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.
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.
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.
Comprised of more than 450 acres and miles of trails, this rocky outcrop along Niantic Bay is a gem. Well-maintained by a local group, this preserve includes evidence of a former quarry. Some of the trails are steep, but the website lists ways to maintain a more level walk if desired.
Descriptions, maps, and directions: https://www.oswhills.org/
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.
Field Forest, owned by Connecticut Forest and Park Association (the group responsible for maintaining all the CT Blue Trails), covers a diverse set of habitats. One of its most interesting spring features are its vernal pools.
Descriptions, maps, and directions: https://www.cttrailfinder.com/trails/trail/field-forest-trails
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.
Beth Lapin 