Always on the lookout to expand the route (or circled world) and my familiarity with the route, I took a ride to Penwood with the intention of exploring the Talcott Mountain side of the Metacomet (or, as it is newly designated, the New England Trail).

I've been on this section before, but other than tackling the route up to the Hueblin Tower, I was feeling underwhelmed.  On the return, and the search for the blue/red trail, I really was down.  The wide road and occasional trap-rock gravel roads underneath the power-lines stunk.  I lost the blue/red path somehow, but stumbled upon a fantastic alternative single track that will get the job done.  It basically joins in at the north end of the reservoir, and showcases some incredibly large stone structures.  There is a nice brook to cross, and it joins up with the problematic blue/red near that trails joining with the blue-blazed Metacomet.  Mission accomplished, with a total of 8.3-miles and 1700' climb done in two-hours.

Today's Talcott route for potential Marathon

   Signage from trail head at Route 185

 Not quite at the Tower, but on the way

Talcott Mountain's Hueblin Tower

 There are many of these chimneys along the Metacomet Trail in CT