Beth Lapin

Pistol Creek, an abandoned golf course, provides an array of paved trails that can be followed to include a shorter hike or longer, more challenging one, although none of it is difficult. The northern section is in Berlin, while most of the remainder is in Middletown.

Descriptions, maps, and directions: https://www.bikeitorhikeit.org/pistol_creek_paths.htm; https://www.berlinct.gov/egov/apps/document/center.egov?view=item;id=258

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.

Starting at the cul-de-sac on Cream Pot Road in Durham, moderate trails travel south along the ridge and through the woodlands. Two trails, the Mattabesett and Mica Ledges, run parallel with cross trails connecting them, to provide a loop trail if desired. A shorter hike to one of the overlooks and return provides another option.

With current snow cover, consider bringing poles and/or micro spikes/snow treads.

Descriptions, maps, and directions: https://madisonlandtrust.org/trails/mica-ledges-trail/

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.

A 1.3-mile linear trail follows an old railroad bed along the river and includes an interesting bridge. The walk can be extended in the opposite direction along Hanover Pond and behind the high school.

Descriptions, maps, and directions: https://www.meridenct.gov/visit/meriden-linear-trails/our-trails/quinnipiac-river-gorge-trail/

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.

This 100+ acre preserve owned by the East Haddam Land Trust, has a variety of trails that can be accessed from several parking areas. Waterfall, forest, and pond are some of the preserve’s highlights.

Descriptions, maps, and directions: https://www.easthaddam.org/trail-maps, https://rockfallfoundation.org/off-the-beaten-path-sheepskin-hollow-preserve/

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 650 protected acres include a variety of trails, ranging from short and easy to more challenging. Multiple parking options provide access to these trails. Interesting aspects include a waterfall, section of the Blue Trail, and vistas.

Descriptions, maps, and directions: https://explorect.org/case-mountain/

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 almost 1,000 acres, The Preserve offers a variety of trails and habitats. Protected by the State, Essex Land Trust and Town of Old Saybrook, this diverse area can be accessed from several points.

Descriptions, maps, and directions:  https://portal.ct.gov/deep/state-parks/forests/the-preserve

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.

Gillette Castle State Park is home of the imposing and interesting home of actor William Gillette. Impressive views of the Connecticut River are seen from the patio. In addition, there are miles of trails that include converted train tracks from Gillette’s whimsical hobby.

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

The Rockland Preserve, owned by the Town of Madison, contains 650 acres of diverse habitat and hiking/biking/bird & butterfly watching options. The Loop Trail is located at the parking lot on Route 79 across from Samantha Lane.

Descriptions, maps, and directions: https://www.madisonct.org/520/Rockland-Preserve

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.

This East Haddam Land Trust property includes a vista with a view of the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound. The 238 acres include several interconnection trails, with the Blue Trail being the longest.

Descriptions, maps, and directions:  https://www.ehlt.org/the-hatch-lot

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 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.