Spooky Trails and Tall Tales Connecticut: Hiking the State's Legends, Hauntings, and History

by Stephen Olbrys Gencarella

Connecticut—a New England state with a proud history and vibrant culture. But there is more to this place than white church steeples and town greens. In the forests and meadows surrounding these quaint, colonial towns lurk spine-chilling ghosts protecting Captain Kidd’s treasure, the abode of the Devil himself, and shadowy creatures such as the Glawackus, all awaiting the next hiker to stumble down the trail.

For years, the stories of these mysterious beings and places existed only in whispers and campfire tales, but now for the first time these legends have been collected and retold in one Spooky Trails and Tall Tales Connecticut. Alongside each of these captivating tales is the necessary route and trailhead information brave readers will need to go beyond their town lines and test their nerve.


Proud to support Friends of Connecticut State Parks with a portion of the royalties.

Genres: Nonfiction

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2019

Reviews

[HKMar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely going to check some of these out but I expected them to be more spooky!

[Sharon A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent treatment of folklore associated with particular locations. The hiking aspect was secondary - that's what made it so good! The folklore was explained logically, tactfully, and expertly. I wish there was even more in-depth treatment of it. The hiking aspect was for those who wish to more physically engage with the legend (legend tripping). This was well-written and thoroughly enjoyable. It's a gift to residents of the state and for those who have the opportunity to enjoy Connecticut.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exceptionally researched and clear-eyed book about Connecticut folklore and the associated public places that they correspond to. Great for both the storytelling aspect and if you want to “legend trip” to some of these locales yourself.

[HKMar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a great book to read for tame scary stories that are also historical and historical fiction. The trails are more alluring now to check out.

[Gail Johnson, Ph.D · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is more of a history of Connecticut's folklore. But one of my favorite parts was reading of how the United States got its name and who changed it from the 13 colonies to one name.