What we’re about
Our meetup group schedules hikes regularly for both the advanced hiker looking for long and strenuous workouts as well as the less serious hiker looking for shorter and more moderate walks. We hike all the trails and preserves in the Litchfield County area and often venture into New York and Massachusetts. Our focus is on exercise, making friends, and appreciating nature. We usually follow each hike with a social gathering at a local eatery.
This group is unique in that there is strong emphasis on learning about the diverse flora and fauna of Connecticut's wooded habitats and its ecology. I recently completed the DEEP/Goodwin Forest Master Naturalist program and love sharing the things I find exciting about the areas we explore. I am also really interested in CT history. When I'm not leading hikes for Litchfield County Explorers, I guide hikes professionally for the Mayflower Inn in Washington, CT and internationally for Connecticut Audubon Society EcoTravel. I am certified as an AMC hike leader and in wilderness first aid from the National Outdoor Leadership School.
Please join us!
Rami Haxhi
Upcoming events (4)
See all- Hike Seven Sisters, Hadley Mass, +/- 10 Miles Plus Big Ethe Notch Visitor Center, amherst, CT
After hiking, some people are going to Big E to see Foreigner's concert.
We will hike the Seven Sisters range to Mt. Holyoke and loop back to the visitors center. The highest part of the range is 954 feet and the distance will be 10+ miles. There are many rolling ups and downs. Please look at this trail and description before responding. Experience hiking long steeper terrain is required. This is an early start. The time posted is the start of the hike. It is a longer and more challenging hike.
https://www.yardetavernsouthhadley.com/
Please make sure you bring a pack that includes lot of water, food, sun screen, camera, whistle, wind breaker and/or rain gear.
This is the name of the trail map on Alltrails.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/massachusetts/mt-holyoke-range-trailEvent organizers are just responsible for leading the hike, they are not guides. Everyone should be prepared to take care of themselves. Please download the route on All trails in case you get separated from the group.
Organizer: James (860-796-5165)
- Beacon, Sugarloaf, Breakneck and Lambs Hill - 16 Miles and 4800 ft elevationMount Beacon - Scenic Hudson parking lot, Beacon, NY
This hike is not for faint of heart, we will cover 16 miles and 4800 ft of elevation gain. This is a very strenuous hike, so please be prepared as we move at a fast pace. I typically complete this hike in 7 hours. We will stop at Beacon fire tower which can have a commanding view as far as NYC on a clear day. Next stop will be a quick lunch/snack on the Breakneck Ridge trail overlooking the Hudson River. There are quite a few steps and some bouldering to reach the top. Then we will head back towards Lambs Hill and view the waterfalls before finally returning to the parking lot. Come prepared with at least 3 liters of water and snacks for along the way. I created a custom AllTrails map available for download or review. Beacon Trail Route
Not for beginners. NO SWEEP. Must be fit and experienced to find your way in/out mountains safely on your own.
Plan to arrive early as we will depart promptly at 8:30am
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You agree when you sign up for this event, or any other event from this group, that you have read and understood the below.
If you join us for a hike (or any other event), please understand that you are responsible for your own preparedness and well-being and will hold no one else liable in case of injury or mishap. You agree not to hold the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, or any other members responsible for any injuries, mishaps, or any other situation that may happen at a planned event. You are responsible to research the event, know the area, and bring the proper gear.
Your attendance on this hike signifies that you have read and accepted the terms of this liability waiver. - Hike at Macricostas Preserve (Full Moon hike)124 Christian St, New Preston, CT
Roughly 5.5 miles and 800 feet elevation gain. Will do the loop to Waramaug Rock, counter clockwise.
Full moon hike. The preserve is open from sunrise to sunset.
A headlamp is required and poles are suggested. Possibly microspikes. This hike will be slower than the usual LCE pace but still not a stroll. You must keep pace with the group. There is no sweep. A printed map is advised should you fall behind and need to hike out on your own.
Sorry no children or dogs.
Meet in the parking lot of Christian Street for a 6:15pm prompt departure.
Note there is little or no cell service in the parking lot.
https://steeprockassoc.org/preserve/macricostas-preserve/
https://steeprockassoc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Macricostas-Trail-Map-2024.pdfPlease put this address in your GPS as the map pin can be a bit wonky: 124 Christian St, New Preston, CT 06777
At an elevation of 1,250 feet, Waramaug’s Rock is a spectacular overlook providing panoramic views of Lake Waramaug and the surrounding countryside. Named after a chief of the Wyantenock Indian tribe, Lake Waramaug is the second largest natural lake in Connecticut, an ecologically vital habitat for wildlife and a recreational center for the Towns of Washington, Warren and Kent. The awe-inspiring views from the top are a rewarding dividend for the steep hike.
RSVP for the hike only if you are confident, you can safely complete it. You must not have medical issues that would inhibit your ability to safely participate, If you have any doubts consult your physician. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to: Stay with the group, Stay on the trail, Speak up early if you are having trouble, Confidentially inform the leader of any known potential medical issues (Allergies, Diabetes, Heart condition, etc.) and what we need to do to help you.
Required Equipment: appropriate attire and shoe gear, plenty of H2O & snacks, phone, printed map; and depending on conditions you may need a headlamp, rain gear, coat warm enough for overnight temps, dry base layer, hiking poles; and this list: [[https://hikesafe.com/gear-list/essentials](https://hikesafe.com/gear-list/essentials)](https://hikesafe.com/gear-list/essentials)
