Greenleaf Farm Road

The picturesque Red Gate Farm on Poverty Hollow Road provides frolicking horses and two cute donkeys as a backdrop when we turn up Greenleaf Farm Road towards the convenient parking spot on the Equestrian Ridge Road cul-de-sac. Here, we easily park undisturbed and contemplate which of the three “walk du jours” options suits us. 

When the weather is damp and the ground is soggy, we opt to stay on the paved road. Using a 26-foot Flexi-Lead I can stay dry and on stable footing while my dogs can explore the grassy shoulders and wooded edges walking back down Equestrian Ridge Road. This road and Greenleaf Farm Road form a cross pattern that can be easily walked in 20 to 40 minutes depending on the route.

For those wanting a bit of a cardio boost, follow Greenleaf Farm Road up the hill to its cul-de-sac. Others may choose the more leisurely route, walking the length of Equestrian Ridge Road, past the backside of Red Gate Farm and the two stately homes dotting the landscape. Then take a left down Poverty Hollow Road and turn left again up Greenleaf Farm Road, turning right to bring you back to your car. Be mindful of any horses either on the road or riding on the property and avoid the temptation to walk through Red Gate Farm as it is private property.

Equestrian Ridge

Option two involves a short cut through the 40-acre parcel of open space which lies just beyond the cul-de-sac. Walking back up the road, a small trail on the left will take you into this meadow wonderland. Those who routinely walk this preserve, set aside by developers and deeded to the Newtown Forest Association, are familiar with the horses kept there by Shelby McChord. These stunning steeds, Mercury, Butter and Pepper, love to pluck their heads up from grazing and check out any passers-by.

Each summer the McChords mow paths which crisscross the deep grass around the preserve so people can walk their dogs or ride their horses through the area. In the true spirit of open space, I find this one of the most tranquil locations in all of Newtown. On any given day I hear the hawk, the owl and the song birds all nestled in the surrounding majestic trees, which tops reach up towards an endless sky. I feel like I’m in the middle of a bowl of nature cereal. A small stream that runs through the middle of the meadow cover offers dogs a quick plunge for a cool down or a drink on hot days.

Huntington State Park

Option three is what I call the “rugged climb.” I make sure I wear appropriate hiking footwear with tall ankles for this walk with the dogs. From the cul-de-sac, we head down an old town road and hang a quick left onto property that once belonged to the Bridgeport Hydraulic Company and was deeded to the State and now provides pedestrian or equestrian access to Huntington State Park.

This is a rocky trail through deep woods. The paths are well worn from hammering hooves and provide clear direction up into the park. Make sure to hang a right after you head up the steep hill to get to the park, otherwise you will end up at the Mica Mine, which while pretty to see, is still a dead end trail. The Newtown Trail Book has a great map of Huntington State Park. This trail will connect with the Blue Trail in the park, which is the largest loop around the perimeter of the park. But this hidden, back access to the park is my favorite.

The dogs love this long slow climb. They get to cross streams, leap over large logs and skid across smooth stones on their journey. I love this trail because there is almost nobody on it, especially during the week. Depending on where I go in the park, this walk can last from one to two hours.

But no matter which option we choose, my dogs and I are sure to have a tongue hanging out good walk filled with scents, sights, and sounds with Mother Nature as our guide.

 

Lisa Peterson, a long-time breeder of Norwegian Elkhounds, is the Director of Club Communications at the American Kennel Club. Contact her at ask@lisa-peterson.com  or Dogma Publishing, P.O. Box 307, Newtown, CT 06470.