Newtown Hikers has opened its 2021 fall season of weekly hikes.

This season’s start time is 9:30 am. Anyone participating in hikes is expected to be at the trail head by that time, to start as a group.

Most hikes are three to five miles with some elevation. The more challenging hikes will be noted.

To keep all hikers safe, the following COVID-19 precautions are in place: the group is currently limited to 15; registration with each week’s listed leader is required; and social distancing and the use of masks are still encouraged.

Also, ride sharing is encouraged as some parking lots are small and fill up quickly on the weekends.

Registered hikers are asked to contact the hike leader as soon as possible if they need to cancel.

Newtown Hikers is a group welcoming to anyone interested in hiking. There is no membership fee.

Hikers participate at their own risk and are asked by the Newtown Parks & Recreation Department to sign a release at their first hike. Hikers are advised to bring water and a snack. It is also advised to dress in layers and be mindful of the weather. Rain cancels hikes.

Sturdy sneakers or hiking boots are advised for safety. Hiking poles can be helpful on steep terrain, especially coming downhill.

Children are welcome with an adult but should be able to keep up with the group pace.

Dogs are welcome but must be on leash at all times. Hikers should also check with group leaders about dogs when they register; some trails do not allow dogs.

For general information about Newtown Hikers contact schedule coordinator Sally Cox at 203-830-9032 or newtownhikers@gmail.com.

Season Schedule

The season continues as follows:

September 25: Monroe Bike/Rail Trail, 523 Pepper Street, Monroe, park in lot on the corner of Pepper Street and Cutler’s Farm Road (hike leader is Linda Dunn, 203-207-1765);

October 2: Giuffrida Park, 778-782 Westfield Road, Meriden (Christa Troiani, 203-751-0297);

October 9: location TBD (contact Sally Cox for additional details);

October 16: Ives Trail at Tarrywile Park, 70 Southern Boulevard in Danbury (note: Newtown Hikers are to park in the lot to the left and follow the driveway to the lot above the mansion; hike leader Karen Gillotti, 203-885-9976;

October 23: Sessions Woods, 341 Milford Street/Route 69 in Burlington (Irene Jutnas, 203-556-2933);

October 30: Storm King Mountain, Route 9W, Cornwall on Hudson, N.Y., featuring views of the Hudson River (Nancy Ziegler, 475-206-6510);

November 6: Macricostas Preserve, 124 Christian Street in Washington, featuring views of Lake Waramaug, (Sally Cox, 203-830-9032);

November 13: Fahnestock State Park-Charcoal Burners Trail, 1016 NY-301, Cold Spring, N.Y. (Jim Steck, 914-806-4107);

November 20: TBD (contact Sally Cox);

November 27: Paugaussett Trail, Route 34 (Roosevelt Drive, opposite Lake Zoar Drive-In), Monroe (Sally Cox, 203-830-9032);

December 4: TBD (contact Sally Cox); and

December 11: TBD (contact Sally Cox).