Meshomasic Hiking Club

25/06/2024

It's Thursdays at Hurd Park! Every week, we hike a different trail, and there are lots of them! You can walk along the Connecticut River or climb up to look out rock. This hike has everything and is rated C3, meaning C=average terrain; 3=average. Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome. But you MUST RSVP the hike leader!

For more information, click the link and visit our club's website schedule.
http://www.meshomasichikingclub.org/schedule.html

Thursday, June 27, 9:00 AM - Weekly, Hurd State Park, East Hampton: Approximately 4 miles, various trails and terrains; sometimes short, steeper slopes. Rating: C3; Gear: Hiking boots; Bring: Snacks, drinks; Kids: N; Dogs: L; Bad Weather Cancels: Y; Meet at Winter parking lot, Rte. 151, Middle Haddam Rd., at traffic light GPS Location: 41.5298, -72.5372; RSVP by June 26.

24/06/2024

Lake Chamberlain, Woodbury/Bethany hike. It's a 4-5 mile hike, and you could do a little bushwacking. The hike is rated C3.

What is C3, you ask? C=average terrain; 3=average

To RSVP the hike leader, click on the website schedule link for more information.
http://www.meshomasichikingclub.org/schedule.html

Wednesday, June 26, 10:00 AM - Lake Chamberlain, Woodbury/Bethany: A 4-5 mile hike around Lake Chamberlain on Regional Water Authority property. The leader has not pre-hiked the area, but AllTrails calls the hike moderately challenging. Rating: C3; Gear: Hiking boots recommended; Bring: water and snacks; Kids: Y; Dogs: Y; Bad Weather Cancels: Y; Meet at: Park in the lot at 30 Sperry Rd, Woodbridge, CT 06525 GPS Location: 92R8+GP Woodbridge, Connecticut; RSVP by: June 25.

23/06/2024

Can you keep up the Tuesday Irregulars? If you are in good shape, you can join them. This is a group rated B1. They average 8 to 11 miles!

What does that mean you ask? B means difficult terrain; 1 = fast every Tuesday.

For more information, check out our website schedule and RSVP http://www.meshomasichikingclub.org/schedule.html

Tuesday, June 25, 9:00 AM - Tuesday Irregular Hike (Weekly), Various Locations: Hike at a brisk pace of between 8 and 11 miles, which may be scheduled at one of several preserves in the area Rating: B1; Gear: Hiking boots only; Bring: water and snacks; Kids: Y; Dogs: N; Bad Weather Cancels: Y; Meet at: Contact hike leader for location the day before. Start time may also vary; RSVP by June 24

21/06/2024

CALLING ALL PADDLERS! Paddle Aspinook Lake, Lisbon, Canterbury. Monday, June 24th! This is a 9-mile paddle with cool things to check out along the way. This paddle is rated P2.

What is P2, you ask? P=paddle; 2=brisk

To RSVP to the paddle leader, click on the website schedule link for more information.
http://www.meshomasichikingclub.org/schedule.html

Monday, June 24, 10:00 AM - Paddle Aspinook Lake, Lisbon, Canterbury: Paddle about 9 miles. Pretty lake with several bays to explore and RR tracks over and along the lake - we might see a train! A small waterfall, a stone RR bridge (from the 1800s) with 2 big circular holes to paddle through. Rating: P2; Gear: PFD, hat for sunshine, sunblock, water shoes, paddle; Bring: water, snacks, lunch; Kids: N; Dogs: N; Bad Weather Cancels: Heavy rain on the day of paddle or no RSVP's cancels;

Meet at Travel Rte. 6 east into Brooklyn, CT. Take Rte. 169 south, about 4 miles, and take a left onto Butts Bridge Road (aka Rte. 668 - Rte. 12). Cross the iron bridge across Quinebaug River and take your first right onto a gravel road. Drive down the gravel road to the river (our put-in spot). Or you can go east on Rte. I-395, take exit 19, and head north on Rte. 169. Go about 5-6 miles and take a right onto Butts Bridge Road (aka Rte. 668 or Rte. 12). Follow the directions above. ; RSVP by: June 23.

20/06/2024

Spiderweed Preserve and the Mattabassett Blue Blazed Trail - Middletown. Hike is a 4-5 mile "amble." Rated C1.

