Had an interesting ride this weekend - I started off slow and got slower. Lost what little energy I had very quickly. Endoed on a 2ft drop (only my second attempt at this particular hazard - 1st attempt was even more painful). Climbed the road (easy way in my mind) because I was too tired to climb up the trail. Went down the Blue-blazed trail starting at the radio towers. 1/3 of the way down I cut off to the right on a little known single-track that empties out onto the gas-line meadow, HOWEVER, at that point is a very tricky, steep, switch back that until a few rides ago I would hike-a-bike down. Somehow, (not sure if I'll ever be able to repeat this feat) I made it down nary a dab. Feeling much better about myself I proceeded to ride real well until I endoed again at the end of the 'love-canal', where they just start logging and what used to be hard pack was, to my surprise, very loose sand that sucked up my front end like desert quick sand. Like I said - an interesting ride....

Anyone know the switch-back spot I'm referring to? What's your experience?

I live in Meriden and ride at Hubbard once or twice a week. I know the blue trail you are describing but im not sure of the trail 1/3 of the way down. Is it marked at all?

Yes the trail is marked (blue blazed) )but not easy to see. Coming from the top, it's about 100 yards before the gas line meadow, Look for a series of large 'two-trunk' trees. You know you have found it when you come to several fallen trees to cross. You will also pass two small stone 'pyramids' prior to decending into a steep section. At the bottem of that steep section, it levels out into a pine grove with the difficult part I described at the end - be carful not to go over the 20ft drop. At the bottem of the tricky switch back, cross the gas line meadow back into the woods. Follow that all the way to a couple very hairy switch backs - look for the marking. You'll have to hike-a-bike a short section here - right after the 'wall' that will be on you left. Cross the stream and over a few logged trees, up the hill then go right onto the main trail. This will bring right back out onto the gas line meadow. If you contine across into the woods again you come to the 'love canal' - right back to the Castle road.

let me know if you fine it. It's the best Single track up there !

Thanks! Im going to check it out tomorrow or Monday. I'll let you know if I find it.

Don, did you ever get a chance to look for that trail?

I didnt get up there until Wednesday night. Me and a couple of other guys rode to the radio towers the opposite way (uphill).We started on Edgewood Road. One of them has seen the trail you described. I have to go back this weekend to check it out....