traverses the ridgeline of Pistapaug Mountain. Activities enjoyed on Mattabesett Trail include hiking, snowshoeing, picnicking, and other passive pursuits. Pistapaug Pond is not open to the public. The trailhead for Pistapaug Mountain and the Mattabesett Trail is located between Totoket Mountain and Pistapaug Mountain on Connecticut Route 17, east of Northford and west of the junction of Connecticut Route 77. Parking is available alongside Route 17. The ecosystems and ridgeline of Pistapaug Mountain are most threatened by development. In 2000, Pistapaug Mountain was included in a study by the National Park Service for the designation of a new National Scenic Trail now tentatively called the New England National Scenic Trail, which would include the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail in Massachusetts and the Mattabesett Trail and Metacomet Trail trails in Connecticut. The Middlesex Land Trust and the Wallingford Land Trust have been active in conserving the viewshed of Pistapaug Mountain. See also Metacomet Ridge Adjacent summits: References Farnsworth, Elizabeth J. "Metacomet-Mattabesett Trail Natural Resource Assessment." 2004. PDF wefile cited November 1, 2007. Connecticut Walk Book: A Trail Guide to the Connecticut Outdoors. 17th Edition. The Connecticut Forest and Park Association. Rockfall, Connecticut. Undated. Raymo, Chet and Maureen E. Written in Stone: A Geologic History of the Northeastern United States. Globe Pequot, Chester, Connecticut, 1989. U.S. Congress New England National Scenic Trail Designation Act. External links Connecticut Forest and Park Association NPS brochure for National Scenic Trail proposal. Wallingford Land Trust Middlesex Land Trust Durham, Connecticut Wallingford, Connecticut Metacomet Ridge, Connecticut Protected areas of Middlesex County, Connecticut Mountains of Connecticut Landforms of Middlesex County, Connecticut