Brookfield Hiker's Guide: Arthur Harris Linear Park

Still feeling exhilarated after our Patch Give 5 clean up on August 17, I decided to venture over to Arthur Harris Linear Park. The morning had proved to be filled with mutual bonding as kids and adults worked together to clean along the shore line of Lake Lillinonah at Old Bridge Sanctuary. 

Gathering my lunch, I drove to the town hall and found a piece of shade in the lovely garden built by the Brookfield Rotarians. The garden area was built in memory of those who lives were lost on 9/11. There are six benches placed within the area and many fine specimen trees to look at. Somehow the trees have managed to survive in the drought of the summer well.

Finished with lunch, I walked towards the back of town hall, passing the Kids Kingdom playground, and then went to left, down the hill by the soccer field located between the police station and town hall. The Arthur Harris Linear Park sign stands tall, but a bit faded with wear.

Walking into the trail, there are two large posts devoid of a sign thanks to vandals. If you precede straight ahead, the trail leads behind the police station, so veer left of the posts. The trail is marked with blue paint and begins by sloping down hill in the shade to an open space marked by high electrical towers continuing along the still river. The markers set in the water to measure the depth of the river were at the time measured way below the 7.7-foot mark. Not far from the markers, the trail continues to cross underneath the two bridges used to exit and enter route seven.

It is a different world under the ramps, still sandy banks contrast against the graffiti-covered cement. The traffic above didn't seem to matter, nor was it very noticeable, as two pigeons sat peacefully together on the edge of a large rock seeking solace and shade.

Continuing along, a quaint gazebo is on the left about 12 yards in from the blue marked trail. In this area there are some trees marked in red for another trail, but this trail is not well marked and I would suggest staying on the blue trail.

Past the gazebo, the trail narrows as wild roses hedge their way in, leading to the foot bridges. The foot bridges consist of four boards placed on railroad ties. The ties are two feet wide and the boards are 10 feet in length. The linear foot bridges are generally needed in the somewhat swampy area, though this year it was dry due to lack of rain. Otherwise the linear foot bridge swamp area would be conducive to mosquitoes.

The bridge itself is in need of repair in some areas and not good for adults traveling with small children. Older children might find it appealing and adventurous. (I certainly didn't mine the somewhat Indiana Jones wooden planks.) Once past the linear bridges, the blue trail continues upward and behind the lone gazebo, until you reach where the trail begins.

I expected to see some deer or other wild animals along the trail. Instead, I found pleasant bird calls and beautiful wild flowers along the way. This seemed like it would be a fun trail during the autumn season as well.