Somers brings together nature trails, local history, and a wide range of recreational activities. When looking for a place to stay, it’s worth deciding first what you want to focus on during your visit: hiking and water, a look at the town’s history, or a variety of activities at Sonny’s Place. The options differ in trail length, possible destinations, and types of recreation.
Hiking Trails and Water in Somers
Bald Mountain has a 1.25-mile hiking trail. The mountain’s summit is 1,121 feet above sea level and is the highest point in Somers. Trail length and summit elevation offer different measures: the first describes the distance, while the second describes the summit’s elevation in Somers.
Whitaker Woods has nearly five miles of trails, offering loop hikes of varying lengths and difficulty. This gives you different options for planning: a specific trail length on Bald Mountain or several loop hikes that vary in length and difficulty.
There are several trails on the grounds of Camp Aya Po. One goes around Hurds Lake, while others lead to the summit of Perkins Mountain. You can choose based on your destination: a loop around the lake or trails leading to the mountain summit. Fishing is possible at Hurds Lake; kayaking or canoeing is permitted there to a limited extent. A small boat ramp is located at the western end of the dam.
Woodland Scenery and Views
Shenipsit State Forest covers 7,170 acres and extends across Ellington, Somers, and Stafford. The woodland scenery therefore reaches beyond Somers’ boundaries. Soapstone Mountain offers a different way to experience nature: its current observation tower is expressly intended for public recreational use and viewing. Somers thus offers a choice between trails and a viewpoint as different focuses for your visit.
A Look at Somers History
The Somers Historical Society Museum was founded to preserve and celebrate the history of Somers. Its collections include genealogical archives, artifacts from Somers, and agricultural equipment, as well as Victorian clothing. The collections also include historical information and photographs, along with historic and architectural surveys of Somers Main Street and Somersville.
The subject matter ranges from genealogy and agriculture to townscapes and architecture. Those interested in Somers’ history will find several ways to explore it here: family history, objects from the town, and historical information about two named parts of Somers. The museum adds a distinct local-history focus to the nature and recreational offerings.
Recreation at Sonny’s Place
Sonny’s Place offers a wide selection of activities: 18-hole miniature golf, go-karts, an arcade, and bowling, as well as a bounce house, batting cages, and a climbing wall. Other attractions include Monkey Motion, a zip line, and a gyroscope. There is also a bar and snack area. The range of offerings differs considerably from the hiking trails or the museum: the focus here is on a variety of recreational activities in one place.
For groups, there is a pavilion and an event tent that can accommodate up to 500 people. Sonny’s Place thus combines individual recreational activities with event spaces for larger groups.
Discover more destinations: Vernon, Mansfield, Willington.
For the broader travel overview: Tolland County.
