Walktober offerings

Walktober has plenty of offerings for adventurers. Oct. 20-23 features several Walktober adventures meant to be more challenging. 

Walktober is in its 27th year and is a program of The Last Green Valley, Inc., (TLGV) the non-profit charged with promoting and advocating for the national heritage corridor’s unique resources. 

“Walktober has been so successful for 27 years because it offers something for everyone,” said Lois Bruinooge, executive director of TLGV. 

There are 40 unique Walktober adventures occurring Oct. 20-23. Below is sampling of the opportunities considered difficult, however, there are also many Walktober events considered easy or moderate. Please visit www.thelastgreenvalley.org for the latest Walktober schedule. 

Here are just a few Walktobers for Oct. 20-23:

Walktober: Tackle the Trail, Oct. 21, 9 a.m., Air Line Trail (Rte. 169), Pomfret, CT. Limited parking at Air Line Trailhead in Pomfret, see website for details. 860-932-4174. Pre-registration required and space is limited. See details at www.qvcc.edu/tacklethetrail. Individual runners or up to 5 person relay teams can Tackle the Trail. The course begins in Pomfret and ends in Willimantic. Participants enjoy a well-organized fall race on 20 miles of the famous Air Line Trail as well as a post-race party at the Willimantic Elks! Fees: Individual runner $100, Relay team (up to 5 runners) $200. For more details, visit www.qvcc.edu/tacklethetrail. Sponsored by: QVCC Foundation. www.qvcc.edu/tacklethetrail 

Walktober: NOW is the Day to Opt Out – Outdoors That Is! Oct. 22, 1-2:30 p.m., Air Line Trail, Thompson, CT. Park at the lot on Mechanicsville Rd. (Rte. 12). 888-940-4669 Access the Air Line Trail with us as we opt outdoors and enjoying fresh air with kids of all ages, providing them with lifetime memories and overall wellness. The NOW Programming Team partners with TLGV’s Ranger Marcy for a scavenger hunt hike on the Air Line Trail. Bet we’ll find all kinds of interesting things! Along the trail, learn about NOW’s dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of the children in our region by ensuring each child’s access to fitness, nutrition, and athletics. 

Walktober: Breakneck Pond Loop Hike, Oct. 20, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., rain date, Oct. 23, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Bigelow Hollow State Park, Rte. 171, Union.

Hike the Nipmuck & Breakneck Pond View Trails in Bigelow Hollow State Park & the Nipmuck State Forest with TLGV Rangers Janet & Angela. Participants should bring a trail lunch to enjoy near the pond. This walk is physically challenging due to the length and rough terrain. Participants must have good balance for stream crossings and be in excellent physical condition.

Walktober: Mountain Bike Ride at Goodwin State Forest, Oct. 21, 9 a.m. to noon, 20 Potter Rd., (Off Rte. 6), Hampton, CT. 860-230-1237. Quiet Corner NEMBA will lead guided mountain bike rides through Goodwin State Forest’s trails in Hampton, CT. These rides are open to all levels. Groups will be divided to cater to various experience levels. All welcome. Bike & helmet required. No dogs please. For more info: find us on Facebook, visit www.nemba.org/chapters/qcnemba or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

Walktober: A Walk in the Woods at Westridge Farm, Oct. 21, 10 a.m. to noon, rain date: Oct. 29, 10 a.m. to noon, 611 Wyassup Rd., N. Stonington. 860-235-6550. Participants will be led by Hull Forest Products Forester Chris Casadei and CT DEEP Pachaug Forester Dan Evans on a hike through this rugged terrain to view and discuss recent forest management activities on the Westridge Farm property as well as the settlement history of the the area as interpreted from the Colonial and Native Stone work. The hike will extend onto the adjacent Pachaug State Forest to view the Hetchel Swamp Brook and the site of the Colonial Shingle Mill that once stood there. Please wear appropriate footwear for a hike.

Walktober: The Old Reservoirs of Taftville, Oct. 22, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 134 Providence St., Taftville (Norwich), CT. Park at Woquonnec School, walk across street to Taftville Fire Dept. 860-887-6676. Hike through a glacier valley with Tim Jencks, Taftville Fire Chief, to the sites of two former reservoirs. View the ruins of a pump house, tower and other aspects important in running a fully-functioning reservoir including a dam which is still maintained by Norwich Public Utilities. This tour is very strenuous and uphill at times.

Walktober: Historic Steerage Rock, Oct. 22, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Steerage Rock Rd., Brimfield MA. Across from 1 Harnois Rd. 860-377-0117 Learn about historic Steerage Rock, a favorite camping spot of King Philip, son of Massasoit, and sustainable forest management on this 1 mile woods walk. Enjoy a beautiful view of the Brimfield Common, the path of the 2011 tornado, and the surrounding landscape. TLGV Ranger Larry Lowenthal teams with Hull Forest Products’ Mike Bartlett for this one. Bring your binoculars! 

 

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