WalkCT Family Rambles
Take a break from the daily grind and join us for a refreshing adventure. WalkCT Family Rambles bring families, fun, and the outdoors together. Led by trained WalkCT Family Guides, these engaging outings are offered at trails around the state on the last weekend of every month, January through December. Because these adventures are geared specifically for families, kids and their caregivers will delight in this outdoor quest for fun together.
WalkCT Family Rambles are free as a public service to the children and families of Connecticut. Pre-registration is appreciated, but not required. Locations are subject to change; call the Connecticut Forest & Park Association at (860) 346-2372 or return to this page for updates and new postings. Babies in backpacks welcome. See you on the path to health and happiness!
To prepare for a safe and enjoyable time:
1. Bring water, snack, and your excitement;
2. Leave pets at home;
3. Wear sturdy shoes; and
4. Kids, please remember to bring your parents or caregivers.
Hop River State Park Trail, Manchester
Saturday, March 27, 2010 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Families with school-aged children
Come explore the Hop River Trail – a place where walkers, bikers, and birdwatchers can enjoy nature very close to home, along the old railroad. Wear sturdy shoes or sneakers and expect wet spots, with bumpy terrain. We will walk about 3 miles along the former railroad. WEATHER: Extreme weather cancels
From Hartford, take I-84 eastbound to exit 63. Left off exit ramp onto Route 83/Route 30 toward Rockville. Go about one tenth mile, past the Big Y store and take first right onto Parker Street. Stay on Parker Street a little less than a mile, and turn left onto Colonial Road. The parking lot for the Hop River Trail is close to the intersection on the left.
Wadsworth Falls State Park, Middlefield
Sunday, March 28, 2010 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Families with school-aged children
Explore this beautiful park with a local WalkCT Family Guide. Our discoveries begin at the Big Falls and loop around to the pretty Little Falls. Search for animal tracks and signs of early spring. We will walk ~2 miles and play some nature games along the way. Please expect some mud and wear sturdy shoes or sneakers. For more information contact the Family Guide at 860-395-7771. Extreme weather cancels.
Please note we are meeting at the Big Falls Parking Lot on Cherry Hill (NOT the main parking lot on 157.
Take 91 or Rt. 9 to Rt. 66 in Middlefield/Middletown. From Rt. 91, follow Rt. 66 east to Rt. 157. From Rt. 9, follow Rt. 66 west to Rt. 157. Go south on Rt. 157 for approximately 2 miles to the main entrance to Wadsworth Park. From the entrance drive an additional mile to the first stop sign for Cherry Hill Rd. Turn left on Cherry Hill and go less than 0.2 miles to the parking area on the left.
Braemore Preserve, North Guilford
Saturday, March 27, 2010 - 9:00am - 11:30am
Families with school-aged children
Grab your hiking boots and enjoy the trail. We'll hike past meadows, wetlands, pine bluffs and rocky ridges. Moderate terrain with some ups and downs, suitable for families with school-aged children. Get moving with us and enjoy the fresh air! This Family Ramble is led jointly with Appalachian Mountain Club. End time is approximate.
Braemore Preserve is on Route 77 in North Guilford, near the Durham town line. contact Family Guide for further details at 203-530-7826; janetkainsworth@gmail.com.
Manchester
Saturday, April 24, 2010 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Families with school-aged children
Bring the school-aged kids for some fun with history. A slow to moderately paced hike with some historic commentary at this former millpond. Many "North Enders" learned to swim at this pond before the modern pool was built. Meet at the parking lot of the town swimming pool on Lydall Street, east of the intersection with Coleman Road. The walk may be wet depending on the weather, and hikers should wear sturdy waterproof footwear; the route is not mountainous, but does have stairs and bumpy spots, where roots stick out, so participants need to be agile. The walk will take about 1-1/4 hours round trip. Rain or shine but extreme weather cancels.
From Hartford, take the CT-30/CT-83 exit, exit 63, toward South Windsor. At end of ramp, at the light, go straight through intersection onto Oakland Street. Go one and one-tenth mile on Oakland Street, and after crossing railroad tracks, take a right onto Woodbridge Street. In seven tenths of a mile, at a stop sign, bear slightly left onto Lydall Street. In about one tenth of a mile, at next stop sign, continue straight, and you will see the parking lot for Salter's Pond on your left.
