About this Location

Facility Overview

The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) Parking Area on CT-55 in Sherman, Connecticut, is a dedicated outdoor trailhead parking facility established specifically to serve outdoor adventurers, day hikers, and long-distance backpackers exploring the world-famous Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Positioned directly off Connecticut Route 55 near the New York state line, the facility consists of an open-air unpaved gravel and packed-dirt turnout lot nestled amidst the scenic Litchfield Hills. Because it is completely open-air without overhead canopies, parking decks, or overhead barriers, the lot offers completely unrestricted vertical clearance, making it suitable for standard passenger vehicles, pickup trucks, oversized SUVs, and camper vans equipped with roof racks, cargo boxes, or bicycle carriers.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Situated in a tranquil rural corridor of northern Fairfield and southern Litchfield counties, this trailhead is a primary gateway to some of the most scenic trail mileage in western Connecticut and eastern New York. Key points of interest and nearby natural destinations include:

Appalachian National Scenic Trail (Direct Spur Access): A brief 125-to-174-foot marked singletrack trail connects the parking perimeter directly to the white-blazed Appalachian Trail corridor.
Ten Mile Hill & Ten Mile River: Located just south of the crossing, hikers can ascend Ten Mile Hill for rugged ridgeline terrain, or branch toward the scenic Ten Mile River shelter and confluence.
Bulls Bridge Scenic Area: Located approximately 4 miles to the north via Route 7, featuring one of Connecticut’s historic covered wooden bridges and dramatic whitewater gorges.
Schaghticoke Mountain & Native Reservation: A challenging northward hike along the trail ridge offering elevated vistas of the Housatonic River Valley.
Sherman Town Center & Candlewood Lake: A short 10-minute drive southeast brings visitors to historic Sherman center, local delis, farmstands, and regional Candlewood Lake access.
Pawling and Wingdale, NY: Situated less than 10 minutes west across the state line, providing dining, grocery, and resupply options along Route 22.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress and egress are straightforward via Connecticut Route 55 (CT-55), an east-west roadway linking US Route 7 in Gaylordsville/Kent to Route 22 in Dutchess County, New York. Sightlines along Route 55 are generally good, but drivers should exercise caution and signal early when slowing down to pull off, as vehicle speeds on the rural highway can be brisk. For public transit users, the Metro-North Railroad Harlem Line serves nearby stations including Harlem Valley-Wingdale (approx. 5 miles west) and the seasonal weekend Appalachian Trail rail stop in Pawling, NY, enabling car-free rail-to-trail trekking opportunities.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Cost-Free Public Access: Complimentary parking without parking meters, automated pay stations, or daily permit fees.
Direct Trail Connectivity: Instant access to the white-blazed Appalachian Trail via an on-site connector footpath.
Generous Headroom: Open-sky surface parking with zero vertical clearance limits for lifted trucks, vans, and rooftop gear.
Informational Kiosk: Periodic trail notices, local maps, Leave No Trace guidelines, and regional hiking advisories posted on-site.
Pet-Friendly Access: Dogs on leashes are permitted both within the parking area and along the connecting trail network.

Ideal For

Day Hikers & Trail Runners: Outdoor enthusiasts completing day trips up Ten Mile Hill or along the Housatonic River basin.
Section & Thru-Hikers: Backpackers staging multi-day treks through western Connecticut and the Taconic Range.
Nature Photographers & Birdwatchers: Visitors capturing seasonal foliage, native woodland flora, and scenic ridgeline vistas.
Trail Angels & Shuttle Drivers: Convenient staging point for pick-ups, drop-offs, and hiker support along CT-55.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Early Arrival on Peak Weekends: The unpaved lot holds a limited number of vehicles (roughly 8 to 15 cars depending on parking spacing). Arrive before 9:00 AM on clear-weather spring, summer, and autumn weekends to secure a spot.
Park Considerately: Because there are no painted stall lines, drivers are strongly encouraged to park perpendicular to the perimeter to maximize space for fellow hikers.
Leave No Trace & Pack It Out: There are no public trash cans or restroom facilities on-site; visitors must take all trash with them to protect local wildlife.
Secure Your Valuables: This is a remote woodland parking lot without active surveillance cameras or lighting. Keep all gear out of sight in your trunk and ensure windows and doors are firmly locked.
Winter Preparedness: The gravel surface is not always plowed immediately after snowstorms; vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive or high ground clearance are recommended during winter months.