Countless trails meander through the woodlands and valleys,
meadows, and wetlands of the Litchfield Hills. There are walks that follow the
footsteps of Native Americans, and those that go through historic districts,
and past industrial remnants that reflect a legacy of hard work and
determination. Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills gives hikers a myriad of
experiences to choose from, and, each weekend in September, the Upper Housatonic
Heritage Area has made choosing where to hike easy.
The Upper Housatonic Heritage Area has organized 71 hikes in the Litchfield Hills and the Berkshires of Massachusetts that run the gamut, offering something for everyone. Now in its’ 18th year, Housatonic Heritage Walks takes participants through some of the region’s most scenic, historic, and cultural sites, many are not well known and, are the best-kept secrets in the State! Best of all, the walks that take place on September 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21 & 22, and 28 & 29 are guided by local experts, and are free of charge.
Picture Perfect Peaks
If you enjoy scenic views, don’t miss the hike to the summit
of the Marie Moore Preserve in Sharon on Saturday, September 7 from 10 a.m. to
noon. This little known hike leads to a summit that offers exceptional views of
three states as well as the peaks of Bear Mountain, Mount Everett, and Mount Gridlock.
On Sept. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. get ready to hike
through the Cobble Brook Vista Preserve and the Kent Mountain Preserve with
members of the Kent Land Trust. This hike is amazing because it encompasses a
variety of habitats including woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. A highlight
that you will see along the way includes charcoal mounds from the iron industry
as well as unforgettable views of the Housatonic River Valley.
Native American
Culture
If you have always wanted to walk in the footsteps of Native
Americans don’t miss the walk conducted by Archaeologist, Dr. Lucianne Lavin on
the woodland trails of the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington
on Sept. 8 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. The walk will include a visit to the
replicated 16th century Algonkian village and the chance to learn
how Natives peoples used plants for medicinal purposes. If you have the time,
visit the museum - it has one of the most extensive collections of Native
American artifacts in New England as well as Wigwam Escape that teaches
participants how Native Americans thrived in 1518.
Riverside Walks &
Industrial Heritage
A walk on the Trinity Riverside Trail on Sept. 14 from 10
a.m. to 11:30 a.m. led by the Cornwall Conservation Trust is so beautiful
because the trail wends its way along the banks of the Housatonic River. This
is an easy walk along the old river road that connected the villages of West
Cornwall and Cornwall Bridge before the construction of the railroad. This is
one of the longest and most beautiful river walks in the area with the added
bonus of old stone works at the end of the trail that gives hikers a glimpse of
the industrial past from today’s bucolic environment.
If you enjoy Industrial and Civil War history don’t miss the
walk hosted by the Salisbury Association Historical Society on Sept. 15 and
Sept. 29 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. – it is fascinating. Walking along a shaded path
adjacent to the serene flow of the Housatonic River, participants are urged to try
to imagine this area as a bustling hive of industrial activity and smoke. One
of the results was the production of the most powerful cannons of the Civil War
-- the surprise revealed on this walk is who and what was ultimately compromised.
On Sept. 21, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. the Warren Historical
Society is leading a walk through the woods of the Warren Land Trust that will
highlight the site of two charcoal pits that played an important role in the
industrial mining heritage of the Litchfield Hills.
Downtown – Historic
and Surprising
If a short stroll through a downtown area of a quaint
historic village is more to your liking, then head out to Falls Village on
Sept. 14 from 11 a.m. to noon. The Falls Village-Canaan Historical Society will
take you on an unforgettable walk through this village that seems like it is
lost in time. One highlight of this easy stroll is to check out the Museum at
the Depot. Lunch is always a welcome treat at the historic Falls Village Inn
and scenic photos, not to be missed of the “Falls”, in Falls Village – don’t forget
to Instagram a few!
On Sept. 28, get ready to explore one of Connecticut’s
longest and most interesting village greens with the Sharon Historical Society
from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. As you stroll the Sharon Green, you will feel as
though you have stepped back in time -- this is one of the most elegant village
greens in the Connecticut. On this walk you will learn the history and stories
behind the gracious homes and buildings that line this iconic and photogenic
village green.
If you like new and thoughtful historic exhibitions, don’t
miss a guided tour of the Gunn Historical Museum’s “An American Story,” on Sept. 29, at 1 p.m. –
2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. You will be absorbed by this articulate exhibition that
represents the lifestyle of the Litchfield Hills in this unspoiled town and documents
the people, places, and events that epitomize it through narrative, and images
that are evocatively displayed in a 1781 colonial home.
Wonders of the
Wetlands
On Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. – noon get ready to explore a
magical place that is alive with unspoiled natural beauty and wildlife overseen
by the Sharon Land Trust. The serenity of the wetlands, the unfettered wildlife
and a 100- foot long wooden boardwalk gives hikers a sneak peek into this
unspoiled habitat that makes this experience fulfilling and memorable.
For the love of
Chestnut Trees
Like the ocean, trees are the sentinels of our environment;
and on Sept. 21 from 1:30 p.m. -2:30 p.m. hikers will enjoy a leisurely stroll
through an orchard of 300 chestnut trees curated at Green Mountain Forest in
Falls Village. At one time the American chestnut was the most predominant tree
in eastern forests. Hikers will learn about the devastating blight imported on
Asian chestnuts that forced the American chestnut into extinction. The efforts
of the Great Mountain Forest to revive them are remarkable and this walk will
leave you educated and inspired.
The Importance of Family
Heritage
Head to Kent on Sept. 22 for a walk on the Pond Mountain
Trail to explore the deep roots of Kent’s last ironmaster, John Hopson at the
Kent Iron Company and to experience the beauty of family ties and conservation
– an experience that teaches so much about stewardship. Inspired by her father,
this trail and land trust was preserved by his daughter, Myra who loved nature and
was passionate about conservation and was a trailblazer in the Connecticut
Chapter of the Nature Conservancy. As you look at the views that surround you –
and, see yourself reflected in one of Connecticut’s deepest glacial ponds,
pause and remember how important connections are.
Hunt Hill Farm, once the home of the late Ruth and Conductor
of the New York Pops, Skitch Henderson, embodies the spirit of conservation and
giving, they gave up the farm so to speak and left this treasure connected with
the Smithsonian to the Litchfield Hills – and the world. On Sept. 29, from 10
a.m. to 11:30 a.m. participants will learn how this cultural treasure of the
Litchfield Hills grew, evolved, and is thriving as a cultural gem. The
highlight of this visit is music and a BBQ prepared by one of Hunt Hill Farm’s
culinary luminaries.
