Get ready to take a hike on National Trails Day

Thousands of residents will take to green spaces throughout the state this weekend in celebration of Connecticut Trails Day.

About 250 hikes and other events are planned statewide, making it the largest celebration of National Trails Day in the country, according to the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, which oversees the activities.

“Although we are a state small in size, we are big on outdoor fun,” the association’s website states.

There are events scheduled in the Middletown area. A complete listing is available online at www.ctwoodlands.org, where there is also registration information and details about each event. Among the local events is a hike at the Wilcox Conservation Area from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday.

“Connecticut Trails Day is a great opportunity to discover new hikes in the region,” said Carrie Davis, Weantinoge Heritage Land Trust assistant director of land conservation. “Weantinoge (in Kent) participates every year to encourage the use of our public trails. This year we will be highlighting some trail improvements at Mt. Tom Preserve in New Milford.”

The improvements include creating a designated parking area on Mt. Tom Road for three to five cars, adding trail signs and a kiosk with trail maps, blazing a new trail from the road to the trailhead, restoring the loop trail and removing invasive species.

National Trails Days was started in 1993 by the American Hiking Society. Last year’s event had 236 trail events in more than 100 towns.

“This unique tradition has become a way for people of all walks of life to come together and truly appreciate the natural gifts around us,” according to the Forest and Park Association’s website. “Every year, Connecticut Trails Day inspires thousands of Nutmeggers to participate in activities that emphasize the importance of nature, promote healthy living and mental well-being, and instill excitement for the outdoors.”

Most of the events are on Saturday, but a few are scheduled for Sunday.

Autumn Driscoll / File photo Patrick Devlin, of Danbury, and his rescued Italian greyhound, Alfredo, walk on trails at Happy Landings in Brookfield.

Carol Kaliff / Hearst Connecticut Media Samantha Peloso, 7, of New Milford, perches on a large rock she has just climbed at The Pratt Nature Center in New Milford.