Newtown Hikers, an open group welcoming anyone interested in hiking, recently visited Deer Pond Farm Sanctuary in Sherman for a group hike.

It was, according to hike coordinator Linda E. Dunn, “another gorgeous day for a fall hike.”

There is no fee to join the group for one or any combination of its weekly outings. Hikers participate at their own risk and are asked by the Newtown Parks & Recreation Department to sign a release at their first hike.

It is recommended that each hiker not only wear appropriate hiking boots and bring walking poles (when available), but also supply water, a snack, and tick spray.

Children are welcome with an adult and need to be able to keep up with group pace.

Leashed dogs are welcome.

Fall hikes begin Saturdays at 9:30 am; hikers should meet at each weekend’s trail head.

Registration with each hike’s leader is requested.

Hikes are generally moderate, 3-5 miles with some elevation.

The autumn schedule continues as follows:

November 12: Rockhouse Hill Sanctuary, 77-79 Quaker Farms Road/Route 188, Oxford (hike leader is Nancy Ziegler, 475-206-6510);

November 19: Tarrywile Park, 70 Southern Boulevard, Danbury, meet and depart from lower parking lot (Sally Cox, 203-203-9032);

November 26: Topstone Park, 72 Topstone Road, Redding (Irene Jutnas, 203-556-2933);

December 3: Putnam State Park, 499 Black Rock Turnpike, Redding, meet near main entrance at Route 107-58 (Lou Picchione, 845-278-9586; Linda Dunn, 203-207-1765);

December 10: mystery hike (Christa Troiani, 203-751-0297); and

December 17: Orchard Hill Nature Center, Huntingtown Road, Newtown (one-quarter mile south of South Main Street-Orchard Hill Road intersection), hike then end-of-season lunch, contact hike leader for details (Linda Dunn, 203-207-1765).