Hikers Announce 2012 Fall Season

Newtown Hikers does not have a formal hike scheduled for Saturday, September 1 — the Saturday of Labor Day weekend — but anyone who would like to join the group for an informal gathering is invited to meet at the lower/rear parking lot of Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street, by 9 am that morning.

The group will officially begin its new season of weekend events on Saturday, September 8, with a hike along Squantz Pond Fire Trail in New Fairfield.

All hikes, unless stated otherwise, start at 9 am from the lower rear parking lot of Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street. Newtown Hikers is an open group that welcomes anyone interested in hiking and the outdoors.

There is no membership fee. To receive the hiking schedules all year, send an e-mail request to Ester Nichols at pilgrim555@charter.net or pick up a copy at the Newtown Parks & Recreation Department at 3 Main Street.

Hikers participate at their own risk and must sign a release for the Parks & Rec Department.

Hikes are moderate and last three to five hours plus driving time unless otherwise stated. Children are welcome accompanied by adults. Bring lunch and beverages. Sturdy shoes or boots are recommended. Dress for the weather.

Each hike has a leader, who can provide more information about each hike, will arrange to meet hikers at locations other than the town hall, and will answer information when weather is doubtful.

The hike leader for September 8 is LuAnn Cavalier, who can be reached at 203-426-2072.

 Upcoming hikes and related information include the following:

September 15, mystery hike (leaders: Christa Troiani & Donna O’Brien, 203-262-1727); September 22, Ramapao Park, N.J., 90-minute, 4–6-mile hike (Nancy Zigler, 203-732-2618); September 29, Hublein Tower, Simsbury (Susan Gabriele, 860-474-5442 or 203-733-8546);

October 6, Webb Mountain, Monroe (Jim Ritter, 203-485-6784, 316-621-1271 or jrritter80@hotmail.com); October 13, Westmoreland Sanctuary, Bedford, N.Y., no dogs (Jim Steck, 845-621-5559 or 914-806-4107); October 20, Meeker Swamp (Mark Jones, 203-894-9534); October 27, Paugussett Trail, Monroe (Sally Cox, 203-426-9903 or 203-830-9032);

November 3, Lovers Leap, New Milford, 4–mile hike (Tim Hanbury, 203-888-3025); November 10, Holcombe Preserve, Newtown (Cassie Brown, 203-313-7161); November 17, Bend of the River, Southbury (Lynn Vela, 617-335-9678); and November 24, Thanksgiving Weekend, no scheduled hike, meet at Edmond Town Hall in lower rear parking lot if you want to hike.

The 2012 fall season continues to December 15, concluding with a potluck luncheon and interplanning session.

See The Bee’s online regional calendar for details or contact Ms Nichols or Newtown Parks & Rec for the full schedule. Parks & Rec can be reached at 203-270-4340.