Question: Cornell Rd (Essex Chain)

[Schip]

Hello,

I was hoping to explore the roads of the Essex Chain from the Deer Pond lot. I've heard it mentioned that the dirt road leading to the parking area is not very good. I drive a Honda Fit, which doesn't have a lot of ground clearance. However, I have driven the access road to the Pilsbury Mt trail head and also the Gulf Brook Rd (3+ miles) to the second parking area. I went slowly and had no problems on these roads. Is the Cornell Rd better or worse than these other two roads? If it's worse, can I park along the road where Woody's Rd ends and Cornell Rd begins and just bike to the parking area?

Kath

[Nehasane]

Cornell Rd is rougher than Gulf Brook Rd & gets rougher the further you go - I still think you can make it driving with care. Lots of places to park along the way, including campsites, if you decide to stop early.

[dundee]

I drive a Corolla which is roughly the same ground clearance as your Fit. I've driven to Deer Pond and also to Pillsbury and Gulf Brook. All doable, but go slow.