Quarry Head State Park

This week the Women’s Hiking group will explore Quarry Head State Park in neighboring Wilton. The park has a wide variety of habitats, offers magnificent views to the south and was once an important part of Wilton history. It was the site of Wilton’s most notable quarry. Starting in the 1700’s granite gneiss of the Ordovician age (490 – 443 million years old) was quarried here. The rock was used in house foundations and steps. Wilton’s Town Hall and the Ridgefield Congregational Church steps were quarried here. It was also used to make millstones like the one in the picture. Local grist mills used them to grind rye and corn.

The quarry operations ended at the turn of the 20^th century. But many discarded blocks scattered about the park preserved the workmen’s tool marks. Look for drill holes and chisel marks in the rocks and ledges along the trails. After the quarry closed the area became a residence which is still evident by the preserved foundation and fireplace adjacent to the parking area. The Degener family acquired the property in the late 1920’s and lived here until 1988. With the help of the State of Connecticut Natural Recreation and Heritage Trust Program, Wilton acquired the 33 acres from the Degener family for open space. Although it is owned by the State of Connecticut, it still remains under the town’s jurisdiction. Enjoy your hike!