Hartford Area Hiking™

I am running my after work hikes for the season. Please know that these events are all levels-beginners welcome. The hikes are shorter and less technical from my normal weekend hikes. We finish before 8:00 p.m.

This will be an out and back hike to the top of Rattlesnake Mountain. This climb will take us past the channel 30 antennae towers, Will Warren's den, and the summit with views of Hartford.

The entire length of this hike is 4.5 miles. We get out of the cars and climb immediately. The trail is a bit narrow so we will look a lot like a conga line on this event.

This will be a great excuse to get out sweat a little after work. Very doable terrain for all levels due to the short distance. I always head out in boots and they are recommended for this event.

Dogs are ok on leashes. Please bring water, snacks (you are burning calories), bug spray, if you have a headlamp please bring it in your pack.

If you get off Rt. 84 exit 38, for route 6, head route 6 west. Approximately 2 miles out you crest a hill. There is a parking on the south side of the road. If you get to Reservoir Rd you went to far. You will see me and all the parking. There are no restrooms. Use the D and D at the corner of Finneman Rd.

Late Cancellation and No-Shows: There are a limited number of spots on this hike. Please be respectful of others and do not sign up unless you firmly plan to attend. If you late cancel or no-show you may need permission from me prior to joining any of my future hikes. Late cancellation means cancelling within 24 hours of the hike.

Waitlist policy: If you get on the hike, you are on. If you are put on the waitlist, I reserve the right to let people off the waitlist as I see fit. For large hikes, I will typically let waitlisted hikers on in the order you signed up. For small hikes, I may jump people - typically those who I know will not require effort to manage. This is a good reason to get to know me by joining some of my hikes.

https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/7/5/b/600_461070555.jpeg

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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.

https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/a/0/0/600_460831232.jpeg

Please pay attention to the parking location. We are heading up the falls cut off near the Light House cemetery. I would suggest stopping at the restrooms at the main parking area. Then leave the lot and and turn left. The parking is on the left side of the road.

The hike is approximately 5-7 miles with the first half climbing out of the valley and then heading back down. There is a variety of wooded conditions from rocky to gentle paths. Due to the climbing-lots of climbing and distance, I would NOT classify this as a beginner hike-it is listed moderate. You should assess your ability to 2 miles per hours and climb steep areas. I am all for stopping to catch your breath and taking photos. It is not a race.

You have signed up for a group hike so we hike as a group. We will keep the entire group in view. We leave no one behind and adjust the pace accordingly. Trail runners need not attend.

I always recommend hiking boots and a day pack with water, snacks, a whistle, small medical kit. I love hiking poles but they are not required. You are going to be burning calories the entire hike so please bring FOOD and WATER. Breakfast alone may not be enough. Also the sweating may require a gatorade style drink.

Dogs are allowed on a leash.
I see we are entering a time period of new members and lack of commitment to events. It should be obvious remove yourself as soon as you know you are not available. All of my hikes have waitlists. For those who make late decisions or do not attend events you have signed up for will not be welcome moving forward.
I will try and let this event be open RSVP. If it does not go well I will move back to controlling the list.

Items you must consider for every event:

• If you have an event after a hike, please do not sign up for the hike.
• End times are only an estimate.
• The group will not adjust speed or trail route to accommodate your schedule.
• If you cannot attend an event, please cancel 48 hours before. Late cancellations are rude and take away the option for others to join the event.
• Be a good hiking human.

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DEEP/stateparks/maps/Peoplespdf.pdf

All trails map of the loop
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/connecticut/falls-cutoff-jessie-girard-charles-pack-bowen-loop-trail?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-map

Google through the Meetup site has not been working. Here is a map link to the different hiking trail head.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Barkhamsted+Lighthouse+Archaeological+Preserve/@41.9424525,-73.0261901,15z/data=!4m9!1m2!2m1!1speples+forest+falls+cutoff+trailhead+barkhamsted+ct!3m5!1s0x89e70bcdba54aeb3:0x132412256ede5a5a!8m2!3d41.9424525!4d-73.0071367!16s%2Fg%2F11dx8g_70s?authuser=0&entry=ttu

--- Legal Stuff ---

By clicking on "Yes" for this event you agree, warrant, and covenant as follows:
COVID19 Consideration: There is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 in any public place where other people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and even death. By voluntarily participating in an event organized by Hartford Area Hiking you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.

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. I further attest that I, the registrant, am fully and completely responsible for any guests that I bring to the event, whether registered or not.