Goodwin State Forest Loop Hike

Event Rating: Level 2+ (difficult for mileage)

Recommended for members who have previously completed a Level 2 hike

Distance: ~6.0 Miles

Time Duration: ~3.0 Hours

Blaze Orange: not required

Before 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.

Hike Description

This is a loop hike within Goodwin State Forest. We will be hiking a section of the Natchaug and other trails.

The Goodwin State Forest and Conservation Education Center were gifted to the people of Connecticut by James L. Goodwin, one of America’s first professional foresters. Together they include 2,000 acres of forests and habitats, 14 miles of trails, 3 large ponds, a native plant wildlife garden, and a nature museum. The Goodwin State Forest is managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) Division of Forestry. The Goodwin Conservation Education Center, located at 23 Potter Road in Hampton, is managed jointly by the DEEP Division of Parks and the Connecticut Forest & Park Association. The Center’s mission is to provide forestry, wildlife, and general conservation education to youth and adults.

During this hike, we will be hiking in the towns of Hampton, and Chaplin. It is a scenic hike, with the trail passing close to ponds, and through the forest. The trail is almost entirely single track woodland trail and forest road, Most of the trail is fairly flat, with some rocky terrain. Some wet sections are also likely.

Adequate drinking water (1 liter min.) is mandatory. A good pair of hiking boots, snacks, and bug spray are recommended.

You can find a trail map of the Goodwin State Forest here: Goodwin Map

Directions:

Take Rt 6 West from RI into CT. At 1.4 miles past the junction of Rt 6 and Rt 97, take a right turn onto Potter Road. There is a sign on Rt 6 for the Goodwin State Forest. The parking lot near the Goodwin Center is a short distance down Potter Road on your right. (It is about a 25-minute drive from the RI/CT state line along Rt 6 to the parking location.)

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, and/or death to participants and/or others; you assume all risk associated with this activity; you are responsible for having the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, clothing, and equipment to participate in this activity safely; 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 all claims for property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death - including those caused by negligence and/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!