A New Season For Newtown Hikers

Newtown Hikers hosts weekly hikes that are open to all ages. The group has started a new season of programs, which are presented Saturday mornings.

This week’s hike (January 13) will be along Macedonia Brook, a dirt road, and will be led by Rita Qubick. Future hikes include outings to Platt Park in Southbury on January 20, Cross River in Salem, N.Y., on January 27, over parts of the Fairfield Hills property and a tour of the Governors Horse Barn on February 3, and along the railroad tracks from Trumbull to Old Mine Park in Monroe. The current season runs through the end of March.

Newtown Hikers is an open group that welcomes anyone interested in hiking and the outdoors. There is no membership fee.

Hikers participate at their own risk and must sign a release for Newtown Parks and Recreation Department.

All programs start at 9 am from the lower parking lot behind Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street in Newtown, unless otherwise arranged by the hike leader.

Anyone who would like to meet the group elsewhere should contact the hike leader. Schedules are available outlining each week’s hikes and their respective leaders. Hike leaders should also be contacted the morning of hikes if weather is doubtful.

All hikes are moderate in pace and difficulty unless otherwise stated, and last three to five hours plus driving time. Children are welcome but must be accompanied by adults.

Hikers should bring their own lunch and beverages. Sturdy shoes or boots are also recommended.

For further information, including a copy of the hike schedule (which is usually listed in the Enjoy calendar section of The Newtown Bee), contact Ester Nichols at 426-2897 or 788-1398 or Newtown Parks & Rec at 270-4340. Hike leaders for January 13 are Rita Qubick (268-4119) and for January 20, Tim Hanbury, 203/888-3025.