Community Corner
CT Celebrates The New Year With 'First Day Hikes' On Jan. 1, 2020
Hikes are scheduled at 15 parks across the state. In Groton, the hike will be held at Candlewood Hill Wildlife Management Area.
GROTON, CT — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection State Parks and its partners are sponsoring free, guided hikes in many state parks on New Year’s Day as part of America's State Parks’ First Day Hikes initiative taking place in all 50 states.
America’s State Parks’ First Day Hikes offer individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on Jan. 1, 2020 at a state park close to home. First Day Hikes offer a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family. Hikes are planned state-wide, many within Connecticut Forest & Park Association’s blue-blazed hiking trail system.
“Connecticut is pleased to host First Day Hikes and join others nationally in promoting and encouraging people to get outside and into our beautiful state parks,” said CT DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Where ever you live in Connecticut, you’re no more than about 15 minutes’ drive away from a state park or outdoor recreation area offering hundreds of miles of hiking trails appropriate for all levels of experience and ages. We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate the New Year outdoors.”
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DEEP State Parks staff and volunteers will lead the hikes, which average 1 to 2 miles or longer depending on the state park. Details about hike locations, difficulty and length, terrain and tips regarding proper clothing are listed on the America’s State Parks website. Visit www.StateParks.org to find a First Day Hike nearest you.
Each year more than 9 million visitors visit the 110 Connecticut State Parks across the state. Established in 1913, the mission of the Connecticut State Park System is to provide natural resource based public recreational and educational opportunities through a system of state park and forest recreation areas, environmental centers and nature centers which provide an understanding of, access to, and enjoyment of the state’s historic, cultural and natural resources.
Find out what's happening in Grotonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
In Groton, The First Day Hike Is At Candlewood Hill Wildlife Management Area
Meet at 1425 Gold Star Highway, Groton, watch for Groton Open Space Association signs. The hike will begin at 10 a.m, challenging and uneven terrain. Several quarries on site, rare pitch pine preserve, extensive wetlands, cliffs and views to Long Island Sound. No pets allowed. Bring water, snack, hiking poles, wear weather appropriate clothing, and good footwear with traction especially if icy. Heavy rain or snow cancels. Contact: Joan Smith at (860) 536-9811. Sponsor: Groton Open Space AssociationGet more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
