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. Winter hikes begin at 10 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. 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.

For additional safety during the winter months, a traction device such as microspikes, stabilizers or crampons for boots is recommended.

For further information contact Sally Cox, schedule coordinator, at 203-426-9903, 203-830-9032, or newtownhikers@gmail.com; or Parks & Rec, 203-270-4340.

The group’s current season began on January 3, but continues as follows, with hike leaders in parentheses:

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

January17, Fairfield Hills, Newtown, one or two loops (Sally Cox, 203-426-9903 or 203-830-9032)

January 24, Rockefeller State Park, Tarrytown, N.Y., (Nancy Ziegler, 203-732-2618; note there will be carpooling and a parking fee with this outing);

January 31, Sticks & Stones Farm in Newtown or Putnam Park in Redding, followed by chili lunch at hike leader’s home (Linda Dunn, 203-207-1765);

February 7, Huntington Park, Redding (Cassie Brown, 203-313-7161);

February 14, Tarrywile Park, Danbury, trail TBD (Mark Jones, 203-894-9534);

February 21, Kettletown State Park, Southbury (Christa Troiani, 203-751-0297);

February 28, Fairfield Beach Walk (Carol Fullman, 203-270-1747);

March 7, Flanders, Woodbury (Jim Steck, 845-621-5559 or 914-806-4107); and 

March 14, Twin Brooks, Trumbull, hike to be followed by end-of-season potluck lunch and spring hike planning, contact hike leader for food coordination (Irene Jutnas, 203-556-2933).