
What we’re about
Meet other local hiking enthusiasts as a group of friends exploring, learning, and having fun on the trail and occasionally other ways. Besides hiking we sometimes do: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, camping, biking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, etc.
We range all over CT, central to western MA, and sometimes southern NY. Occasionally we make trips further out typically to central and northern NY, VT, NH, and ME.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Slower 5-mile Hike: Mansfield Hollow LakeMansfield Hollow Lake Boat Ramp, Mansfield, CT
Overview
This is a 5-mile, slower-paced, easy-to-moderate hike with less than 400 feet elevation. Newcomers are welcome, and we will go the pace of the slowest hiker, which is usually me!Hike Description
The trail doesn't have a lot of elevation, just little ups and downs. We'll be in woods but also in more open areas and along the edge of the lake.
Halfway through the hike, we'll take a break at the swimming hole...we'll see if anyone dares to go in!What to Bring
Wear hiking shoes or boots appropriate for roots, rocks and potentially wet, muddy trails. Bring water, a high calorie snack, hat, sunscreen, layers, and a backpack to carry it all. If you'd like to dip in the swimming hole, bring a towel.A cellphone with backup battery is always wise. A paper map is always a good thing to have just in case.
Map of Mansfield Hollow State Park: HERE
All Trails route: HEREAS ALWAYS FOR LORI-LED HIKES
• Human hikers only. Leave Fido at home.
• START time will be the time we start (in this case, the time we leave in the consolidated carpool). Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to find the place and get your gear all together, as we start on time!
• END time is an approximation. We may end sooner - or later - depending on the pace of the group and how much we stop to play.
• I keep my groups small - be diligent and thoughtful with your RSVP.
• Oohing and Ahhing over flora and fauna and other cool stuff encouraged.
• We're here to enjoy nature with all of our presence and all of our senses, so please turn your cellphone off and join the Now.=== Legal Stuff ===
HAH COVID update for this event
Any attendees who have tested positive, have symptoms or have been in direct contact with an infected person should not attend.
By clicking on "Yes" for this event you agree, warrant, and covenant as follows:
In consideration for accepting this entry, I, the registrant, intending to be legally bound, hereby, for myself, my heirs, my executors and administrators, do waive and release any and all rights for damages I may have against any parties or persons connected with the Hartford Area Hiking meetup group for and related to the above listed event. I attest and verify that I am physically fit to participate in any portion of this above listed event. I grant Hartford Area Hiking permission to use any photographs, film or videotapes of this event for any purpose. - Trails Day Hike: Nepaug Ramble in New HartfordNepaug State Forest, New Hartford, CT
This is a cross posting of my Trails Day Hike on June 7. Rain Date is June 8. Please register here: https://trailsday.org/events/nepaug-ramble/
Join us for a moderate 5.5 mile loop through the woods and rocks on Blue Blazed Tunxis Trail to Tipping Rock and on out to the Rome Spare Outlook with views of the Nepaug River Valley. The trail is a combination of wooded and rocky trail with unpaved woods road. While there are a few spots that are steep, the overall elevation gain is only 400 ft.
I have a blue KIa Niro and will park in the lot with my hatch open. We’ll try to start at 9:30am promptly so plan on being there ten minutes beforehand. No restrooms are available here, there is a Dunkin Donuts and there are several gas stations east of the river in Canton on 202/44 and there may be a port-o-potty at Brown’s Corners Recreation Area, about 4/10 mile west on 202.
Plan on 3-4 hours depending on pace of group. This is NOT a beginner’s hike; it’s too long and there aren’t good places to bail out.I don’t run in the woods, but tend to average 30-40 minutes/mile. I do take breaks and we will stop for photos and snacks.
You will need to bring at least a liter of water, snacks, insect repellent and a pack to carry them. If it’s sunny, bring sunscreen and additional water although it’s pretty well forested. There is a rain date on June 8 but if that’s also rainy bring rain gear or ponchos, towels and dry clothes; we’ll go anyway. Lightning or hurricane cancels. Hiking boots are a must for this hike. Jeans will chafe and ruin your day. Kids (10 and up) are welcome, as are dogs which must be on a leash at all times.