What is C1, you ask? C=average terrain; 1=fast

To RSVP to the hike leader, click on the website schedule link for more information.
http://www.meshomasichikingclub.org/schedule.html

Saturday, June 22, 9:00 AM - Spiderweed, Middletown: A 4-5 mile amble on the Spiderweed preserve and the Mattabassett blue blazed trail with members of the Middlesex Land Trust Rating: C1; Gear: Hiking boots recommended; Bring: water and snacks; Kids: Y; Dogs: L; Bad Weather Cancels: Y; Meet at Meet at the trailhead on Dripps Road in Middletown just off Saybrook Road.; RSVP by June 21.

20/06/2024

Hey Everyone! Our club helps support The Middlesex Land Trust among other organizations that help preserve open space land.

Join our club member Alan Hurst as he leads a hike through one of the parcels MLT protects.

Remember to RSVP the hike leaders. Their info is below.

Join Alan Hurst and Jeff Nelson for a 4.5-mile amble at Spiderweed Preserve and the Mattabassett Blue-Blazed Trail in Middletown on Saturday, June 22, at 9:00 a.m.

Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the trailhead on Dripps Road in Middletown just off Saybrook Road.

Kids and leashed dogs are welcome. Hiking boots recommended. Bring your own water and snack. Bad weather cancels.

RSVPs are encouraged but not required. To RSVP, please contact the Land Trust office at 860-343-7537 or contact Alan directly via voice or text at 860-510-3870 in advance of the hike.

Sponsored by the Middlesex Land Trust and the Meshomasic Hiking Club.

19/06/2024

Valley Falls and Tulip Tree Trail, Vernon. Roughly 5 miles by a pond and brook. Bring your swimsuit for a quick dip! This trail is rated C3.

What is C3, you ask? C=average terrain; 3=average

To RSVP to the hike leader, click on our website schedule link for more information.
http://www.meshomasichikingclub.org/schedule.html

Sunday, June 23, 9:30 AM - Valley Falls/ Tulip Tree Trail, Vernon: Roughly 5-mile hike by pond, Brook, and a quarry. Hike over before lunch. Bring food, drink, and a swimsuit for a post-hike swim party at nearby Bolton Lake. Rating: C3; Gear: Good idea to bring bug spray and sunscreen. Hiking boots for muddy, wet areas. ; Bring: Bring water/snack for the hike and lunch/drink/ swimsuit for a post-hike swim;

Kids: Y; Dogs: L; Bad Weather Cancels: Y; Meet at: Meet 9:15 am for 9:30 am start at Valley Falls parking lot. From I-84 east, take exit 67. Left at the end of the exit. Right at the stop sign onto Bolton Road. In about a mile, take a left onto Valley Falls Road and quick right into the park.; RSVP by June 22.

18/06/2024

It's Thursdays at Hurd Park! Every week, we hike a different trail, and there are lots of them! You can walk along the Connecticut River or climb up to look out rock. This hike has everything and is rated C3, meaning C=average terrain; 3=average. Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome. But you MUST RSVP the hike leader!

For more information, click the link and visit our club's website schedule.
http://www.meshomasichikingclub.org/schedule.html

Thursday, June 20, 9:00 AM - Weekly, Hurd State Park, East Hampton: Approximately 4 miles, various trails and terrains; sometimes short, steeper slopes. Rating: C3; Gear: Hiking boots; Bring: Snacks, drinks; Kids: N; Dogs: L; Bad Weather Cancels: Y; Meet at Winter parking lot, Rte. 151, Middle Haddam Rd., at traffic light GPS Location: 41.5298, -72.5372; RSVP by June 19.

17/06/2024

FULL MOON Hike on June 20th. Airline Trail Colchester. This is a 3-mile hike rated D1.

What is D1, you ask? D=flat; 1=fast

To RSVP the hike leader, click on the website schedule link for more information.
http://www.meshomasichikingclub.org/schedule.html

Thursday, June 20, 8:00 PM - Airline Trail Colchester, Colchester: 3-mile hike with sunset and full moon. This may morph into a dinner before the hike event. Rating: D1; Gear: Sneakers are OK; Bring: water and snacks; Kids: Y; Dogs: L; Bad Weather Cancels: Y; Meet at: Meet at the Bull Hill parking lot. Take Route 16 to the covered bridge and head north on Comstock Bridge Road to the lot.; RSVP by June 19.

