Beth Lapin

Chapman Pond is an extraordinary fresh water tidal marsh off the Connecticut River. A 3+-mile loop trail begins off River Road to explore the uplands and pond edge.

Descriptions, maps, and directions:  https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/chapman-pond-preserve/

https://www.ehlt.org/chapman-pond-preserves (see trail map to download)

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.

Dear Friends,

I am going to pause the weekly Hiking Hints sponsored by the Middletown Recreation Division, due to the extreme fire threat in Connecticut at this time.

If you decide to enter the woods, please do NOT bring any matches/ashes/fires. No smoking, no campfires, no sparks. It’s really dry out there.

I’ll be back as soon as possible.

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.

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.

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.

The nearly 150-acre Hatchery Brook Conservation Area features a winding watercourse, swamps and vernal pools, several ponds, traprock outcroppings, wildflowers, groves of stately trees, lichen-covered stone walLs, historic foundations and several pleasant viewing areas.

According to reviewers, the best place to hike in Hatchery Brook Conservation Area is Hatchery Brook Yellow and Blue Loop, This trail is 1.1 mi long with an elevation gain of 75 ft.

Descriptions, maps, and directions: https://www.berlinct.gov/category/subcategory.php?categoryid=16

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/connecticut/hatchery-brooke-yellow-and-blue-loop

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.

In addition to several miles of trails, Sessions Woods has an educational center with exhibits open to the public (check the hours). A tree trail guide is available to enhance your walk.

Descriptions, maps, and directions: https://portal.ct.gov/deep/wildlife/wildlife-mangement-areas/sessions-woods-wildlife-management-area

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.

With close to 1,000 acres and a large network of trails, hikers can find a route that suites their needs. Head down to the river, use the picnic area, and enjoy interesting views.

Descriptions, maps, and directions:  https://ctparks.com/parks/hurd-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.