Newtown Hikers Announce Spring Schedule

Newtown Hikers will continue their spring 2011 schedule of weekly hikes with a trek around Bear Mountain in Danbury this weekend.

All hikes (unless stated otherwise) are Saturday mornings starting at 9, from the lower rear parking lot of Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street (Route 25). Always check with the listed leader of each hike for hike details (within schedule below), weather cancellations and/or schedule changes.

Newtown Hikers is an open group welcoming 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; pick up a copy at the Newtown Parks and Recreation Department, in Town Hall South at 3 Main Street; or send $3 with your name and address to Ester Nichols, 14 Pilgrim Lane, Sandy Hook CT 06482 for a mailing.

Hikers participate at their own risk and must sign a release for the Newtown Parks & Recreation Department. Those who want to meet the group at a different point are asked to call the listed leader before the morning of a hike. Also, call the leader if the weather is doubtful.

All 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.

For further information, contact Mrs Nichols at 203-788-1398 or pilgrim555@charter.net, or Parks & Rec at 203-270-4340.

Spring Hike Schedule

Newtown Hikers opened their 2011 season on April 2, but will continue weekly hikes until late June with the following schedule:

*April 9, Bear Mountain, Danbury (Molly Schleiss, 914-945-2996);

*April 16, hike plans TBA;

*April 23, Kent River Road (six miles, flat terrain; Cassie Brown, 203-313-7161);

*April 30, High Rock–Beacon Falls–Naugatuck State Forest (three miles; Tim Hanbury, 203-888-3025);

*May 7, Bennett’s Pond Trail, Ridgefield (Sally Cox, 203-426-9903);

*May 14, Aspetuck Land Trust, Easton-Redding (3½ miles; Irene Juthnas, 203-268-2254);

*May 21, walkway over the Hudson River & Franny Reese State Park, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. (xix miles, with shorter option available; Jim Steck, 845-621-5559 or 914-806-4107);

*May 28, St John’s Ledges, Kent (Cassie Brown, 203-313-7161);

*June 4, Westmoreland Sanctuary, Bedford, N.Y. (no dogs; Jim Steck, 845-621-5559 or 914-806-4107);

*June 11, Steep Rock State Park, Naugatuck State Forest (three miles; Tim Hanbury, 203-888-3025);

*June 18, end of year picnic at Osborndale State Park, Derby, short hike followed by picnic luncheon and fall schedule planning (rain or shine, call Rita for coordination of food, 302-268-4119; hike leader is Tim Hanbury, 203-888-3025);

*June 24-27, end of year trip to New Hampshire (call Rita for details of registering, 201-268-4119; hikes leader will be Tim Hanbury, 203-888-3025).