Category: Hiking (Page 5 of 8)

Contact Dave McCollum or Bob Plunkett

“HIKING” SHERWOOD ISLAND STATE PARK

SHERWOOD ISLAND CONNECTOR

              WESTPORT, CT

      FRIDAY DECEMBER 11, 2020 AT 10:00

We will be walking about 3 miles through Sherwood Island State Park on mostly hard and gravel paths. Very little up and down. We will meet in the Pavilion parking lot at 10:00 AM. The Park hugs the Sound shoreline and is often quite windy. Dogs are permitted on a leash and, as always, bring anyone with you who would enjoy a one hour plus walk in a beautiful setting. NO LUNCH after.

HISTORY

Sherwood Island State Park is the oldest state park in Connecticut dating to 1914. The island itself was first settled by Daniel Sherwood in1787 where he built a grist mill. Over the next 70 years the land was farmed by many others but around 1860 the property became known as “Sherwood’s Island”

After the Connecticut State Park Commission was formed in 1911 the search for suitable shorefront property to buy was on. The first piece of the existing park was purchased in 1914 making this the oldest state park. The park officially opened in 1932 but not until 1950 did the Army Corps of Engineers build the jetties and extend the beaches. The Pavilion opened in 1959 and a 911 Memorial was added in 2002.

DIRECTIONS

This one is easy! Take Exit 18 off I-95 (Sherwood Island connector) and turn right towards the Sound. The road goes directly into the Park. Keep straight onto the wide roundabout and take the exit marked “Pavilion Parking”. We’ll meet at the front of that lot up towards the Pavilion.

Recap of hike:

A near record 22 DMA members, spouses and friends spent a wonderful hour and 45 minutes touring the perimeter of Sherwood Island on mostly flat and hard surface trails. The weather was magnificent as was the opportunity for hikers to see and talk to each other (even through our masks) rather than on Zoom. The easy terrain and wide paths made conversation possible and we took advantage of it by taking nearly two hours to walk three miles!

Sherwood Island, the oldest state park in Connecticut, covers 234 acres of mostly open shoreline but has a substantial wooded area as well. A beautiful feature of the park is the Connecticut 911 Memorial sited on a point with a direct view down towards New York City. The names of all Connecticut residents who died from that attack are memorialized on stones embedded on the monument. From that point we walked ¾ of a mile along East Beach to the end of the park at New Creek and then back to our starting point.

A thoroughly enjoyable day and a great way for us to get together outside during this pandemic. We will explore further walks over the winter.

cancelled

HIKING THE LEON LEVY PRESERVE

SOUTH SALEM, NY

  THURSDAY OCTOBER 22, 2020

9:30 AM

 The Leon Levy Preserve, formerly the Bell property, was purchased by the Town of Lewisboro in 2005. It is 383 acres of forest and wetland located in the watersheds of both New York City and Stamford. The preserve has an extensive, well marked, trail system, the ruins of the Black mansion (1899-1979) and other outbuildings. The scenery at this time of year is spectacular and the Preserve encompasses an impressive gorge and numerous large rock outcroppings. 

The hike of about 3+ miles (2 hours) we will take features mostly wide and well maintained trails which range from easy to moderate levels of difficulty. This hike should appeal to hikers of all levels of experience. As always, we welcome spouses, friends and dogs on a leash. No lunch.

DIRECTIONS:

The actual address of the Preserve is 2-50 Smith Ridge Road (Route 123) but Google 45 Smith Ridge Road in South Salem, NY which is a private house on the right side of the road. Just beyond that address is a sign for the Preserve on the left side indicating a left turn into the parking lot. The location is well up Rt 123 into NY State past Vista but short of Rt 35. There is ample parking.

Contacts:

Dave McCollum and Bob Plunkett

Bob Plunkett

“HIKING” GREENWICH POINT PARK

6 TOD’S DRIFTWAY

OLD GREENWICH

Write up:

The US Postal Service has nothing on the DMA hikers—“neither rain nor snow…” oh, wait a minute, the day did not turn out badly after all! The overnight snow was still evident at 10:30 in the morning but not a footing issue and the sun came out later on the hike. A good size group of 17 including three spouses walked just short of 3 miles in an hour and a half around the spectacular property. It’s easy to see why Greenwich keeps it pretty much to residents for most of the year!

About half the group stayed on for a delicious lunch at the Beach House Café in Old Greenwich. 

Again this hike, as others, give us DMAers a chance to walk and talk in some really nice places!

Next hike—Sherwood Island Park in Westport Thursday, January 12 at 10:00 AM

Dave McCollum

Bob Plunkett

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2019

 HIKING  POMERANCE/MONTGOMERY PINETUM PARK

GREENWICH     10:00 AM

This 100 acre property is now owned by the town of Greenwich but was originally the estate of Ernest Seaton and later the home of financier Maurice Wertheim. The estate house was demolished by the town after falling into disrepair but the stone walls remain. Mr. Seaton is credited with starting a boys group called “The League of Woodcraft Indians” which evolved into the Boy Scouts. Wertheim’s daughter, Barbara Tuchman, lived on the property and wrote the Pulitzer Prize winning book “The Guns of August” there.

