Newtown Hikers is an open group welcoming anyone interested in hiking and the outdoors. There is no membership fee.

Hikes are held Saturday mornings, with the group leaving from the lower rear parking lot of Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street in Newtown. Fall hikes begin at 9 am.

Hikers participate at their own risk and must sign a release for the Parks & Recreation Department. For additional information about each hike, call the listed leader.

The group tries to carpool as much as possible. To meet the group at a different point or if weather is doubtful the morning of a planned event, call the listed leader.

All hikes are moderate and last three to five hours plus driving time unless otherwise stated. Children are welcome accompanied by adults. Participants should bring a lunch and beverages. Sturdy shoes or boots are recommended. Dress for the weather; layers are suggested.

For further information contact Sally Cox, schedule coordinator, at 203-426-9903, or newtownhikers@gmail.com; or Parks & Rec, 203-270-4340.

The 2015 fall season will begin September 5. Irene Jutnas is planning the hike, which is yet TBA; contact her at 203-556-2933 closer to that weekend for an update.

Additional hikes are as follows, with hike leaders in parentheses:

September 12, Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area, Route 68  at New Fairfield-New York state line (Cassie Brown, 203-313-7161);

September 19, Wonder Lake, Holmes, N.Y. (Jim Steck, 845-621-5559 or 914-806-4107);

September 26, destination TBA (Lynn Vela, 617-335-9678);

October 3, Talcot Mountain State Park including Heublein Tower, Bloomsfield/Simsbury, (Linda Dunn, 203-207-1765);

October 10, Platt Park, Southbury (Tim Hanbury, 203-888-3025);

October 17, Minniewaska State Park,  New Paltz, N.Y., all day, moderate-challenging hike (Nancy Ziegler, 203-732-2618);

October 24, Bear Mountain/Appalachian Trail section, Salisbury, all day hike, challenging sections with possible rock scrambling (Mark Jones, 203-894-9534);

October 31, Lower Paugussett State Forest, Sandy Hook, five miles, new trail, challenging/moderate (Hugh and Carol Fullman, 203-270-1747);

November 7, Mystery Hike (Christa Troiani, 203-751-0297);

November 14, Tarrywile Park, Southern Boulevard, Danbury, moderate (Molly Schleis, 203-616-5950);

November 21, Devil’s Den, Redding (Rick Clark, 203-426-2994);

November 28, Williams Park, Brookfield (Sally Cox, 203-426-9903 or 203-830-9032);

December 5, Bennett’s Pond Trail, Ridgefield, short hike followed by end of season potluck luncheon and winter hike planning, hikers asked to hike leaders to coordinate food (Mark and Lorna Jones, 203-894-9534); and

December 12, hike leader and program TBA (send email to Newtown Hikers closer to date).