In 2018, the Land Trust launched its first series of holiday hikes, inviting neighbors and supporters to join in on family-friendly hikes on properties throughout town. On hiatus during the pandemic, the series will begin anew this year, with the first hike, the “Turkey Waddle” to be held on Friday, November 25 at 11. The next will be the “Boxing Day Hike” at 11 on December 26 and the New Year’s Day hike on January 1 at 11 am. Here’s what to expect:
The Turkey Waddle, November 25, 11 am: Putnam Park and the Plishner Preserve. Meet in the Putnam Park parking lot off Putnam Park Road before noon for a walk through Putnam Park and the Plishner Preserve. About 2 miles, it starts with a gentle uphill climb through the park’s signature guard towers, past the memorial obelisk honoring the soldiers who wintered there and into a wooded loop trail. The trail features beautiful moss-covered rocks, some wetlands and a lot of peace and quiet. To learn more, visit the November 1 issue of the Redding Sentinel. Well-controlled dogs on leashes are welcome.
Boxing Day Hike, December 26, 11 am: Saugatuck Trail. Meet near 56 Deer Hill Road (don’t park on the grass, please.) This lesser-known trail starts with a short connector trail from Deer Hill Road, connecting to the Saugatuck trail in the Centennial Watershed. The trail makes a slow and mostly downhill decline toward Newtown Turnpike and the Reservoir. Be sure to conserve your energy because the return trip features an equally steady incline. The 2-mile round trip can be extended by crossing Newtown Turnpike and meandering along the shores of the reservoir, which looks very different after this summer’s drought. Since most of the hike is on Centennial Watershed land, no dogs are allowed.
New Year’s Day Hike, January 1, 11 am: Rock Lot/Scott Preserve. Meet on Peaceable Street near the power station. Limited off-street parking is available. Featured in the September 26 issue of the Redding Sentinel, The Rock Lot/Scott Preserve offers the most challenging hike of the three, but it is still a family-friendly outing that features abundant rocky terrain, including the beautiful whaleback rock formation. Well-controlled dogs on leash are welcome.