16/06/2024

Can you keep up the Tuesday Irregulars? If you are in good shape, you can join them. This is a group rated B1. They average 8 to 11 miles!

What does that mean you ask? B means difficult terrain; 1 = fast every Tuesday.

For more information, check out our website schedule and RSVP http://www.meshomasichikingclub.org/schedule.html

Tuesday, June 18, 9:00 AM - Tuesday Irregular Hike (Weekly), Various Locations: Hike at a brisk pace of between 8 and 11 miles, which may be scheduled at one of several preserves in the area Rating: B1; Gear: Hiking boots only; Bring: water and snacks; Kids: Y; Dogs: N; Bad Weather Cancels: Y; Meet at: Contact hike leader for location the day before. Start time may also vary; RSVP by June 17th.

13/06/2024

Join us for a hike on the Air Line Trail, Hebron - it's 6 miles.

To RSVP to the hike leader, click on the website schedule link.
http://www.meshomasichikingclub.org/schedule.html

Monday, June 17, 8:30 AM - Air Line Trail, Hebron: 6 miles, out and back from Leonard Bridge Road trailhead Rating: C1; Gear: Sneakers Okay; Bring: water and snacks; Kids: Y; Dogs: L; Bad Weather Cancels: Y; Meet at: Meet at Leonard Bridge Road trailhead, off rte 207 Lebanon; RSVP by: June 16.

12/06/2024

Do you want to see the Mountain Laurel in bloom? A C1-rated hike is scheduled for June 14th at Devil's Hopyard State Park in East Haddam.

To RSVP to the hike leader, click on our website schedule link.
http://www.meshomasichikingclub.org/schedule.html

What's a C1, you ask? C=average terrain and 1=fast

Friday, June 14, 9:00 AM - Mountain Laurel Devil's Hopyard State Park, East Haddam: 5 - 7 miles on a variety of trails Rating: C1; Gear: Hiking boots recommended; Bring: water and snacks; Kids: Y; Dogs: L; Bad Weather Cancels: Y; Meet at: the trailhead off Foxtown Road, near the waterfall; RSVP by: June 13.

11/06/2024

It's Thursdays at Hurd Park! Every week, we hike a different trail, and there are lots of them! You can walk along the Connecticut River or climb up to look out rock. This hike has everything and is rated C3, meaning C=average terrain; 3=average. Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome. But you MUST RSVP the hike leader!

For more information, click the link and visit our club's website schedule.
http://www.meshomasichikingclub.org/schedule.html

Thursday, June 13, 9:00 AM - Weekly, Hurd State Park, East Hampton: Approximately 4 miles, various trails and terrains; sometimes short, steeper slopes. Rating: C3; Gear: Hiking boots; Bring: Snacks, drinks; Kids: N; Dogs: L; Bad Weather Cancels: Y; Meet at Winter parking lot, Rte. 151, Middle Haddam Rd., at traffic light GPS Location: 41.5298, -72.5372; RSVP by June 12.

10/06/2024

Do you love roses? On June 12th, we're taking a lovely stroll and stopping to smell the roses in Elizabeth Park, Hartford.

For more information and contact info for the hike leader, click on the website schedule link and RSVP.
http://www.meshomasichikingclub.org/schedule.html

Wednesday, June 12, 9:30 AM - Elizabeth Park, Hartford: A 4-mile hike through Elizabeth Park, down Scarborough Street, and back to check out the high-roller's homes. Bring a chair or blanket for lunch in the park following the hike. Rating: D3; Gear: Sneakers will work.; Bring: water and lunch; Kids: Y; Dogs: N; Bad Weather Cancels: Y; Meet at Enter the park near 1561 Asylum Ave, Hartford, and meet in the parking lot in front of the greenhouses. In addition to the lot, there is parking along the park's roads. GPS Location: Q7FJ+HF Hartford, Connecticut; RSVP by June 11

09/06/2024

Can you keep up the Tuesday Irregulars? If you are in good shape, you can join them. This is a group rated B1. They average 8 to 11 miles!

What does that mean you ask? B means difficult terrain; 1 = fast every Tuesday.

