Newtown Hikers has released its schedule for the spring season. The season will open April 1, and continue weekly through Saturday, June 12.

Newtown Hikers is an open group that welcomes 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.

Each week a different person serves as the hike leader. Call the hike leader for information regarding hike details, location, etc. Hikes vary from easy to challenging; most are moderate. Bring lunch, snacks, and water. Dress for the weather. Sturdy sneakers or hiking boots are recommended.

Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed at all times. Some trails do not allow dogs; check with the hike leader if planning to bring a dog.

Start time is 9 am at the lower (rear) parking lot of Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street. Some hikes and drive time can be four to six hours total. Hikers should be prompt. The group tries to car pool as much as possible, as some trail parking lots are small.

For further information contact Sally Cox, 203-426-9903 or 203-830-9032, or send e-mail to

NewtownHikers@gmail.com.

The group's 2017 spring season, with hike leaders in parentheses, has been set as follows:

April 1, Steep Rock, Washington Depot (hike leader Lynn Vela, 617-335-9678);

April 8, no hike leader yet (contact Newtown Hikers coordinator Sally Cox, 203-426-9903, for updates);

April 15, Mystery Hike, details to follow (Christa Troiani, 203-751-0297);

April 22, Macedonia State Park, Kent (Sally Cox, 203)-830-9032;

April 29, White Memorial/Pine Island, Litchfield (Jim Steck, 845-621-5559 or 914-806-4107);

May 6, New York City/Central Park, Museum of Modern Art and dinner, contact hike leader for details (Molly Schleis, 203-616-5950);

May 13, Maricostas Preserve, Washington Depot (Mark Jones, 203-894-9534);

May 20, Mianus River Gorge, Bedford, N.Y. (Linda Dunn, 203-207-1765);

May 27, Roxbury Mines, Roxbury (contact Sally Cox, 203-426-9903);

June 3, location TBD, details to follow (Nancy Ziegler, 203-732-2618); and

June 10, Osbornedale State Park, Derby, end of season hike followed by picnic and fall hike planning, Newtown Hikers will grill hamburgers and hot dogs, hikers are asked to bring salad or dessert to share, contact hike leader for food coordination (Sally Cox, 203-426-9903 or 203-830-9032.)

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