This hike is really more of a walk in the woods as the trails are wide, relatively flat and well maintained. It is a very scenic property with mature trees, rock outcroppings and moving water in addition to the historical features. As the property is relatively small, our hike will take approximately 2 hours after which we will enjoy an optional lunch at Louie’s Restaurant (136 River Road Ext.) nearby in Cos Cob.

DIRECTIONS: On Google Maps, enter Montgomery Pinetum on Bible Street in Cos Cob.  There is another entrance to the park but parking there is limited. Go to the Bible Street entrance. We will gather in front of the Greenhouse building at 10:00 AM.

Take I-95 south to Exit 5 and stay in left lane on the ramp to turn left at the light onto US 1 south. Proceed .8 miles across the Mianus River Bridge and turn right into Nassau Street and then a quick left onto Valley Road. After .2 miles turn right into Orchard Street and then a quick right onto Bible Street. Drive .8 miles to a left turn into Montgomery-Pinetum Park. 15-20 minutes from Darien with average traffic.

Contact: David McCollum

HIKING WARD POUND RIDGE RESERVATION

THURSDAY OCTOBER 24, 2019

10:00 AM

Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is a 4,000 acre park located in Cross River, NY with more than 35 miles of hiking trails over varied terrain. We will be hiking a combination of two trails totaling about 4 miles with some moderate climbing and descending on the Leatherman’s Loop section. The reward for the climb is a spectacular view of the Cross River Reservoir and surrounding territory. The trails are wide, well maintained and clearly marked. Optional lunch will follow at Blind Charlie’s Café in Scott’s Corners.

SPOUSES, SIGNIFICANT OTHERS, FRIENDS AND GUESTS ARE WELCOME

 DOGS ON A  LEASH ARE ALLOWED.

We will assemble at the parking lot near the Rt 121 entrance (where the ticket booth is located) at 10:00 AM sharp. From there we will drive our cars to a large parking lot near the trailhead. DON’T BE LATE!

The hike will be led by Dave McCollum.

DIRECTIONS:

Address—6 Reservation Road, Cross River, NY 10518

Using either Ct Route 124 up through central New Canaan, or the Merritt and High Ridge Road (Exit 37) proceed to the junction of 124 and 137 in Pound Ridge.

Continue north on NY 137 past the Inn at Pound Ridge and bear left at the fork, staying on 137. When 137 ends at NY 121, turn right onto 121 and follow 121 about 2.9 miles to the clearly marked right turn into Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. Proceed to the ticket booth. No entrance fee charged this time of year.

HIKING MIANUS RIVER PARK, STAMFORD

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

9:30 AM

Our first hike of 2020 will take place at Mianus River Park, a 400 acre urban forest which straddles the towns of Stamford and Greenwich and is owned jointly by them. While the hiking is not difficult, the trails are uneven and have the usual roots and rocks. Sturdy shoes and a positive attitude will prevail! 

We will hike approximately 4 miles starting at 9:30 am from the Stamford entrance to the park which is at 68 Merriebrook Lane. 

As usual, spouses, friends and dogs on leash are welcome. We will social distance as far as practical and masks are optional. 

There will be no organized lunch after the hike.

DIRECTIONS

We will meet at 9:30 at the Merriebrook entrance to the park on the Stamford side. Merriebrook Lane is accessed off of Westover Road and both Waze and Google Maps will take you there. About 20 minutes from Darien.

There should be ample parking at the park. Do not park on any of the roads in the area, all are marked no parking and are patrolled.

Contacts: Dave McCollum and Bob Plunkett 

Trout Brook Valley Hike Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at 9.30 am
Our final hike of the season is scheduled for Tuesday June 4, 2019. We will be hiking the Trout Brook Valley Preservation Area in Weston, Ct, which is owned by the Aspetuck Land Trust. This is an 1100 acre  reserve that has several trails classified as hard, medium and easy.

The area is lush green at this time of the year. No man-made or machine sound disturbs the serenity of this preserve; the only sounds you hear are of the birds twittering, the brooks babbling and the winds whistling. We will be hiking a loop of about 3.5 miles consisting of easy and moderately difficult trails. So if you wish to commune with nature, come join us in this great hike, which is not as strenuous as our last one at Devil’s Den. Sturdy shoes are required, water and bug spray recommended.

With an early start at 9.30 we should be done by 11.45 am.

Lunch will follow at Tavern On Main located at 150 Main Street, Westport.

We will be using the Bradley Road entrance to the park in Weston. Here are the directions:
-Take Exit 42 off the south bound Merritt Parkway. At bottom of exit ramp. Make a right turn onto
Rt 57 N ( Weston Road)—0.9 miles
-Turn right on Lyons Plains Road and proceed-3.6 miles
-At the fork make a slight left onto Valley Forge Road (not Davis Hill Rd) and proceed 1.2 miles
-Right on Bradley Road -0.3 to the entrance of Aspetuck Land Trust on left (after house number
18, Bradley Road)

On Google Maps, search for Trout Brook Valley Preserve, Weston or 18 Bradley Road, Weston.

