Fans of haunted and abandoned places in Connecticut have a number of fascinating places to visit all over the state. From abandoned mental hospitals to old amusement parks, there are many spots that man has left behind for nature to reclaim. I love exploring abandoned buildings: there’s something so eerily haunting. Even if there are no rumors of ghosts surrounding a place, it’s easy to imagine spirits lurking in locales that are no longer frequented by the living. Did you know there is a “lost village” in Simsbury, CT? Pilfershire was once a thriving little village, but now very little remains. You can still visit it via the Pilfershire Abandoned Town Trail. While not much is there today, it’s a fascinating look back in history and a wonderful walk through nature. Check it out:

This easy-to-moderate hike is about 3.4 miles long and winds through what was a successful village in the 1700s and 1800s.
Michael James/Alltrails
Take caution, as there are several open wells here and it can also get pretty muddy after a rain.
Catie Griffin/Alltrails
The trail is tucked away within the McClean Game Refuge, a 4,400-acre preserve in Granby.
Matt O/Alltrails
The village once had around 50 residents and several businesses, including a dye house, a rubber shop, and a distillery.
Michael James/Alltrails

Related Stories

With Its Waterfront Cityscape Views, You'll Love Riverside Park's Riverview Trail In Connecticut

With Its Waterfront Cityscape Views, You'll Love Riverside Park's Riverview Trail In Connecticut

 This Little-Known Trail Is Quite Possibly The Best Walking Path In Connecticut

This Little-Known Trail Is Quite Possibly The Best Walking Path In Connecticut

 The Iconic Hiking Trail In Connecticut Is One Of The Coolest Outdoor Adventures You’ll Ever Take

The Iconic Hiking Trail In Connecticut Is One Of The Coolest Outdoor Adventures You’ll Ever Take
Not much is known about Pilfershire today, and even less physical evidence remains.
Rebecka DeMott/Alltrails
You can still see a few walls and home foundations along the trail.
Rachel Rydingsward/Alltrails
Several homes in Pilfershire were destroyed by fire, but it's not clear what caused the village to eventually be abandoned.
Matt O/Alltrails
It's thought that the residents moved elsewhere to pursue a life of farming.
Regardless of what happened to the town, this is now a lovely hike that's a wonderful area to explore.
Joan Helm/Alltrails

Find more information about the Pilfershire Abandoned Town Trail at Alltrails. While you’re there, consider signing up for a free trial of Alltrails+, which offers benefits like turn-by-turn directions and ad-free browsing.

 

This isn’t the only attraction in Simsbury, either – check out the oldest tree in Connecticut.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Connecticut

Featured Addresses
Simsbury, CT, USA