FALL 2021
8 hikes beginning on September 16th. Click here to register now.
Thursday, September 16, 2021, 8:45 am, Burlington Land Trust, Nassahegan Recreation Complex
We will hike the blue and yellow hike loop in about two hours, a good first hike of the season, 3.6 miles with a 900' vertical. There are a couple of hills but nothing difficult, as well as a few water crossings. Poles may be helpful. Part of our trail is shared with mountain bikers.
Click here to view "Hike/bike White #1 & Blue/Yellow Loop: 3.6 miles, 900', 1.9 hours" trail map. For GPS use 222 Punch Brook Road, Burlington. Although the parking lot is not exactly there, it is 0.6 miles west and easily found.
L: Anne Fitzgerald (H) 860-673-1216; (C) on day of hike 860-839-1755.
Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021: 8:45 am, FCE, 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 return on the same trails with a slight variation in the Hill-Stead property. An easy hike but with rocky terrain in places which will require sturdy boots. Hiking poles or walking stick suggested. Approximately 3.5 miles. Directions: 35 Mountain Rd., Farmington.
Additionally, a Group Tour of the Museum is being offered at $14 per person to commence between 11:30 and Noon. Please bring an extra pair of shoes. For purpose of count only, if interested in museum tour please email me at ed.shaskan@gmail.com before Sept. 23rd.
L: Ed Shaskan (H) 860-561-0040 (C) 860-833-8009 Hike Day
Thursday, September 30, 2021, 8:45 am, Granby Land Trust, Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve
We will hike the Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve, a Granby Land Trust property. The Preserve is located in North Granby, 253 Loomis Street. The blazed trails cover 3.5 miles. The Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve is 210 acres of diverse habitat - a unique combination of woods, wetland, open fields, and ridgeline. There is one steep climb on this hike.
To reach the trailhead from Simsbury, drive north on Route 10/202. At the traffic light in the center of Granby follow the sign directions and turn left for 189N and 20W. Quickly bear right and follow 189N for 3.5 miles to a stop sign and flashing red light. East Street will be on your right. The Granby Frederick H. Cossitt branch library is on this corner. Take East St for 0.4 miles to Loomis Street on your left. Take Loomis Street. Follow Loomis Street for 2.4 miles. The parking lot is actually about 100 feet past the 253 Loomis Street address, on the left.
Google Maps location is 42.033363, -72.823792. Parking spaces are limited for this hike. PLEASE car pool. A detailed description of the hike can be found here.
L: David Edwards. (H) 860 - 413-2536; (C) on day of the hike, 860-989-3962.
Thursday, Oct 7, 8:45 am, Sessions Woods, Burlington
Meet
at the trailhead east of the Education Center at Sessions Woods Wildlife
Management Area, 341 Milford St, (Rte 69) Burlington, CT.
We will hike clockwise to the Nature Center Connector, following it to the Mainline Tunxis Trail and finally returning via the Beaver Pond Trail. Distance 4.3 miles.
L: Dick Trask 860 670 2353
Thursday, October 14, 2021, 8:45 am, FCE, Norbrook Farm Brewery Trails
Best description of this outing can be read in CT Post February 2021 Issue article by Peter Marteka entitled "Brews and Views". Click here.
Go past the Brewery parking lot (with clean Porta-Potty) to the trails parking lot in the north woods. We will hike the Rte 66 trail past the high tower and follow a few wooded trails passing northwest of Phelps Pond and the marsh to Old Oak Climb and a northward view towards Massachusetts. We'll then take several interconnected trails back to the parking area.
The brew pub opens at 12 noon for those interested. Total hiking distance about 3 miles.
Directions to the parking area: Take Rte. 44 north from Winsted and follow GPS directions to 204 Stillman Hill Road, Colebrook, CT 06021.
L: Ed Shaskan (H) 860-561-0040 (C) 860-833-8009 Hike Day
Thursday, Oct 21, 8:45 am, FCE - Tariffville Gorge
The
hike starts and ends in Tariffville. We will hike north from the Rte 189 bridge
towards Hatchet Hill Rd. Our return will take us south on the Metacomet Trail
(part of the New England Trail) along the ridge line, with spectacular views of
the Farmington River, Simsbury and East Granby. Approx 3.8 miles.
Meet at Old Hartford Ave., East Granby. Take Rt. 189 N bridge across Farmington River just beyond Tariffville Village, look for the blue Metacomet Trail marker on the east side of the road. Limited parking is available by the marker with additional parking along Old Hartford Ave.
L: Dick Trask 860 670 2353, trask.dick@yahoo.com
Thursday, October 28, 2021, 8:45 am, West Mountain Trail/Hedgehog Trail
Address for your GPS is 60 Westledge Road Simsbury, CT (West Simsbury)
We will hike the red trail out and the blue trail back. It's approximately 4 miles with 912 feet elevation gain. This is a moderate hike with hilly and rough terrain along many sections. Trekking poles and hiking boots are recommended. For a trail map and description visit West Mountain Trails - Simsbury Land Trust (click here).
Parking is at the trailhead. If coming from the East (Simsbury), the entrance to the parking lot is just before the GPS location.
L: Ronald Robinson 860-670-5137
Thursday, November 4th, 2021, 8:45 am, Northwest Park, Windsor, CT
Address for your GPS is Northwest Park Lang Road, Windsor, CT
Please Note: After the hike we will gather for our end of season luncheon. BRING A PICNIC LUNCH AND DRINK
The hike will be between 4 and 5 miles and the terrain will be easily hiked. We will view Rainbow Reservoir and see beavers' wood working skills. There is also a Nature Center worth visiting. For trail maps google Northwest Park, Windsor, CT
L: Ronald Robinson 860-670-5137