Hike the Nehantic Trail

Event Rating: Level 2+ (Moderate-Difficult)

Members must have previously completed a Level 2 hike to attend. Expect the usual rocks and roots and some rolling terrain.

Distance: ~6 Miles

Time Duration: ~3 Hours

Blaze Orange: 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-19 or has been experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms.

Description:
This is a lollipop hike primarily on the Nehantic Trail in eastern CT. We will also be hiking on a short section of the Quinebaug Trail.

The Nehantic Trail is one of the trails in The Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System which was established in 1929 by the Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CFPA) a private, non-profit conservation organization. Since that time, the system has grown to include roughly 825 miles of footpaths across Connecticut. The Nehantic Trail travels ~ 13 miles through eastern Connecticut, primarily in Pachaug State Forest. The southern trailhead is at the Green Falls Pond Recreation Area in Voluntown, and the northern trailhead is at Hopeville Pond State Park in Griswold.

During this hike, we will hike along the most northern section of the trail, starting from Hopeville Pond State Park and going into Pachaug State Forest. It is a scenic hike, hiking mostly through pine forests. The trail is a mix of single-track woodland trails and forest roads. Much of the trail is fairly flat but there are some hilly sections.

A good pair of hiking boots/shoes and adequate drinking water are required.

Directions

From Providence: Take I-95 south to exit 14A, (Rt. 102 south). At the merge of Rt. 102 and Rt. 3, take Rt. 3 south. Continue on Rt. 3 south for another mile to the next light (a flashing light) at the intersection of Rt. 3 and Rt. 165. Turn right at the flashing light onto Rt. 165 west. Follow Rt 165 west past Beach Pond into CT where it merges with Rt 138 west. Continue straight on the merged roads and when they split, follow Rt 138 west. At the intersection with Rt 201, take Rt 201 north. Stay on Rt 201 until you see the sign for Hopeville Pond State Park on your left, and enter the park. Drive through the main gate. and follow the signs to the beach area. When you reach the beach area, park opposite the dumpsters.

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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, 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 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!