides a fitting endpoint to the experience.
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