Christopher Zajac

The main face of Ragged Mountain (elev. 761 feet) is home to a lot climbing in central Connecticut. It runs north-south for about 600 feet. Its max height of 100 feet. The crag is home to several rock climbing guides and schools. Routes range in difficultly from great for the beginner (5.3) to sure to test the veteran climber (5.12). Climbs vary in length from 30 feet to 100 feet. There is good...

The Escarpment Trail runs the length of the Catskill Escarpment. The Escarpment rises steeply from the valley below forming the northeast corner of the Catskill Mountains. It offers great views toward the Adirondack Mountains to the north and the great Hudson River to the east. The trail is moderately challenging with diverse scenery. You can comfortably complete this backpacking trip in 3 day...

The Fourth Connecticut Lake is a northern glacial tarn, just 2.5 acres in surface area. The mighty Connecticut River is just a small babbling brook as it leaves Fourth Connecticut Lake. It's only about 200 yards from the Canadian border. The 78-acre area is a nature sanctuary preserved by The Nature Conservancy.This trail is one of few trails in the world that crosses international borders. The...

At 2,316 feet, Bear Mountain is the highest peak in Connecticut. The peak is about a half-mile south of the Massachusetts state line on the Appalachian Trail. The views are great. On a clear day you can see some of the peaks in southern New Hampshire. The remnants of a stone tower are on the summit. It was built in 1885 to mark the highest "ground" in CT. It is the highest peak, but the highest...