Newtown Hikers Club Lists Saturday Excursions For The Fall

From the shores of the Hudson River to rail trails in New York and Massachusetts, the Newtown Hikers Club is set to embark upon a new season of outdoor adventure.

Saturday destinations may be as far away as East Hartford or as nearby as Squantz Pond in New Fairfield, and all area hikers, bikers, and rollerbladers are welcome to join the group. All that is needed is a willing spirit, a sound body, and a signed permission slip that may be obtained from the Newtown Parks and Recreation Department.

The club has listed the following weekend hikes for fall 2004. Unless stated otherwise, all hikes will start at 9 am from the lower rear parking lot of Newtown’s Edmond Town Hall, at 45 Main St. Always check with listed leader of each hike for weather cancellations and or schedule changes.

Saturday, September 4, Hudson River Drive, New York City, West Side, departure time is 8:30 am, by train from Brewster north. Bring money for train and bus, and enough food and drink for an all-day hike. Call leader, Gloria Bellafatto, at 730-4367 if planning to attend.

Sat, September 11, Mianus River Gorge, Bedford, N.Y; leader Ildiko Gramling, 263-0086.

Saturday, September 18, Teatown Lake Reservation, Ossining, N.Y.; leader is Sil Gleissner, 947-2189.

Saturday, September 25, Airline Bike Trail, East Hartford; leader is Ann Kozar, 374-6679; hike, bike or rollerblade.

Saturday, October 2, Bear Mountain Loop (this is a tough six-mile hike); leader is Tim Hanbury, 888-3025.

Sat, October 9, Lake Waramaug (park at the Ranger Station); leader Claire Sivacek, 744-0086.

Saturday, October 16, Squantz Pond, New Fairfield, leader is Betty Horton, 860-354-7526.

Saturday, October 23, Storm King Mountains, Hudson Highlands, N.Y. (this will be a rocky, strenuous hike with great views); leader Nancy Ziegler, 732-2618.

Saturday, October 30, Stage Coach, Patterson, N.Y., leaders Eloise Mueller and Liz, 740-8957.

Saturday, November 6, Platt Park, Southbury, eight miles, leader is Tim Hanbury, 888-3025.

Saturday, November 13, Saugatuck Falls, Redding, leader is Evelyn Schonberg, 426-0425.

Sat, November 20, Moreland Sanctuary, Bedford Corners, N.Y., leader David Wesley, 438-1459.

Saturday, November 27, Massachusetts Rail Trail, leader is Morie Colburn, 937-8067, hike, bike or rollerblade.

Sat, December 4, Millerton Rail Trail, N.Y., leaders are Eloise Mueller and Liz, 740-8957.

Saturday, December 11, Southford Falls, Oxford (this is a short hike followed by winter hike planning session and potluck holiday luncheon); leader is Tim Hanbury, 888-3025. Call Tim for food coordination.

The Newtown Hikers Club is an open group welcoming anyone interested in hiking and the outdoors. There is no membership fee. To receive the mailing of hiking schedules all year, send $3 with your name and address to: Claire Sivacek, 114 Stadley Rough Road, Danbury CT 06811.

Hikers participate at their own risk and must sign a release for the Newtown Parks and Recreation Department. If you want to meet the group at a different point, please call the leader. Also, call the leader if the weather is doubtful. All hikes are moderate unless otherwise stated, and they usually last three to five hours plus driving time. Children accompanied by adults are welcome. Bring lunch and beverages; sturdy shoes or boots are recommended. For information, call Ester Nichols, 426-2897 or 788-1398, or the Newtown Parks and Recreation Dept at 270-4340.