Connecticut Trails Day Weekend, coordinated by the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, starts today with 259 events in 152 towns planned to cover 560 miles of trails throughout the state. Locally, hikes are planned for all skill and age levels.
In Meriden, a hike is planned for Saturday at 10 a.m. on the Quinnipiac River Gorge Trail. The hike will be about two and a half miles and is listed as easy, family friendly hike.
Joseph Zajac, Meriden Linear Trails Advisory Committee chairman, said the event will kick off with an official welcome with opening remarks by Mayor Michael S. Rohde along with giveaways.
Along with the chance to get outside for some exercise, the guided hike will include tree identification, Zajac said.
This will be Meriden’s fifth year participating in the Trails Day events, which draws anywhere from 50 to 100 people each year, depending on the weather. This year free water bottles will be provided, Zajac said, but residents are recommended to bring their own water as well. Temperatures are forecast to be in the high 80’s on Saturday and low 80’s on Sunday.
Zajac said photos and information will be available about phase two of the Linear Trail at Hanover Pond. The goal is to have that section opened in July or August, Zajac said.
Dan Pelletier, president of the Quinnipiac River Watershed Association, will provide free canoe and kayak rides prior to the hike, Zajac said.
In Wallingford, the hike is planned for Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Orchard and Spruce Glen parcel owned by the Wallingford Land Trust. The two and a half woodland walk is listed as moderate and pet friendly. Dave Ellis, of the Land Trust, recommends participants arrive a little early and bring plenty of water and bug spray.
Ellis said Spruce Glen is one of the largest pieces of property owned by the land trust and includes a waterfall that is swelling from the recent rain. A majority of the trail will be in shade and slightly cooler, Ellis said.
“It’s not a bad place to be on a hot day,” Ellis said.
About 20 people normally participate, Ellis said. With no rain in the forecast, Ellis expects about the same number this year. Wallingford has been involved with Trails Day for about six years.
In Southington, the hike is planned for Sunday, June 2 at 10:30 a.m. at Crescent Lake on the Orange Trail. The hike is listed as a moderate two mile hike that is family friendly. The hike, officially called the “William Parker Memorial Hike” will travel around the lake. Participants are advised to wear sturdy shoes and bring water and a snack. The hike is sponsored by the Southington Land Trust.
Cheshire will be hosting two hikes, one at Ives Farm and another at DeDominicis Property. The hike at Ives Farm begins at 8 a.m. and the hike at DeDominicis Property begins at 9 a.m. Both hikes are planned to be about four miles long and listed as moderate.
For more ideas on places to hike without a guide, visit the Short Walks and Day Hikes portion of the Record-Journal website – www.myrecordjournal.com/shortwalks.