TALCOTT MT, HEUBLIEN TOWER, SIMSBURY CT

29 10 2024

Amazing views from the top of the tower, stretching from New Hampshire to Long Island Sound. Four miles of trails provide an opportunity for hiking, in addition to the vista.

EMERGENCY BURN BAN IN AFFECT AS OF 10/29/24

Descriptions, maps, and directions:  https://ctparks.com/parks/talcott-mountain-state-park

REMEMBER: Follow basic hiking guidelines: Wear good shoes, bring water and simple first aid kit, plus a copy/phone photo of trail map. Check the weather ahead of time, if you go alone, let others know where/when you’re going. All participation is at your own risk. Find a nearby restaurant or ice cream shop to reward yourself after your hike!

HIKING HINTS is a program of the MIDDLETOWN CT REC office. Follow them on Facebook.





GIUFFRIDA PARK, MERIDEN CT

22 10 2024
Photo: B. Lapin

PLEASE NOTE: AS OF 10/22, THERE IS AN ACTIVE WILDFIRE AT LAMENTATION MOUNTAIN.

Circle around Crescent Lake for an easy hike, or climb to the top of Chauncy Peak and head towards Lamentation Mountain along the Mattabessett trail – any of the options here provide interesting views and experiences.

Descriptions, maps, and directions:  https://explorect.org/giuffrida-park/

REMEMBER: Follow basic hiking guidelines: Wear good shoes, bring water and simple first aid kit, plus a copy/phone photo of trail map. Check the weather ahead of time, if you go alone, let others know where/when you’re going. All participation is at your own risk. Find a nearby restaurant or ice cream shop to reward yourself after your hike!

HIKING HINTS is a program of the MIDDLETOWN CT REC office. Follow them on Facebook.





DEVIL’S HOPYARD STATE PARK, EAST HADDAM, CT

15 10 2024
Photo: B. Lapin

Chapman Falls is a highlight of this park, but the diverse hiking trails and the National Scenic and Wild Eightmile River provide ample views and opportunities.

Descriptions, maps, and directions:  https://ctparks.com/parks/devils-hopyard-state-park

REMEMBER: Follow basic hiking guidelines: Wear good shoes, bring water and simple first aid kit, plus a copy/phone photo of trail map. Check the weather ahead of time, if you go alone, let others know where/when you’re going. All participation is at your own risk. Find a nearby restaurant or ice cream shop to reward yourself after your hike!

HIKING HINTS is a program of the MIDDLETOWN CT REC office. Follow them on Facebook.





HUBBARD PARK/CASTLE CRAIG, MERIDEN, CT

8 10 2024
Photo: B. Lapin

Almost 2000 acres, Hubbard Park contains options for a variety of activities. Climb to Castle Craig, learn about the legend of the Black Dog, and enjoy wide-ranging vistas.

Descriptions, maps, and directions:  https://explorect.org/hubbard-park-castle-craig/

https://www.meridenct.gov/city-services/parks-and-recreation/hubbard-park/

REMEMBER: Follow basic hiking guidelines: Wear good shoes, bring water and simple first aid kit, plus a copy/phone photo of trail map. Check the weather ahead of time, if you go alone, let others know where/when you’re going. All participation is at your own risk. Find a nearby restaurant or ice cream shop to reward yourself after your hike!

HIKING HINTS is a program of the MIDDLETOWN CT REC office. Follow them on Facebook.





SALMON RIVER STATE PARK, COLCHESTER CT

1 10 2024
Photo: B. Lapin

Salmon River State Park, comprised of more than 6,000 acres, protects a large watershed important to fish and wildlife.  Trails starting at the Comstock Bridge (https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/deep/stateparks/maps/slmnpdf.pdf) provide a fun and diverse access to the park. The park covers areas of Hebron, Marlborough Colchester, East Haddam, and East Hampton.

Descriptions, maps, and directions: https://portal.ct.gov/deep/state-parks/forests/salmon-river-state-forest

REMEMBER: Follow basic hiking guidelines: Wear good shoes, bring water and simple first aid kit, plus a copy/phone photo of trail map. Check the weather ahead of time, if you go alone, let others know where/when you’re going. All participation is at your own risk. Find a nearby restaurant or ice cream shop to reward yourself after your hike!

HIKING HINTS is a program of the MIDDLETOWN CT REC office. Follow them on Facebook.