MOUNT RIGA STATE PARK
This park is un-developed but widely known as the Appalachian Trail passes through it and a number of 'side-trails' for hikers.
The most used road is not paved and take care in non-summer months. There 'used' to be a populated community 'up there' but it mostly died when the 'iron industry' left.
Mount Riga State Park is mostly nothing---land preserved under State Ownership... The area where the Appalachian Trail passes is popular but don't stray too far as there is a 'big nothing' in the area.
Mount Riga once had a population of 1200 or more but by 1930 school records show ZERO school children left.
The Iron Furnace closed in 1847?. After that time it became local legend about 'strange' people inhabiting the area. Raggies. Till this day stories and rumors pop up. Take your risk.
The area is so devoid of any population it can get quite lonely up in those woods. Maps will show a few 'structures' in old Mount Riga area and a few with not even an old road going to them.
A possible reason for 'nothing' in the whole area is the land ownership still exists with the descendents of the old iron companies.
One group has regular contact with the Appalachian Mountain Club--Mount Riga,Inc. -- and share and co-operate on things like land issues but other parties are about as elusive as the Dark Entry Forest Association of Cornwall, Ct.
The old Cemetery still exists but as written in 1913----This Cemetery, consisting of a plot of one-quarter of an acre in extent was purchased by the town April 25, 1817 (see Land Records, Vol 14, Page 281) from Holley, Coffing & Pette, for the sum of two dollars.
The purchase was made pursuant to town vote of April, 8, 1816, authorizing the selectmen to take conveyance of land for a burying place "near the Mt. Furnace." In the deed it is spoken of as being on Tocannick Mt. It is situated near the north end of the middle road, about one-eight of a mile from its junction with the west road, in whit was formerly the hamlet of Mt. Riga.
This little plot is seldom visited and shows signs of neglect, except for one part of it which is occasionally used for interments.
At one time in history this area was an in-famous as a no-mans land.
The 3 state area (Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York) claimed to not be part of any state and was a semi-resort famous for questionable and illegal things.
Bear Mountain (Mount Riga area) is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the state. A grand stone pyramid crowns its summit, offering unrestricted views which include broad valleys, shimmering lakes, and rugged mountains in three different states.
In addition to the vistas this walk takes you on a long loop through ancient forests where animals such as fisher, deer, and coyote roam.
There are ponds and bogs, songbirds and wildflowers, and much, much more. Look Forward To: the highest summit in the state; views and more views; beautiful forests.
This walk includes these trails: Undermountain Trail, Appalachian Trail, Paradise Lane Trail.....
The above comments are excerpts from a hiking book from the Appalachian Mountain Club.
