Danbury's Tarrywile Park encompasses 722 acres and includes just over 21 miles of trails. The park features a wide array of landscaping and terrain, including a children's garden, two ponds, and an old ski slope. Of course, there's one sight that stands out from the rest: the once-grand castle built as a glamorous summer home in 1897.
The stone used to build the castle was quarried on site. Today, it almost appears as if the stone is being reabsorbed into the land.
The castle's original owner, photographer E. Starr Sanford, ensured that the grounds surrounding the castle were carefully planned and meticulously groomed. The current state of the castle's grounds can be called a lot of things, but "meticulously groomed" isn't one of them.
Still, the castle holds onto a bit of its fairy tale charm. It's a bit whimsical and mysterious.
In fact, rumor has it Hearthstone Castle is haunted. Some hikers claim ghosts threw sticks at them. There have also been reports of orbs and shadowy figures in the windows.
Whether or not the place is haunted, hikers are prohibited from entering the castle.
By the time the town of Danbury purchased the castle and surrounding acreage in 1985, the castle was already beginning to show signs of decay.
It's sat empty since, but funding and community efforts ensure that at the very least, the castle will continue to exist in its current state into the future. Even though it's not the palace it once was, the castle still adds a dash of majesty and historic charm to the surrounding landscape. It's definitely worth the hike.
The hike leading to the castle is relatively easy, but there are more strenuous hiking trails on the ground for those looking for a challenge. Have you hiked out to Hearthstone Castle? Did ghosts throw sticks at you? Tell us in the comments!
Looking for more interesting hikes in Connecticut? Check out this list of unforgettable hikes in Connecticut.
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