Etzel Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Lake

While there is little in terms of scenic value on this trail, it is a convenient trail to use to return to the Bluff Head parking lot. It is well-blazed with yellow and blue blazes marking the path.

This trail beings by splitting off of the Lone Pine Trail just north of Meyerhuber Pond; where the Lone Pine Trail turns into the woods, this trail continues on the wide dirt road that is Pent Road. While continuing on this road it passes over the dam that has created this pond which is an area that is often prone to flooding. Nonetheless, it continues on this road with a few small deviations until it reaches Route 77.

Here it turns south for a relatively long road hike. It is important to note that while on Pent Road it is safe to hike it like it is a trail, on Route 77 this is not the case. 77 is a busy road where cars tend to drive very fast. Luckily for much of this road hike there is sufficient space to hike beside the road, however, it is still very important to be careful here.

After the road hike the trail heads into the woods for really the first time in this area it begins to ascend with a reasonable incline. It then levels off and rolls a bit as it reaches its southern terminus. The trail ends as it joins the Mattabesett Trail. Here, turning to the west will bring the hiker back to the Bluff Head parking lot and east will lead them to the Rockland Preserve (on an albeit fairly circuitous route).