Thanksgiving hikes
Three Connecticut hikes to work off that big Thanksgiving meal — and leftovers
Do you expect to be stuffed from Thanksgiving dinner and want to to do something to get ahead of the tryptophan coma? Why not take a hike to help you burn off some — or all — of those Thanksgiving goodies?
We’ve chosen a trio of hikes — one easy, one moderate and one difficult — to take over the long Thanksgiving weekend.
Train tunnel to mountain top
Rating: Difficult
This 3- to 5-mile hike goes through an abandoned train tunnel, around a formation known as the “Clamshell” to a beautiful view on top of Steep Rock within a 998-acre preserve.
The hike from the parking area to the train tunnel is along an abandoned railroad grade on the southern side of the Shepaug River marked with yellow and blue blazes. The hike around the Clamshell, marked with orange blazes, is moderate, with some climbs. The hike to the top of Steep Rock is moderate to difficult, with areas of steep climbs. For visitors who want to skip the tunnel and Clamshell, take the yellow trail on the northern side of the river to the top.
Directions: Take Route 109/47 into the center of Washington and turn on River Road. Follow that to the end and park on either side of the bridge. Visit steeprockassoc.org for a detailed colored map of the preserve.
More than a few steps to the top
Rating: Moderate
The “Giant Steps Trail” at New Haven’s East Rock Park is one of those outdoor activities that should be on everyone’s “must-do” list.
East Rock Park, a huge traprock knob that overlooks the Elm City, rises 350 feet above the banks of the Mill River with more than 12 miles of trails. Some of that mileage can be conquered using giant steps carved or placed into the side of the ridge. A spindly wrought iron handrail will help guide visitors up the staircase to the view and the beautiful Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument at the top of the rock.
Other highlights include the 310-foothigh Indian Head with beautiful views of the surrounding area. The views from the top are spectacular, especially on a day with a bright blue sky. Every bit of New Haven sprawls before you, from West Rock to the campus of Yale University to the Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge to Fair Haven Heights and the Quinnipiac River Meadows. Tightly packed neighborhood homes speckle the cityscape as a dozen church steeples jut out of the urban landscape.
Directions: I-91 South to Exit 6 on to Willow Street. Follow Willow Street north and turn right on Mitchell Drive, turn right on Orange Street to enter the park. Winter parking is available at the northern end of the park. The stairs are accessible along English Drive to the north of Rice Field. Visit elegans.yale.edu for a map of the park.
Seth and Lucy Holcombe Preserve in North Granby
Rating: Easy, with some moderate, gradual climbs.
There are several miles of trails through the 152-acre preserve, from pine groves to commanding views across fields deep into the surrounding hillsides. Visitors can take the yellow trail to the blue/yellow trail.
Eventually, hikers reach the first of a pair of fields and the beautiful views of the western hills of town. The first view gives visitors a slice of what they will see once they reach the main fields, known as “Big Field” and “Rosie’s Field.” The views of the surrounding hills are tremendous, with huge white pines mixing in with a deciduous forest.
Directions: Interstate 91 to Route 20. Follow Route 20 into the center of Granby to Route 189. Follow Route 189 several miles to a four-way stop at the intersection of Route 189 and Route 539. Continue on Route 189 and take a right on Silver Street. Look for the parking area on the right after about a halfmile. Visit granbylandtrust.org/ for a map of the preserve.