The Path to Health and Happiness™

A Program of the Connecticut Forest & Park Association

Walkers enjoy a historic tour of downtown Hartford.

Put your best foot forward and join us in our quest to unite people with the outdoors and promote healthy living in Connecticut. By taking advantage of the hundreds of miles of exceptional trails, pathways, parks, and greenways across the state, we can help wipe out the perils to public health caused by sedentary lifestyles—and have fun doing it. No matter your age or activity level, there's a walk made just for you. You'll hardly notice you're even exercising as you enjoy the great outdoors and local Connecticut culture with family and friends.

Our goal is to foster Connecticut as a state where sidewalks meet trails, where cities are linked to towns, and no resident is further than 15 minutes away from a great walk. WalkCT is eagerly working to build a website (which will be found at www.walkct.org) where Nutmeggers and visitors can find a clearinghouse of information on trails and pathways, outdoor events, and healthy living. While our Web site is not yet up and running, you can still be a part of WalkCT. Join one of our monthly WalkCT Family Hikes or visit a featured trail or event. We look forward to seeing you on "the path to health and happiness." Grab your sneakers and let's WalkCT!

A WalkCT Family Hike for November: Hunting for Habitats

Where: Braemore Preserve; Guilford, Connecticut (New Haven County)

When: Saturday, 11/29; 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Who: Families with children ages 8+

The Fun: We're hiking for habitats. How many different habitats can we find? Meadows, wetlands, a pine grove, and red maple swamp are all ready for exploring. We'll check out the rock bluffs, walk carefully along several rocky ridges, and enjoy the scenic vista as we view the habitats below in the lowland. Slippery conditions or steady rain cancels. If unsure, call Family Hike Leader at (203) 530-7826.

Directions: The trailhead is on RT 77, 9/10 of a mile south of the Guilford-Durham townline. Route 77 can be reached from the north via RT 17 in Durham. From the south, take I-95 to exit 58, North Guilford. Look for the sign that says Lone Pine Trail.

For information on other WalkCT Family Hikes, click here.

Two Walks to Explore on Your Own

Although summer is behind us, there will be many pleasant days ahead of us when an outdoor spot for family fun will be appreciated. Two such places, on opposite ends of the state, provide ample opportunities for walking and other activities.

Niantic Bay Overlook

Where: East Lyme, Connecticut (New London County)

When: Daily; anytime

Who: Everyone of all ages; no pets

What: Take a break from the hustle and bustle by delighting in the beautiful views from the Niantic Bay Boardwalk in Niantic, a village within East Lyme. Developed by the East Lyme Public Trust Foundation, Inc., this mile-long coastal walkway skirts the Niantic Bay and is sandwiched between picturesque Hole-in-the-Wall Beach to the west and Cini Memorial Park to the east. The Overlook is an easy walk for people of all ages and abilities as it combines a hardened gravel surface with a boardwalk made of synthetic wood. A series of interpretive displays describe the history, ecology, and geology of the area. You can spend a whole day on and around the Overlook by enjoying the walk, a fine children's museum, a locally-owned movie theater, or several unique shops. Parking is available at either end of the path, but the round trip is recommended. After walking two miles, you won't feel guilty about treating yourself to something at one of the nearby Niantic eateries. For more information on the Niantic Bay Overlook and its starting points, click here and scroll the search tool to Niantic Bay Boardwalk, Cini Memorial Park, or Hole-in-the-Wall Beach.

Directions: To reach the west end parking lot at Hole-in-the-Wall Beach, turn south onto Baptist Lane from Route 156/West Main Street/Main Street in Niantic, and proceed to the end of the road. To reach the east end parking lot at Cini Memorial Park, turn north from Route 156 into the park entrance driveway, immediately located at the west side of the Niantic River bridge.

Macedonia Brook State Park

Where: Kent, Connecticut (Litchfield County)

When: Daily; 8 a.m. to sunset

Who: Everyone of all ages, including leashed pets (except at campsites)

What: Enjoy the scenery under the tree canopy at Macedonia Brook State Park. The park offers 2,300 acres of beautiful, rugged terrain that is primarily wooded. Fed by numerous neighboring streams, Macedonia Brook brings life to the area as its cool waters wind through the park. There are several grass- and earth-based hiking trails to choose from (including a Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail), which originates at the gravel park road (Macedonia Brook Road). Trails west of the park road are steeper than those to the east, but offer more scenic views (sturdy shoes or boots would be appropriate). To keep the adventure going, take a stroll down Main Street (Route 7) in the nearby town center of Kent, where you'll find charming shops, delectable restaurants and cafés, and extraordinary art galleries. For more information on Macedonia Brook State Park and a trail map, click here.

Directions: Follow Route 341 west from the intersection of Route 341 and Route 7 in the center of Kent. Turn right onto Macedonia Brook Road. Stay left at the intersection of Macedonia Brook and Fuller Mountain Roads. Look for park signs.