FALL 2020
Please call FCE at 860-404-0290 and register for Course A-NAT005 "Hikes" or click here to enroll on-line. Distances will be about 4 - 6 miles, with back-to-cars goal before 12:30pm. Also see Hiking Notes.
Thursday, September 10, 8:45 am, postponed due to rain
Thursday, September 17, 8:45 am, Roaring Brook Nature Center, Canton
We will hike most of the trails totaling about 3.75 miles, with one good climb near the beginning, then moderate with some ups and downs. In addition to a quarry, we will also enjoy a white pine forest. Once done, for those interested, a butterfly garden awaits.
For GPS use 76 Gracey Rd, Canton. From the intersection of Rt. 44 and Rt. 167, drive north one mile on Lawton Rd, bear right onto Bahre Corner Rd, then quickly left onto Gracey Rd. Drive 1/2 mile to RBNC on your left.
L: Anne Fitzgerald (H) 860-673-1216, (C) day of hike 860-839-1755
Thursday, September 24, 8:45 am, Hill-Stead and Metacomet Trail South
From the Hill-Stead Museum parking lot, we will walk the road northerly and take the Woodland Trail past the Overlook and merge with the Metacomet Trail and head south. We will then cross Mountain Road and continue on the Metacomet Blue-blazed Trail to nearly Rte 6 and with overviews of the Farmington Reservoir and hills and lakes west. We will then return on the same trail with a slight variation in the Hill-Stead property.
An easy hike but with rocky terrain in places which will require sturdy boots. Approximately 2.5 hours.
L: Ed Shaskan (H) 860-561-0040 (C) 860-833-8009 Hike Day
Thursday, October 1, 8:45 am, Sessions Woods, Burlington
Meet at the trailhead north of the Education Center at Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area, 341 Milford St, (Rte 69) Burlington, CT.
This is a moderate hike on the Beaver Pond Trail and the mainline Tunxis Trail returning via the Nature Center Connector. Distance 4.3 miles.
L: Dick Trask 860 670 2353
Thursday, October 8, 8:45 am, Peoples State Forest, Barkhamsted
We will hike the Agnes Bowen (Blue-Orange) and Robert Ross (Blue) trails.
From Canton, take Route 44 West to Route 181. Go right on 181 and right again at the steel bridge and then a quick left onto East River Road. Continue for approximately 1 mile to the parking lot on the left side of the road.
L: Tom Iezzi 860-413-2627(H); 860-856-1753(C), day of the hike
Thursday, Oct. 15, 8:45 am, Chauncey Peak Trail, Meriden
Meet at Giuffrida Park parking area for a 2.7 mile, 530 ft total ascent of the Chauncey Peak Loop trail with several viewpoints on the ridge. For details of this and related trails, click here.
From Rte 9 take I-91 South to Exit 20 (Country Club Road). At bottom of exit ramp turn left at stop sign for about 200 yards, and then turn right onto Country Club Road. Proceed on Country Club Road for 2.3 miles to yellow curve arrows and follow directions into Giuffrida Park (hard right onto narrow road near Golf Course fairway).
L: Ed Shaskan (H) 860-561-0040 (C) 860-833-8009 Hike Day
Thursday, October 22, 8:45 am, Breezy Hill Farm Loop, Canton
We will be hiking 2 1/2 hours on several Canton Land Trust properties that encircle the Breezy Hill Farm.
Meet at the Sun, Wind, and Woodland property parking lot. Take Route 44 past the Saybrook Fish House toward New Hartford. R onto Indian Hill Rd. until it ends. R on Breezy Hill Road. Go to the top of the hill past the red house on the left, and the Sun, Wind, and Woodland parking lot will be on your left with a big yellow sign and a kiosk.
We will hike the Sun, Wind, and Woodland property, the Sweeton Trail, and the Breezy Hill Farm.
L: Dick Trask 860 670 2353
Thursday, October 29, 8:45 am, Burr Pond, Torrington postponed
Meet 8:45 AM for 9:00 AM start.
From Route 8 exit 46, go west at end of ramp onto Pinewoods Road. At first stop sign turn left onto Winsted Road, then go south for about 1 mile to the Burr Pond State Park sign and blinking yellow light. Turn [west] right on Burr Mountain Road and continue approximately one mile to Burr Pond State Park on left. Ample parking available.
We will hike the three mile loop around Burr Pond, including the two peninsulas which jut out into the pond. Moderate difficulty. Click here for the trail map.
This is our group luncheon hike. Beautiful beach/picnic area with tables. Bring your own lunch and drinks for a picnic.
L: Jerry Marcum 860 810 0087 [call
or text]
Thursday, November
5, 8:45 am,
SALMON BROOK PARK AND MCLEAN REFUGE, GRANBY
We will hike from Salmon Brook Park to
the Mclean Refuge and the Red, Blue, and Orange trails.
A pleasant 3 to 4 mile hike for the start of the fall season.
Follow Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury (Route 10/202) to Granby Center. At traffic light take Route 20 West for about a mile to Salmon Brook Park Parking lot on the left.
L: Tom Iezzi. (H) 860-413-2627; (C) on day of the hike, 860-856-1753
No hike November 12 due to weather
Thursday, November 19, 8:45 am, Burr Pond, Torrington (makeup)
Meet 8:45 AM for 9:00 AM start.
From Route 8 exit 46, go west at end of ramp onto Pinewoods Road. At first stop sign turn left onto Winsted Road, then go south for about 1 mile to the Burr Pond State Park sign and blinking yellow light. Turn [west] right on Burr Mountain Road and continue approximately one mile to Burr Pond State Park on left. Ample parking available.
We will hike the three mile loop around Burr Pond, including the two peninsulas which jut out into the pond. Moderate difficulty. Click here for the trail map.
This is our group luncheon hike. Beautiful beach/picnic area with tables. Bring your own lunch and drinks for a picnic.
L: Jerry Marcum 860 810 0087 [call or text]