Gay City State Park: Hike To An Abandoned Place In Connecticut

When you think of ghost towns, your mind likely conjures up an image of a dusty western locale with saloon doors hanging askew and a dilapidated sign boasting the former location of a general store. Connecticut certainly doesn’t have that kind of ghost town but we do have an abandoned village from the 19th century slowly being reclaimed by nature. A fascinating history accompanies Factory Hollow, a once thriving mill community. To take an up-close look, you can walk straight to this deserted village within Gay City State Park.

This hike to an abandoned place in Connecticut should not be missed. Check it out:

In 1946, 1,569 acres of land on the Hebron - Bolton townline was established as Gay City State Park. The natural area is popular for swimming, fishing, biking, hiking, and picnicking.

You can head out onto the trails to explore the remains of Factory Hollow (later renamed Gay City). The once thriving and isolated mill town was settled in 1796. It prospered until just after the end of the Civil War and was then abandoned.

Fall, winter, and early spring are the best times to explore Factory Hollow. The old stone foundations, walls, and other remnants of the town are more clearly visible when the greenery is at bay.

The village along the Black Ledge River was created by a religious sect led by Elijah Andrus. The community kept to themselves and the family with the surname Gay and its relatives were the majority of the population.

Factory Hollow was a Milltown from the beginning, first building a sawmill along the river. As years passed, a woolen mill was erected and later a paper mill. Fire was not the friend of this community and each mill during its peak burnt to the ground.

After the Civil War in which so many of the young male residents of the town were killed in battle, the town started to dwindle. The loss of the strongest workers and the last mill proved to be insurmountable.

Wander through the deserted village and you can close your eyes and imagine what it once was. Today, you'll discover the stonework that laid the foundations of the town and mills. There is also a small cemetery with just a few headstones from that time.

Factory Hollow was renamed Gay City when the land was sold to the state by one of the town's very last descendants in 1943. The mill village now exists inside Gay City State Park where you can hike and explore its remains.

Have you ever explored Factory Hollow? Do you have a favorite hike to an abandoned place in Connecticut? Share your experience in the comments! History buffs and fans of abandoned places will also enjoy this road trip to some of Connecticut’s creepiest and most deserted spots.

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hike to an abandoned place in connecticut

Beth Price-Williams | April 21, 2020

Are there any other abandoned places in Connecticut?

Discover some of the most well-known abandoned places in Connecticut when you embark on this road trip that spans 127 miles throughout Connecticut. The epic road trip will take you to such abandoned destinations as Hearthstone Castle in Danbury, Shade Swamp Sanctuary in Farmington, and Mansfield Training School in Mansfield.

If you prefer a simple day trip that won’t take you too far, stop by Norwich State Hospital – or what remains of it. The abandoned hospital sits in Preston and has been abandoned since the 1970s. The hospital’s remains, in fact, are said to be haunted. (Many of the buildings have been demolished in recent years.)

Can I take any other historic hiking trails in Connecticut?

You’ll find numerous historic hiking trails in Connecticut that promise a refreshing hike and a history lesson. Embark on a hike around Mine Hill Preserve, for example, that dates back to the 1860s. The main loop of the trails stretches just 3.5 miles and features such highlights as mine tunnels, granite boulders, and a furnace complex.

For another picturesque hike, head to Jones Mountain Preserve, which looks like it’s a part of middle earth. The 2.5-mile trail will take you through a beautiful forested area, where you’ll pass a stone bridge, scores of Mountain Laurel, and the remains of a stone chimney.

What are the best unique hikes in Connecticut?

On the hunt for unique hikes in Connecticut? You’ll find a ton. If you like exploring abandoned destinations, for example, plan a visit to the abandoned Suburban Park. There, you’ll discover remnants of the once-popular theme park. Learn more about the abandoned structures, including The Dance Pavilion and The Water Fountain, from the informational markers placed nearby. You’ll even get a glimpse of an underground storage cellar and an electrified fountain.

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Gay City State Park, 435 North St, Hebron, CT 06248, USA

A Hike Along Gay City State Park In Connecticut Leads You Straight To An Abandoned Village

Natalie Clunan

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