2008 Educational Hikes

Sunday, March 30. Andrew Kenneth Webster Reserve. Join NCLT hike leaders to explore the boundaries of the Andrew Kenneth Webster Preserve. This scenic open space property abuts Rails-to-Trails and Valley Falls Park in Vernon. Some bushwhacking and climbing with total distance of 3 miles. See vista of Railroad Valley, several large vernal pools, trail constructions and more. Meet at Valley Fall parking lot on Valley Falls Rd at 2 P.M. From exit 66 on I-84, take Tunnel Rd. south about 0.6 miles, turn left on Valley Falls Rd. for 1.2 miles, turn right into parking lot. Rain or shine, no dogs. L. George Arthur 860-871-0137, trailsarthur2@comcast.net. CL Joe King.

Join CT Forest & Park Assoc trail managers and CT Water Company personnel on a scenic tour of the new Shenipsit Trail section along Shenipsit Lake. Enjoy the scenery, learn about flora and fauna, trail construction, and history of the area. Meet at the RT 74 trailhead across the street from Rock-Vern Electric at 10 A.M. Rain or shine. Children welcome, no dogs. For more info, contact George Arthur at trailsarthur2@comcast.net.

Join CT Forest & Park Assoc trail managers on a scenic three mile tour of the Hockanum River Linear Park trail. Enjoy the scenery, learn about flora and fauna, trail construction, and history of the area. Meet at Naek Rd. cul-de-sac at 9 A.M. From junction of Rt. 30 and Rt 83 in Vernon, take Rt 83 north for one mile, turn west on Naek Rd. Rain or shine. Children welcome, no dogs. L George Arthur 860-871-0137, trailsarthur2@comcast.net. CL Joe King.

Join a CT Forest and Park Association sponsored hike on the premier Mattabesett Trail. Five miles from Rt. 66 to summit and back. Spectacular views, enjoy the CT version of Mt. Tom. Dogs on leash welcome. Heavy rain or lightning cancels. Meet at 10 A.M. in Middlefield at Rt. 66 westbound parking lot, just west of Rt. 66 intersection with Rt. 147. Access from I-91. Leader: George Arthur (860-871-0137 or trailsarthur2@comcast.net). Co-leader: Joe King.

Two mile walk, great for a family outing. Commentary on wildlife habitat and fall/winter foliage will be provided, including discussion of invasive plant species growing in the area and how citizens can help to control the growth of these plants. Meet at 1:00 P.M. at the Vernon Water Pollution Control facility on Windsorville Rd. (Rt. 74). Leaders: George Arthur, trail expert and Jane Seymour, Wildlife biologist.

Join a CT Forest and Park Association on the premier Metacomet Trail. Two to Three mileto summit and back with excellent views. See Heublein Tower, Farmington River Valley and Barndoor Hills. Start with steep climb, but with easy pace to allow nature observations. Bring your snack for a rest at the summit. Meet at 10:00 A.M. at Talcott Mountain SP parking off Rt. 185 in Simsbury. From the west, entrance road with brown signs, is on the right, one and one-half miles east of jct of Rt. 185 and Rt. 10 / 202. From the east, entrance road is on the left just past Penwood SP, one and one-quarter miles west of jct of Rt. 185 and Rt. 178. Heavy rain/ lighting cancels. Leader: George Arthur (860-871-0137 or trailsarthur2@comcast.net). Co-leader: Joe King.

Three and one-half mile hike along the eastern shore of Shenipsit Lake on the abandoned trolley line. Continuous scenic views of the lake on what is now part of the blue-blazed Shenipsit Trail. Meet at 1:00 P.M. at the south trail head on Rt. 74 in Tolland across from Rock-Vern Electric, rain or shine. For out-of -towners: from I-84 exit 67, go north on Rt. 31 (Mile Hill Rd). In about 1.2 mi, turn right (east) on Rt. 74. In .92 mi, just past the Tolland town line, the trailhead is on the left at the DOT Shenipsit Trail sign. Leader: George Arthur (860-871-0137 or trailsarthur2@comcast.net). Co-leader: Joe King.