5th Annual Hiking Notice, 2017

Fifth Annual Hiking Notice, 2017

Greetings, clompers –

The fifth annual Weathersfield hiking season begins with this notice. The hikes are being organized under the auspices of Weathersfield Parks and Recreation. Well-behaved dogs are welcome. We expect a range of hiking speeds. Please try to make a commitment when you sign up. Things can come up, but let us know ASAP if they do. And be on time – we don’t wait for long, but experience consternation if you are expected and not there. Do not show up for a hike without signing up – this year especially changes might occur. (May 21^st is an exception. You don’t need to respond for that one.) Add the plane crash site (strenuous) to the possibilities – it’s a maybe.

Are you new to hiking? Wear footwear that is broken in and appropriate for uneven trails. Hikers join us at their own risk. Feel free to call Steve, organizer, at 802-263-5439,  Experienced hikers, too, please ask questions or comment freely.

There will be more logistical details after hiking groups are organized.  Hikes continue into October.

The hikes! …

Sunday, May 21^st , 2:00 PM :  Perkinsville Lower Valley

     Becky Tucker is leading this historic tour. We will start at the bottom of Maple Street, turn right, and go to the original site of Grout Cemetery. Then we will turn back and head past our parked cars and on to the Lower Falls. We will offer some historical commentary en route. There are river views and meadow views. The road is generally flat with some gentle slopes. On the way back to the cars a walk up Green’s Hill is an option.

Saturday, June 10th, 9:30 AM:  Cathedral Rocks                                                               

     This hike is on wood roads. Its length has not been calculated, but it descends to the River Road (Route 10) from Stokes Road, which is just short of Wellwood Orchard. We will spot cars at the end of the hike for a ride back up to Stokes. There is a nice view near the top of the descent. The rocks are very big. Two hours?

Saturday, June 17th, 9:30 AM:  The Ancient Hemlocks

      This route – notice I don’t say “trail” – is over fields and through the woods, up and down a logging road and over a rivulet or brook. You won’t have to remove footwear. The last half mile is up Little Canada Road, past the 1791 John Warner house. There might be a brief tour of the house. The trees are about 500 years old. Your guide will use a compass to find his way through one section – he’s confident. Total distance 2 miles?

Saturday, June 25th, 9:30 AM:  Tucker Trail Lookout

     From the green in Perkinsville we head up a road and a driveway and onto a wooded route that climbs to a fine southeastern view from the top of ledge. The difficulty is moderate to strenuous. The climb is steady, but the footing is good. The total distance is about 2 miles, up and back.

Saturday, July 1st, 9:30 AM:  Little Ascutney

     We will walk up to the ledges – very nice view – on a trail that in part is strenuous. There is first a steady climb, then a dip, and then a steep ascent to get from the parking lot at 900 feet to the summit of Little Ascutney at 1709 feet. The hike probably will take over two hours.

Sunday, August 12th, 11:30 AM:  To the Cabin                             

     We follow Swift’s Logging Road up to the crest of Pikes Peak ridge, then we follow a trail through the woods to Grace’s skiing trail, and then by woodsy trail on to Steve’s cabin. There is a nice view there. We will linger – some food will be available. The distance to the cabin will feel like 2 miles, plus a short walk on the Center Road. There might be No Trespassing signs at the beginning of this hike, but we natives are sure that they can’t mean us. We use the route many times. Those who wish can do an extra walk to the well that held Herbert White’s body.

Saturday, September 2nd, 5:00 PM:  Ferry Road and the Connecticut River                  

     This generally level route heads down shaded Ferry Road and into Skyline Nursery. Soon it follows the river, sometimes with views. The total length is about 2 miles. Carol Orth is the leader.

Saturday, September 23rd, 9:30 AM:  Cooks Pond Loop

     This is a route on wooded dirt roads more than on trail. There are beaver ponds along the route and a framed view of Mt. Ascutney from the south end of Cooks Pond. Other mountain views occur at later points. Julia Lloyd Wright will be the hike leader.

    Difficulty: easy to moderate, with one longish incline. Distance: almost 3 miles. 

Saturday, October 7^th, 9:00 AM:  Ascutney Mountain

     We will go to the fire tower and the Brownsville Overlook. We will go up the Weathersfield Trail, but people wanting a less strenuous hike (.7 miles up) could drive up and meet us at the top, we hope.   

    

About a week before each hike Steve will get back to anyone who signed up or expressed an interest. When you respond, include your phone number in case of changes, like postponement due to awful weather.