Discover Somers: Nature, Trails and Recreation

Somers brings together several distinct kinds of outings: the town’s highest point at Bald Mountain, loop hikes in Whitaker Woods, trails on the grounds of Camp Aya Po, lake activities, scenic views, local history, and recreational offerings. If you’re looking for hotels in Somers, these interests can be a starting point for choosing your destination. Nature, history, and entertainment each offer a different focus.

Trails and a range of routes

The hiking trail at Bald Mountain is 1.25 miles long. The summit is 1,121 feet above sea level and is the highest point in Somers. This destination combines a specific trail length with a prominent high point.

Whitaker Woods has nearly five miles of trails, where loop hikes of varying lengths and difficulty levels are possible. Compared with the single trail at Bald Mountain, the woods offer more flexibility in distance and challenge. The two destinations therefore differ not only in trail length but also in the kinds of hikes available.

On the grounds of Camp Aya Po, one trail goes around Hurds Lake, while other trails lead to the summit of Perkins Mountain. This gives the trails different destinations: a loop by the lake or a route that ends at a mountain summit. Those choosing a hike based on its destination will find a different focus here than at Bald Mountain, with its stated trail length, or in Whitaker Woods, with its loop hikes.

Lake, woods, and views

Hurds Lake can be used for fishing and, to a limited extent, kayaking or canoeing. A small boat ramp is located at the western end of the dam. Together with the trail that goes around the lake, Hurds Lake offers two different ways to enjoy it: a loop along the shore and limited activities on the water.

Shenipsit State Forest covers 7,170 acres and extends across Ellington, Somers, and Stafford. It is therefore a natural area shared by several towns, not one limited to Somers. The current observation tower on Soapstone Mountain is for public recreation and sightseeing. This offers a distinct focus on scenic views alongside the hiking trails.

Local history and recreational offerings

The Somers Historical Society Museum was founded to preserve and honor the history of Somers. Its collections include genealogical archives, artifacts from Somers, agricultural equipment, and, in particular, Victorian clothing, as well as historical information and photographs. It also includes historic and architectural surveys of Somers Main Street and Somersville. The topics thus range from family history and everyday objects to the development of the two places named.

Sonny’s Place offers 18-hole mini golf, go-karts, an arcade, bowling, an inflatable bounce house, batting cages, a climbing wall, Monkey Motion, a zip line, and a gyroscope. There is also a bar and a snack area. This offering is clearly distinct from Somers’ nature and history destinations and provides another way to include recreational activities in your travel plans.

Sonny’s Place has a pavilion and an event tent for groups. Both facilities can accommodate groups of up to 500 people. The stated capacity helps distinguish this part of the offering from the individual recreational activities.

Discover more destinations: Willington, Vernon, Mansfield.

View the broader travel overview: Tolland County.