Hike in Pachaug State Forest - Hodge Pond Loop

Before signing up for this event, please read and understand this entire Write-Up and Liability Waiver. By signing up for this event you agree to the terms of the waiver & acknowledge that this event as described is a good fit for your abilities.

Event Rating: Level 2+ (longer than a typical Level 2)
Distance: ~6.0 Miles
Time Duration: ~3 Hours
Blaze Orange: Not Required

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-19 or has been experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms.

Description
This hike is in the Hodge Pond area of Pachaug State Forest in Griswold & Voluntown, CT. The hike will be mostly on forest paths and forest roads most of which are unblazed. The terrain is mostly flat with some rolling hills. There may be a couple of minor water crossings.

As always bring sufficient water and snacks along for the hike. A pair of hiking boots is the suggested footwear. Bring bug spray with the threat of tick & mosquito-borne diseases.

Directions:
The map link near the top of this page will bring you to an unmarked parking lot on Hodge Pond Road. From RI take RT 165 West or Rt 138 West into Connecticut where they merge. Continue until they merge with Rt 49 South and continue straight for 0.4 mile and turn left onto Rt 49 South/Rt 165 West. In 450 feet turn left on Rt 49 South. Continue for 2.0 miles and Hodge Pond Road will be on your right. Take Hodge Pond Road for about 0.75 mile and parking will be on your left down a short dirt driveway. This is easy to miss, it is a little past where the road crosses a brook.

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 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, 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!