Hitting The Trails

At Bluff Point, Groton

This summer of record breaking heat has undoubtedly deterred many would-be hikers from exploring every corner of eastern Connecticut. That may explain why Linda, Oreo and I had an entire park to ourselves this weekend when we decided to check out the Falls River Nature Preserve in the Ivoryton section of Essex. This very walkable and well shaded system of trails must be one of the best kept secrets in the region. As much as I appreciate quiet, it was just a tad creepy being the only humans there. Summer heat aside, this has been an exceptional year for walking the trails, beginning with a long hike around Devil's Hopyard State Park on an unusually mild New Year's Day. Rocky Neck beach also made for an ideal January dog walk as temperatures soared. I head to the state parks more in spring and fall, when fees are practically nonexistent. Groton's Bluff Point trails take some time, but the views along the way are fantastic. Closer to my home, the old railroad trails connecting Colchester and Hebron are straight, level and not so narrow. I'm always struck by how friendly people you see along the way can be when you have an easygoing dog at your side. These walks are welcome breaks from the constant point to point driving I do during the week. The destination is not the big deal.