Fourth Annual Hiking List

Greetings, clompers –

Our hikes are organized under the auspices of Weathersfield Parks and Recreation. Well-behaved dogs are welcome, with the exception of one hike noted below. Your general intentions are fine for now, but please try to make a commitment eventually. Be on time – we experience consternation if you are expected and not there, and you might have the same feeling if we leave without you.

Are you new to hiking? Wear footwear that is broken in and appropriate for uneven trails. Hikers join us at their own risk. Beware of ticks.

Feel free to call Steve at 263-5439. Experienced hikers, too, please ask questions or comment freely.

There will be more logistical details about a week before each hike for those who expect to join us or have expressed interest. Hikes continue into October.

The hike with no dogs is on September 17th to the plane crash site. That hike is limited to 15 people.

THE HIKES

 Saturday, June 18th, 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. Dave Noake will welcome us there with 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?

Sunday, July 17th, 11:30 AM:  To the Cabin           
     We follow Swift’s Logging Road up to the crest of Pikes Peak ridge, then 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 they can’t mean us. We use the route many times.

     If anyone is interested, the return from the cabin could go past Murderer’s Well, which was large enough for two bodies, but was used for only one. Its cellar hole is clearly visible. Add a mile. Let Steve know if you want to include the cellar hole route.
 
Sunday, August 14th, 1:00 PM:  Springweather, Stoughton Pond
     This hike is to the pond and around it for those who wish. The route to the pond is mostly level – a couple of hills – and is just over 2 ½ miles. We will leave cars there to get back to Springweather.

     Those who want to continue will go another 2 ½  miles around the pond, in part on the Crown Point Road, passing a 1760 marker stone and crossing Branch Brook. We stay on the Crown Point Road to return to cars. The loop is hilly, but not necessarily strenuous, depending on your opinion. Boots will come off for the crossing – a towel might be welcome.

     Hikers could skip the pond and brook, go out and back from Springweather, and therefore go 5 miles, or go out and back from Springweather including pond and brook: 7 ½ miles.

Saturday, August 20th, 9:30 AM:  Little Ascutney                                         
     We will walk up to the ledges for a very nice view. In large part this terrain is strenuous. The hike includes a steady climb, then a dip, and then a steep ascent to get to the viewpoints. The parking lot is at 900 feet, and the summit of Little Ascutney is at 1709 feet. The hike probably will take over two hours.

Saturday, September 17th, 9:30 AM:  The Crash Site and Tucker Trail Lookout
     From Gil Whittemore’s in Perkinsville we head up to the site of the 1947 crash of an army B-29 bomber. The difficulty is strenuous. The climb is steady, but the footing is good. On the way back we will go out and back to a viewpoint overlooking Perkinsville and the Black River Valley. The total distance is less than 3 miles.

     This event is limited to 15 people. Gil will give participants a copy of Barbara Woodbury’s booklet containing accounts and photos of the tragedy. (Let me know if you already have one.) Dogs are not permitted.  

Saturday, September 24th, 9:30 AM:  Perkinsville Lower Valley
     We will start at the Grange and take in the Lower Falls and the original site of Grout Cemetery.

We will offer some historical commentary en route. There are river views and meadow views. The terrain is partly flat and partly of gentle slope. Distance will be optional, from 1.3 miles to 2.5 to 4.0.

We’ll see what people want. The Historical Society hopes to do a similar hike with more detailed commentary. Our date might change so that we can join them.
 
Saturday, October 15th, 9:30 AM:  Cooks Pond Loop
     This is a route on dirt road more than on trail. It is wooded, lovely in autumn colors. There are three beaver ponds along the trail 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 22nd, 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.

Are you new to hiking? Wear footwear that is broken in and appropriate for uneven trails. Hikers join us at their own risk. Beware of ticks.

call Steve at 263-5439 to sign up!