Shenipsit Trail System

Total Miles
3.1

Technical Rating

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall

Trail Type

Full-Width Road

Accessible By

Trail Overview

This scenic trail winds through Shenipsit State Forest, offering a mix of challenging and easy terrain. Starting from Kibbe Road, expect some tight, narrow sections where pinstriping is likely for full-size trucks. There are also a few small, off-camber sections to navigate. The trail opens up after that into easy gravel roads with some mud holes, leading you to the stunning Soapstone Mountain Lookout. The system continues across Gulf Road to Sodom Road and then to Old Country Road, where you'll find more mud holes and a potential water crossing near the pond after heavy rain.

Photos of Shenipsit Trail System

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Difficulty

This trail is generally easy but borders on moderate in places. The start off of Kibbe Road is a rutted, rocky stretch with some tight and off-camber sections. Beyond that, it transitions into an unmaintained gravel road with potential mud holes and a seasonal water crossing when the pond overflows. It is well-suited for high-clearance 4x4s, and some stock all-wheel-drive vehicles can make it through with caution.

Technical Rating

Status Reports

A very nice trail for a quick drive. However going to the Somers Fire Tower is a must if you're planing to do this trail. Absolutely a great spot to take the kids for an picnic, easy hikes, and beautiful views.

Public information was scarce about this trail/road. Looking at Google Maps this was closed to travel but actually going there I found it open. I stopped and talked to some hikers making sure vehicles could be there. They assured me we could. The trail was mostly a dirt road wide enough for just one vehicle. There were more narrow parts that required a bit more attention but with a SUV it was very manageable.