Recap of CT Trails Day Hike June 1, 2019


 

Recap- Fowler Grindstone CT Trails Day hike June 1,2019

Our June 1st  2019 Trails Day hike was part of Connecticut Forest & Park Association’s Connecticut Trails Day. Over one weekend in June more than 200 hikes and walks take place across the state. Connecticut Forest&Park Association publishes a brochure, in print and online, with information on all events. Our hikers learned of the hike from the brochure, our website, the North Stonington Newsletter and from friends.

The hike was led by Board Member Bill Hixson along with Tim Crandall. Tim constructed, and maintains, the trails and bridges on the Fowler Grindstone Preserve. He’s the expert who knows this land best.He explained why and where and particular trails were placed to take advantage of natural features such as Pendleton Hill Brook, old foundations and the glacial erratic.  For those who weren’t able to join us for our hike please note that the Fowler Grindstone Preserve is open daily during daylight hours for your enjoyment.  SEE INFO BELOW FOR MAP AND DESCRIPTION. It has well-maintained, mostly level trails with an occasional gentle rise. We walked at a modest pace and the 3 miles of trails took 2 hours.

Two of us climbed the rustic ladder to the top. It looks precarious but the ladder is firmly bolted to the stone.

The twelve of us, ranging in age from about 2-70, plus two dogs, enjoyed the pleasantly shaded trail. It followed the Pendleton Hill Brook which was a refreshing sight-especially for the dogs who jumped right in.

It was such a beautiful day.

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The North Stonington Citizens Land Alliance is again partnering with CT Forest & Park Association for their June Trails Day weekend.
Our hike will be at our Fowler Grindstone Preserve-North Stonington.
Explore this 75-acre preserve with its rows of ancient stone walls, two enormous glacial erratics, the confluence of Pendleton Hill and Hetchel Swamp brooks,paths through the  forest, rocky outcroppings, narrow foot paths and an old logging road.
This hike is great for families, nature enthusists and dogs on a leash.
Trail maps will be available.
Date: June 1, 2019
Time : 10 am – 12 pm
  • Total Distance (miles):  about 2 miles, less if the shorter loop trail is taken.
    Meeting Place:
  • The Upper Trailhead for the Fowler Grindstone Preserve. Fowler Rd. North Stonington, CT.  On right side of road. Parking along the road or in our driveway-KEEP LEFT. Note a neighbor also uses this driveway so be sure to not park on their property.
    Rain cancels.
  • Pre-registration is NOT REQUIRED
  • Leader(s):
    Time Crandall and Bill Hixson
    Leader’s Phone Number:
    860-245-4340
    Leader’s E-mail Address: