CONNECTICUT HIKING

Saturday, August 2nd, 9 am, SC, Bolton Notch, Bolton

The dog days of summer!! Join Sierra Club activist Rod Parlee and State Director John Calandrelli. 3 miles.  Meet at the Bolton Commuter Lot across from Georgina's Pizza off Rt 44/6. The hike will pass through the town's 21-acre Freja Park, stop at the Railroad Brook Fish Habitat Restoration Project, follow the Mohegan loop trail around Bolton Notch State Park, then the Shenipsit Trail along Notch Pond back to the Commuter Lot.

Some steep hills and rock outcroppings. Sturdy footwear required. Bring WATER, bug spray (hopefully the no-Deet kind) No facilities. Heavy rain cancels. Please contact John Calandrelli at the number below or email your name and phone number to: Connecticut.chapter@sierraclub.org so we can call you the day before if the weather looks terrible. L: Rod Parlee 860-643-2948 or John Calandrelli 860-236-4405 (office), 860-508-9952 (cell)

Tuesday, August 5, 8:45am, AMC, Tunxis Trail, Burlington (C3B)

Meet at Burlington CPL, Library Lane, to carpool.  "Mile of Ledges," a 4.5 mile hike on the Tunxis Trail includes challenging rock climbs and descents. The AMC CT Walk Book calls it "one of the most rugged and interesting sections of the state's blue-blazed hiking system". Or meet by 9:30 at the trail head on East Plymouth Road at the end of Marsh Road at the southern tip of Old Marsh Pond Reservoir near the Bristol/East Plymouth line. L: Gene Grayson (860-698-9074)

A different section from July 10.  Meet at at Big Y in Plainville, Rt. 372, to car pool.  Will decide on which section of trail when we meet (there are a few possible loops).  Expect about 5 miles, and rough guess is to finish not too much after noon.  Bring plenty of water, snacks and lunch. L: Jane Macomber

This well preserved 1,746 acres is a great example of a place early settlers were scared of the wolves and occasional mountain lion 350 years ago. It’s now a refuge for wildlife and people alike in the asphalt wilderness of southwest CT. The hike is about 6.5 miles and about 3.5 hours plus lunch.  Take the Merritt Parkway (CT 15) to exit 42. Go north on CT 57 for about 5 miles, turn right onto Godfrey Rd, and after 0.5 mile turn left onto Pent Road. The parking lot is at the end of this road.  Bring plenty of water, snacks or lunch, and good hiking boots for stability and traction. RSVP: connecticut.chapter@sierraclub.org or 860-508-9952

Meet Penwood State Park parking lot. We will take the Blue Trail towards Heublein Tower. Then we will head down towards the reservoir, and we will take red/gray trail back toward Penwood. There are overlooks at the tower and another just before heading down the mountain. We should be finished by 11:30 - 12 noon. NOTE: This hike is NOT the main trail that leads to tower. Bring water, snacks and bright smiles.  L: Jane Macomber & Bill Lawry.

7-8 mile hike on both sides of Simsbury Road. Meet at Holcomb Farm at 9:15 for a 9:30 prompt start -- 113 Simsbury Rd, West Granby. Thunderstorms cancel. L Gene Grayson (emgrayson@cox.net)