Hopkington State Park Loop

From the main entrance off Cedar Street, pass the contact station and turn left and then right to the Split Rock parking areas. The closer you can park to where you drive in, the better, as you'll head back that direction to start the hike on Aikens Trail. Continue downhill as you head north, looking for the west end of the Long Trail, you've gone too far if you get to Aikens Road. Head east onto the Long Trail as it winds through the northern woods of the park. There are two connectors to your right (south) that link up with the Main Rd.After ~1.3 miles, the trail crosses Aikens Road (closed to vehicles) and continues toward the eastern boundary of the park where it bends to the right (south). Just over 1.5 miles, the trail will T into the Cross St. Connector. Turn right (west) to head toward the Swimming Pond, crossing over the road again to get to the Oval Trail. Head along the north side of the Swimming Pool toward Dogwood Drive and turn right to head north briefly on the Hardwood Trail before turning left onto Pepperbush Trail. Before too long you'll come to Birch Street. Turn left (south) to find the Beach Trail and access to the Split Rock Group Area across a field.