For more information, check out our website schedule and RSVP http://www.meshomasichikingclub.org/schedule.html

Tuesday Irregular Hike (Weekly), Various Locations
When
Tue, June 11, 9am – 2pm

Description
Hike at a brisk pace of between 8 and 11 miles, which may be scheduled at one of several preserves in the area ~ Rating: B1 ~ Kids: Y ~ Dogs: N ~ Bring water and snacks ~ Gear: Hiking boots only ~ Bad Weather Cancels: Y ~ Contact hike leader for location the day before. Start time may also vary ~ RSVP by June 10

08/06/2024

Are you looking for something to do on Monday, June 10th? We've got you covered! A hike is planned at Gillette Castle. For more information, check out our MHC schedule on our website.

http://www.meshomasichikingclub.org/schedule.html

Gillette Castle, Hadlyme
Mon, June 10, 8:30am – 11:00am

Description
4-mile hike on various trails. ~ Rating: C1 ~ Kids: Y ~ Dogs: Y ~ Bring: water and snacks ~ Gear: Hiking boots recommended ~ Bad Weather Cancels: Y ~

Meet at the main parking lot just past the castle ~ RSVP by June 9

07/06/2024

The Tuesday Irregulars were back at it again on the Sleeping Giant in Hamden. It was a perfect hiking day and a great workout!

Pictures by Chantal Foster

06/06/2024

Join us on Saturday, June 8th!

For more information
http://www.meshomasichikingclub.org/schedule.html

Meshomasic Forest - Del Reeves Pond Trails, East Hampton
When
Sat, June 8, 8:30am – 12:00pm
Where
41.64317, -72.53011 (map)
Description
5 mile loop on state forest trails. ~ Rating: C3 ~ Kids: Y ~ Dogs: N ~ Bring: water, snack, tick spray, orange clothing ~ Gear: Hiking boots ~ Bad Weather Cancels: Y ~ Meet at: Del Reeves Pond parking area on Del Reeves Road (a dirt road). Best access is from Glastonbury, Route 2 exit 10. Turn west and go 0.1 mile and turn left onto Wassuc Road. Go 0.6 mile and turn right onto Country Club Road. Go 0.5 mile and turn left onto Mott Hill Road. Go 2 miles to the parking area. (Note: Mott Hill Road narrows, turns to dirt, and becomes Del Reeves Road) ~ RSVP by: June 7!

06/06/2024

Thanks to Meshomasic Hiking Club founder John LeShane for leading the CFPA Trails Day hike on Portland’s Air Line Trail and The Middlesex Land Trust’s Palmer Preserve. A beautiful day, great to meet new friends and spend a little time in the woods😊

05/06/2024

Beautiful 8.2-mile hike with the Tuesday Irregulars of the Meshomasic Hiking Club at Miller’s Pond in Durham. We saw water snakes and efts and had fun identifying various trees and wildflowers. We saw several American Chestnut tree sprouts but no fruiting specimens. And we had no fun😉

04/06/2024

THERE IS STILL TIME TO RSVP JUNE 7TH DEADLINE!

Mountain Laurel is In Full Bloom on Breakneck Pond! Kayak paddle and 1 Overnight. JUNE 9TH, AND 10TH

Join us from Sunday, June 9th, to Monday, June 10th, for an overnight paddle on Breakneck Pond in Bigelow Hollow State Park in Union to see the Mountain Laurel in Full Bloom.

To learn more, go to our website http://www.meshomasichikingclub.org/schedule.html

Kayak camp on Breakneck Pond in Bigelow Hollow State Park, Union
When
Sun, June 9, 10:00am – Mon, June 10, 9:59am
Description
Overnight at a nice shelter with a campfire spot. Hike in with your boat on wheels one mile on gravel road to pond. The pond is about 2 miles long.

Stay overnight on the east side of the pond. Mountain Laurel will be in bloom, and some pitcher plants. ~

Rating: P3 ~ Kids: Y ~ Dogs: N ~ Bring: Water for two days, 2 lunches, one supper, one breakfast, tent, clothes for 2 days, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, other camping gear. ~ Gear: Pfd, hat for sunshine, sunblock, water shoes, paddle ~ Bad Weather
Cancels: Heavy rain on day of paddle or no RSVP's cancels ~

Meet at: Head north on I-84. Take exit 73 onto Rte. 190 north. Go about 2 miles and take right onto Rte. 171. In about one mile, take left into Bigelow Hollow State Park. Into park about one mile and unload your boat and gear at right-hand side by cabin. Then move your car to the parking lot on left side of road further up. ~ RSVP by: June 7

Pictures by Marge Nicholes 2023 Trip

03/06/2024

It was a beautiful day to hike in Mansfield at the Albert E. Moss Sanctuary. We saw Tift Pond and the American Chestnut tree. Jack Morris shared his knowledge that this species is functionally extinct because of blight.

