Hikers Announce Fall Season

Newtown Hikers will begin their new season of weekend events on Saturday, September 10, with a hike through the Upper Paugussett.

All hikes, unless stated otherwise, start at 9 am from the lower rear parking lot of Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street in Newtown.

Newtown Hikers is an open group that welcomes 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 or pick up a copy at the Newtown Parks & Recreation Department, within Town Hall South at 3 Main Street.

Hikers participate at their own risk and must sign a release for the Parks & Rec Department before they can participate in an event.

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.

Each hike has a leader, who can provide more information about each hike, will arrange to meet hikers at locations other than the town hall, and will answer relay information when weather is doubtful.

The hike leaders for September 10 are John and Vicky Boecuzzi, who can be reached at 203-364-0360.

Upcoming hikes and related information include the following: September 17, Bear Mountain in Danbury (leader is Molly Schleiss, 914-945-2996); September 24, Ramapo State Park, N.J., two-hour drive with car pooling to and from location with a waterfall, lake and ruins, easy hike, 4.6 miles (Nancy Ziegler, 203-732-2618);

October 1, Tarrywile Park, Danbury (Molly Schleiss, 914-945-2996); October 8, walkway over the Hudson & Franny Reese State Park, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., six miles, with shorter option available (Jim Steck, 845-621-5559 or 914-806-4107); October 15, Steep Rock, Washington, moderate hike (Tim Hanbury, 203-888-3025); October 22, Session Woods, Burlington, easy (Irene Juthnas, 203-268-2254); and October 29, Bee Brook, Washington (Cassie Brown, 203-313-7161);

November 5, Webb Mountain, Monroe (Sally Cox, 203-426-9903 or 203-830-9032); November 12, Ridgefield Nature Walk Hemlock Hills, parking on Bogus Road, potluck lunch to follow, hosted by hike leaders (Mark and Lorna Jones, markfromct2@yahoo.com, 203-894-9534 or 203-438-7963).

The season continues weekly until December 10. See The Bee’s online regional calendar for details or contact Ms Nichols or Newtown Parks & Rec for the full schedule. Parks & Rec can be reached at 203-270-4340.