Get Outdoors For Connecticut Trails Day

Whether you are an experienced hiker, or just enjoy a leisurely walk in nature, the 20th annual Connecticut Trails Day Celebration this weekend has something for everyone.

With 201 events in 121 towns around the state, there are a plethora of activities to choose from, including multiple walks in this region from Windsor Locks to West Hartford and East Granby to Manchester.

Around the state, activities on Saturday and Sunday include horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, bird watching and more, with a full schedule to be found at CTwoodlands.org.

Local events include geocaching at Northwest Park in Windsor, hiking and biking along the Windsor Locks Canal Trail, which recently reopened, a visit to the Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton, and walks of varying lengths along the Metacomet Trail in East Granby and Simsbury.

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On Saturday, from 10 a.m. to noon, the East Granby Land Trust will host two walks, one shorter for families and a longer one for adults, along the Metacomet Trail. Those interested should meet at the East Granby High School parking lot at 9:30 a.m. for transportation to the trailhead. Registration is not necessary for this walk.

Catherine Delasco, who is on the Board of Directors for the East Granby Land Trust, said the group has been involved in this event for at least the last 10 years. Last year, more than 50 people participated in the walk in East Granby.

“Every year people say they never knew these trails were right here in town,” Delasco said.

She said organizers plan to have a reading of “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss after the shorter family walk.

Alan Baker, a member of the American Heritage River Commission, said commission members are excited to introduce residents and visitors to a new trail along the Scantic River in Broad Brook. Participants will meet at the end of Melrose Road, near the old Melrose Bridge in Broad Brook. The two-mile loop hike will begin at 10 a.m. at registration is appreciated, call Baker at (860) 543-4309 or email alan.baker2@gmail.com

“This event is all about raising awareness for residents and people in the area,” he said. “The Scantic River is an awesome resource, we would like to see it protected and utilized.”

Later in the month the Scantic River will be open for canoeing and kayaking from the East Windsor/Enfield town line to the Osborne Mill Bridge.

Jennifer Benner, CT Trails Day coordinator for the Connecticut Forest & Park Association, said that this year the state has more events than ever before. She said an average of 15-30 people attend each walk. There are walks throughout each day on Saturday and Sunday, even some in the evening.

One newly added event is a Flat Stanley Letterboxing event in Meriden, which Benner said is a popular event with families. Find out more about the scavenger hunt and other newly added events at the CT Woodlands Trails Day supplemental guide.

Some of the events request registration, so check the listings for contact numbers and further information.

The events are led by volunteers from local hiking clubs, parks and recreation departments, state agencies, conservation organizations, historic groups, land trusts and education programs.

The Connecticut Forest & Park Association is state coordinator for the celebration, which is part of National Trails Day. Here are few tips the association offers to participants:

• Choose the right event: Pick a longer or shorter event depending on your age and abilities and dress appropriately with proper footgear. Some activities are geared towards experienced hikers or bikers, while others are more family-friendly for younger participants.
• Follow the leader: Arrive 15 minutes early and stay with your group.
• Pack some essentials: Bring a water bottle and a snack or lunch if appropriate. Also pack sunscreen and bug repellant and bring a cell phone for emergencies.
• Leave no trace: Pack out what you pack in, do not leave any trash. Respect private property, stay on marked trails.