Submitted by Bonnie Clark

31/05/2024

Tomorrow, June 1, 2024, is Connecticut Trails Day! Come join us for a hike. We have two scheduled. Click on the Google Calendar at the top of our feed to RSVP and check out more scheduled hikes.

For more information about becoming a member, check out our website.

http://www.meshomasichikingclub.org/

🥾 Hike 1
Air Line Trail/Palmer Preserve, Portland
When
Sat, June 1, 10am – 12pm
Where
258 Middle Haddam Road, Portland (map)
Description
A three-mile hike through the Palmer-Taylor Preserve, including a detour onto the historic Air Line Trail.

🥾 Hike 2
Albert E. Moss Sanctuary, Mansfield
When
Sat, June 1, 10am – 12pm
Where
41.80080286207722, -72.24277089110198 Google Plus Code: RQ24+6F Storrs, Mansfield, CT (map)
Description
CT Trails Day Event in Association with CFPA: This walk consists of two loops. The inner loop goes around Tift Pond, a small pond formed by a stone dam. The outer loop follows the general perimeter of the sanctuary. The area was once a farm but is now forested with hardwoods and pines. The trail around the pond goes past some American Chestnut trees that have survived the blight that has made the species functionally extinct. A short discussion of efforts to re-establish this tree back into the northeast forests will be given. Optional: After the hike, visit to UCONN Dairy Barn for Ice Cream.

10/05/2024

We had a great time listening to Marge Nichols presentation, Kayaking the Northeast, at the Jonathan Trumbull Library in Lebanon. It was an excellent turnout.

Marge shared logistics, memories, and beautiful pictures of several paddle/camping trips she has done over the years with other members of the Meshomasic Hiking Club.

It was a real treat to hear about these adventures and to see pictures of Tony (our former club President) in his element.

Thank you, Marge!!!

10/05/2024

Another great hike for the Tuesday Irregulars - they clocked in at 11.61 miles!! On May 1, 2024, they tackled the Tower and Penwood Forest in Bloomfield, CT. Well done hikers!!

This park offers 800 acres of natural scenery, wildlife, and beautiful vistas. For more information, check out the State of CT Parks website.

https://ctparks.com/parks/penwood-state-park

05/05/2024

This is a reminder that our MHC member Marge Nichols will be at the Lebanon Library on Tuesday, May 7th, 6:00 - 7:30 PM, sharing her kayaking trips throughout the Northeast and Canada from 2016 to 2022.

Come out and hear about Marge's amazing trips!

Calling all outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers! Join us for a presentation by Lebanon local Marge Nichols, who will recount her trips kayaking throughout the northeast United States and Canada from 2016 to 2022.    Marge, a veteran traveler and cyclist, will share lively a

01/05/2024

‼️Hey, y'all‼️ Remember Peter Marteyka?? He used to write for the Hartford Courant about amazing hiking trails here in Connecticut!

He's speaking at the Middle Haddam Public Library TOMORROW, May 2nd, at 4:00 PM!

01/05/2024

Alan, who led this hike, did not disappoint! Alan, Tom, Ann, and I trekked about 6 miles in the Johnston, Jewett, and Eno preserves, finishing up through Mount Archer woods. There was lots of greenery and interesting landscapes.

Photo credit Bonnie Clark

01/05/2024

The Tuesday Irregulars enjoyed a spectacular day at Hubbard Park and the surrounding trails. Beautiful native Spring ephemeral flowers were everywhere! It was a good workout in great company.

12/04/2024

Check out our founder, John Leshane!! He posed for these quick pictures after the MHC Executive Board meeting at the Portland Library, where our MHC Golden Boot award is displayed.

Thank you, John, and all those who have spent many hours hiking and volunteering in various ways to improve our corner of the world. 🥾🥾

Everyone