Shelton Lakes And the Paugussett Trail Diversion

Despite mapping and mountain biking most of the trails in Fairfield County, I have never ridden Shelton so today I thought I'd give it a try. Although it has a reputation of having just a long fairly easy double track, I discovered quite a bit of nice single track.

It was supposed to be a cloudy bad weather day but it turned out to be super sunny and humid, That made for exhaustive riding thru the single track sections as the woods felt like a sauna.

Part One 

Google Maps lead led me to a strange spot to park under the power lines. Fortunately a local trail volunteer emerged from the brush and not only gave me directions but also an official printed map. The main trail actually started a few hundred feet down a dirt driveway but once on the trail, riding was pleasure.

Sure it was easy smooth gravel double track but flying down the long hills standing up on my pedals while the breeze rushed in my face felt great! As I rode, I noticed a few offshoot trails: some labeled... some not... so I made a mental note to ride some of these on my way back.

Once I got to the dog park, I turned around and at the top of the hill, headed onto the single track by the dam. This trail was fun and scenic and for a short bit, hugged the shore of a lake. After a bit, I veered to the right and took the Red trail back up to reconnect with the main trail (Rec Path).

Part Two

I then stayed on the main trail all way the to the other end making the most of the long downhills by standing on my pedals and soaking up the cooling breeze.

End

Part Three

At the Lane Street bridge construction (pictured above), I turned around and headed back up the hill veering to to the right on the Basil Brook Bypass trail - this is where the fun began.

Riding by "the seat of my pants" and not really looking at the map, I ended up on the Blue Paugussett Trail heading south... all along thinking I was heading north back towards where I parked! Nevertheless, this is a great trail - serious roots and rocks and really tight single track.  There are a few sections of boulder-strewn climbs and downhills as well. Boy was I wrong abut the place!

Part Four

Once I got to the power lines (the sun was blazing hot), I thought I was near the car - Hah! I had ended up way down at the Buddington Road entrance. I was really knackered at this point and decided to hoof it back on the road for a bit. I got back on the trails at the end of John Dominick Drive and managed to get back on the main Rec Path via the White going back under the power lines.

I was bushed when I finally got to the car but to quote Arnold Schwarzenegger: "I'll be back!"

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Further Info

Official Map >