What we’re about
Welcome to the Rhode Island Hiking Club
The Rhode Island Hiking Club " Walks & Rambles "offer's a variety of hikes from the beginner to the more experienced .We tend to engage in rather challenging hikes often through rough terrain. The purpose of this meetup is to get physically capable people together who want to get out and enjoy the beauty of some of RI's nicest places on foot. This Meetup is for people who enjoy a hike that leaves them satisfied in both the physical level of exertion, the enjoyment of the outdoors, and all the refreshment a hike has to offer the body and mind. This Meetup provides an opportunity to enjoy nature in the company of other adults without the distraction of cellphones,( kids), and or (dogs). If you are someone that likes to push yourself physically beyond a pleasant stroll and are at a decent level of physical fitness, then this could be a fun and rewarding Meetup for you.
***To JOIN you must include a clear identifiable picture of yourself. ***
It is important for the Organizers and members to be able to recognize you for safety so include your first name.
On 11/11/2011, I became the groups fourth Organizer . I hope to continue and expand the group as we move into the new year .By keeping with the groups original format . We are a hiking group based on the book ( Weekend Walks in Rhode Island by Ken Weber ). Thanks to Michael the clubs founder for starting this group. My goal is offer more people like yourselves the opportunity to experience what this little state has to offer and our surrounding neighbors Connecticut and Massachusetts and with occasional hikes to New Hampshire . Most people have no idea what is right in there back yard . My intent is to show them . We offer good exercise , good company and short travel all at no charge .What else could you ask for .
During the winter months we will continue hiking through the season along will more activities such as snow shoeing and cross country skiing , possibly ..
When the Summer months approach we will continue to hike either evenings or early mornings .We also will need more organizer’s to do this and I cant stress this enough . With your help we can make a good club a great one .
See you soon ,
Tony
The following write up is from when Walks & Rambles first started in September of 2009.
We will plan hikes on a weekly basis for Saturday mornings, many Sundays as well, with some after work "walks" as well during the longer daylight days of summer. Weather in RI is always a factor so there's a good chance we won't meet every Saturday. Heavy rain will cancel a hike as will as a particularly hot and humid day in the summer, but most other conditions are suitable for a decent time.
The laundry and cleaning can wait till you get home. Put yourself first, make some friends, have some fun and improve your outlook.
Note: I left the original name Walks and Rambles in the write up as a tribute to Ken Weber, and Michael, who had the foresight to start this Club back in Sept. 2009.
Upcoming events (1)
See all- Hike West Thompson LakeWest Thompson Lake Campground, N Grosvenordale, CT
Event Rating: Level 2+ (longer than a typical Level 2)
(This is not a beginner-level hike)
Distance: ~6.5 Miles
Time Duration: ~3.0 Hours
Blaze Orange: not requiredBefore signing up for this event, please read and understand the entire Write-Up and the Liability Waiver. By signing up for this event you agree to the terms of the waiver. Please sign-up only if you are sure that you can attend.
COVID-19 Instructions: Do not attend a hike if you or a person you have been in close contact with has tested positive for COVID-10 or has been experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms.
Description:
On this hike we will hike the Shoreline Trail, the Lost Trail, and the Ravenelle Ponds LoopThe West Thompson Lake Recreation Area is located in North Grosvenordale, CT. This ~1,900-acre property is managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. About 200 acres are covered by West Thompson Lake, created in 1965 when the West Thompson Dam was built to control the flow of the Quinebaug River, The land surrounding the lake is a mix of woodlands, grasslands, and farmland that is leased to local farmers.
The recreation area is used for hiking, boating, fishing, and hunting. There is also a disc golf course and a campground on the property. For much of the hike, we will be walking on single-track woodland trail, with some open fields, forest roads, and a short paved road section. Much of the terrain is rolling hills, typical of NE CT.
You can find a trail map here: Trail Map
As always bring water (mandatory) and snacks. Wear a backpack or waistpack with footwear and clothing appropriate for hiking.
Directions:
From RI take Rt 44, Rt 101, or Rt 6 to I-395 in CT. Take I-395 North to Exit 49 which is a left exit for Rt 12. At the bottom of the ramp, take a left turn on Rt 12 South. Take Rt 12 South for 0.7 miles until you come to a traffic signal. Turn right at the signal onto West Thompson Road. Continue for about 0.3 miles, and take a right on Reardon Road before crossing the dam. The entrance road will be ~0.5 miles down Reardon Road on your left. Follow signs to the boat launch.
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Liability Waiver: As a condition of your voluntary participation in this activity, you acknowledge and agree to the following: This activity involves inherent risks that can cause property damage, injury, illness, disability, or death to participants or others; you assume all risk associated with this activity; you are responsible for having the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, clothing, and equipment to safely participate in this activity; you know and will follow the Hiker Responsibility Code described at www.hikesafe.com; the leader(s) of this activity are volunteers; and you for yourself, your heirs, executors, and administrators release, hold harmless, and indemnify the leader(s) and all members of this group from any and all claims for property damage, injury, illness, disability, or death - including those caused by negligence or other reasons. The RIHC will not be held responsible for any COVID-19 issues including but not limited to the transmission of the disease, the cost of medical treatment, and/or death.
Safety First!