As usual, spouses are welcome to join the hike.

Contact: Sunil Saksena 203-561-8601(cell) ; ssaksena44 @gmail.com

Hiking Devil’s Den Preserve
Tuesday, May 7, 2019, 10.00am

We will be hiking the trails at Devil’s Den Preserve in Weston on Tuesday, May 7, 2019 with a
10 am start. This is the largest nature preserve in SW Connecticut and extremely popular with
hikers.Owned by the Nature Conservancy, its has 1700 acres of woodlands,wetlands,ponds and
streams, and 20 miles of picturesque trails. It is home to 145 species of birds, 20 species of
mammals, and over 400 varieties of trees and wildflowers.

We will be hiking a loop of 4 miles.This trail has a moderate level of difficulty in that there are
places of gradual uphill, but these are usually followed by long stretches of flat trail. You do
need sturdy shoes as the trail is rocky in places.
After the hike, at about 12.30pm, we will head over to the Barn Door Restaurant for lunch. This
restaurant is located at 37 Ethan Allen Hwy (Rt 7), about a 10 minute drive from Devil’s Den.
As usual, we welcome spouses and significant others on our hikes. Newer members of DMA
are encouraged to join us.

Directions
Take Exit 42 off the north-bound Merritt Parkway and at the bottom of exit ramp make a right
turn onto Route 57 North towards Weston. After 3.8 miles, make a left and continue on Rt 57 for
another 1.3 miles. Turn right on Godfrey Road West and drive half a mile. Make left on to Pent
Road which ends in the parking lot for Devil’s Den.
On Google Maps use this destination address : 33 Pent Road, Weston

Contact : Sunil Saksena 203-561-8601 (cell) ssaksena44@gmail.com

HIKING BABCOCK PRESERVE in GREENWICH, CT
Thursday March 28, 2019 10AM
The Babcock Preserve is a 300 acre tract of forested land in Greenwich, north of the Merritt. It is the largest park in Greenwich and consists of several hiking trails over a relatively easy terrain. It was acquired by the Town of Greenwich in 1972, partially by gift and partially by purchase from the Babcock Family.

The park is very tranquil at this time of the year. We will be hiking approximately 3 ½ miles which should take us till about 12.30pm.. More than half the trail is relatively flat, the rest is a gentle slope
which isn’t very strenuous.

As usual wives are invited and they will find this hike particularly enjoyable.

After the hike we will have lunch( optional) at a nearby restaurant.

Contact: Sunil Saksena

HIKING MIANUS RIVER PARK, STAMFORD
THURSDAY, November 8, 2018
10.00 am
Mianus River Park is a 400 acre urban forest which straddles the towns of Stamford and
Greenwich and is owned jointly by them.At this time of the year the park is at its beautiful best.
While the hiking here is not difficult, the trails are strewn with leaves and roots and occasional
rocks, so you need sturdy shoes and a good sense of balance. We will hike approximately 4
miles and, starting at 10am, be done by about 12.30 pm. As usual, participation from spouses,
significant others and friends is welcome.

The hike will be followed by lunch at the Madonia Restaurant at 1297 Long Ridge Road, Stamford.

Directions
We will be meeting at 10 am at the Stamford entrance of the Mianus River Park which is near 68
Merriebrook Lane, Stamford. Do not go to the Greenwich entrance which is on Cognewagh
Road. Best directions can be had by googling 68 Merriebrook Lane, Stamford. There is a
parking lot on th right just across the street from mailbox for 68 Merriebrook.
Contact: Sunil Saksena
ssaksena44@gmail.com
203-561-8601 cell

Hiking Zofnass Family Preserve in Pound Ridge on Thursday, Oct 18,  2018  The Zofnass Family Preserve in Pound Ridge is a 150 acre property owned by the Westchester Land Trust.  At this time of the year it is a lush green. There are about 8 miles of trails over a rustic terrain. We will be hiking a loop of about 3 miles, which should be completed in about 2-2 ½ hours. This hike is not for beginners. The trail is
quite rugged with several ups and downs. You do need stamina and a sense ofbalance. Experienced hikers will find this hike in the rustic wilderness most enjoyable.

Due to limited parking space at the trailhead we will meet at 9.30 am at the Long Ridge​ Tavern located at 2635 Long Ridge Road, Stamford​ and car pool from there. Take Exit 34 off the Merritt Parkway and head north on Long Ridge Road for about 3.8 miles till you come to the Tavern on the right ( a red building just before the the blinking traffic light.)

From the Long Ridge Tavern the ride to the trailhead , located at 245 Upper Shad Road is about 5-8 minutes. We expect to start hiking by 9.45 am and finish by about 12.15
pm. Its a beautiful time of the year and the hike should be a rewarding experience.

Lunch will follow at the Long Ridge Tavern for those interested, about 12.30 pm.

We welcome participation from spouses.

Dogs on leash are allowed.

Contact for this hike: Sunil Saksena 203-561-8601 ssaksena44@gmail.com

Picture from this year’s hike.