Mohawk Mountain Overlook in October: Why the Trailblazer ACTIV Is the Right Rig for the Gravel and Dirt Sections

Mohawk Mountain is one of the easiest places in Litchfield County to enjoy a panoramic view; you just need to drive nearly all the way up to the top, get out of the car and look north across the hills towards the Taconics and, on clear days, as far as the Catskills. It's difficult to beat in October when the leaves change color.

The mountain is located in the Mohawk State Forest, a forest that spans approximately 4,000 acres in the areas of Cornwall, Goshen, and Litchfield. It can be reached by a short journey west of Torrington along Route 4. The main road to the summit is paved, while some of the other roads within the forest are made of gravel or dirt. The following guide explains how to plan the trip, what to anticipate on the forest roads, and the reasons why a Chevy Trailblazer ACTIV is a comfortable choice for this trip. If you would like to see one before buying, you can visit Northwest Hills Chevrolet, which is situated at 2065 East Main Street in Torrington.

What You'll Find at the Top

The summit is at a height of 1,683 feet and is the highest point on the Mattatuck Trail, offering a broad view to the north and west.

A few things to know:

• There is one tower that is not open for climbing. At the top of the mountain stands a tall communications tower, and it is closed to the public. If you look beyond that tower the view is unobstructed.
• There is an old stone tower close by; Cunningham Tower was built by a local landowner who bought land on the mountain for sheep farming in 1912, and it is a short walk off the road.
• Wind does occur, so even on a lightly temperate October day it's advisable to bring a jacket since the summit is exposed.

Check the state's park map for spots where you can stop for a view part of the way up the mountain.

When to Go

The leaves in higher elevations typically change color before those in the valleys, so the color in Mohawk will reach its peak a week or two earlier than it does in Torrington. It's a good idea to check Connecticut's official foliage reports before you go.

The road to the summit is open most of the year, generally from spring until late fall, provided the weather is suitable. It's advisable to contact the state park before going in case there are any closures.

Weekend outings in October tend to become busy. If possible, visit on a weekday or as early in the morning as you can manage. This will give you better light and make parking easier.

The Roads: Paved, Gravel, and Dirt

An honest assessment of the route shows that the map prepared by the state for Mohawk State Forest includes both paved roads, gravel roads, and forest roads. The main road up to the summit is paved, but if you explore the rest of the forest, such as the road down to Mohawk Pond, you'll find gravel and dirt. Many ordinary cars reach the summit each fall, and you do not need a special kind of vehicle.

But gravel and dirt roads bring their own challenges, especially in fall:

• Loose gravel can make a car slide on turns and hills
• Washouts and ruts show up after heavy rain
• Wet leaves on a dirt surface are slick
• Potholes can be hidden under a layer of fallen leaves

Also make sure that you use only those roads which are open to motor vehicles, since some forest roads are gated and others are designated for foot traffic only; for instance, the blue-blazed Mohawk Trail is one that is for hikers and not for vehicles.

Why the Trailblazer ACTIV Fits This Drive

The Trailblazer ACTIV has no intention of being a rock crawler and doesn't need to be one in order to perform on Mohawk. Its function is to make traveling over gravel and dirt roads more comfortable and less tiring. That's the reason.

It's Built With Rough Roads in Mind

Chevrolet states that the ACTIV's suspension is tuned for use off-road. Put simply, this means it's arranged so that it can deal with bumps, ruts, and broken surfaces better than the standard versions. You will notice the difference when driving on a washboard gravel road.

More Ground Clearance

The ACTIV model with all-wheel drive has a ground clearance of around 8 inches, whereas the LS and LT models have about 7 inches. Although one extra inch may not seem like a great deal, on a badly rutted road with a rock concealed under the leaves it can make the difference between clearing the obstacle and the vehicle scraping over it.

Available All-Wheel Drive

Once you select AWD mode, the Trailblazer sends power to all four wheels. In Normal mode it stays in front-wheel drive, so press the AWD button before you reach the gravel. On a gravel hill that is covered with wet leaves this helps you to keep moving without the risk of spinning a wheel.

It should be noted that AWD can only be obtained on a Trailblazer if it has the 1.3L turbo engine, which is standard on the ACTIV model; although AWD remains an option that you have to select, make sure that the ACTIV you're considering is one that has it.

Wheels and Tires That Make Sense

The ACTIV comes with 17-inch wheels. Since the wheels are smaller, the tire sidewalls are higher. This provides more shock absorption over potholes and sharp gravel than the larger wheels on the more sporting RS version.

Heated Seats for Cold Mornings

The ACTIV comes with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, which will be a good thing by the time you get to 1,683 feet on a windy October morning.

Small Enough for Tight Spots

The Trailblazer has a length of approximately 174 inches, which is rather small even when compared to other small SUVs. In situations such as having to stop on a narrow forest road because of an oncoming vehicle or parking in a crowded summit lot, a smaller car is more easily accommodated.

What the Trailblazer ACTIV Can't Do

To keep this honest:

• It isn't a genuine off-road vehicle; it performs well on gravel and dirt roads that have been properly maintained, but it wasn't designed for use on trails, in deep mud, or on rocks.
• The power is quite modest; the 1.3-liter engine produces 155 horsepower and is more than sufficient to take you up the mountain, but it won't seem fast when you're doing a long climb.
• AWD is there to help you move, not to make you stop; when driving on wet leaves or loose gravel you should slow down before entering curves and leave yourself extra space to brake.

Tips for the Forest Roads

Approach the gravel at a reduced speed since going too fast on a loose surface is a frequent cause of slides.

Stick to the tire tracks since the middle of a gravel road generally has loose stones dumped there.

Look out for hikers and cyclists since forest roads are used by both.

Take some water and a jacket with you since cell service can be poor in the hills.

Why Buy From Northwest Hills Chevrolet

They are near the mountain; Northwest Hills Chevrolet is located at 2065 East Main Street in Torrington, a short drive from Mohawk State Forest.

They know the area; the dealership has been serving Litchfield County for over 20 years and they know the roads that the buyers in the area actually drive.

One that doesn't apply pressure. The dealership states that it avoids aggressive sales techniques and instead concentrates on your real requirements. This is useful when you're comparing the ACTIV with other trims.

There is a wide range of used cars, which is useful if a used Trailblazer suits your budget better.

The full range of services is provided on-site, the service department looking after anything from oil changes to transmission work and there is also a collision and body shop.

The Bottom Line

The journey to Mohawk Mountain is worth it in October since most cars are able to reach the top on a dry day; the Trailblazer ACTIV, with all-wheel drive, additional ground clearance, an off-road tuned suspension, and 17-inch wheels, finds the gravel and dirt sections more comfortable and less demanding.

If you want to try one before your trip, stop by Northwest Hills Chevrolet at 2065 East Main Street in Torrington. Ask for a Trailblazer ACTIV with AWD, then plan your drive west on Route 4.