Connecticut Water hosts Trails Day hikes
Guided hikes offered on water company lands in Killingworth and Tolland
Discover the natural beauty of watershed lands with Connecticut Water employee volunteers during two hikes on properties in Killingworth and Tolland over Connecticut Trails Day Weekend 2024 on June 1 and 2. The Connecticut Forest & Park Association coordinates Trails Day hikes in the state which, together with hike sponsors, host the largest National Trails Day celebration in the country.
Watersheds support life in a variety of ways – from providing habitat for plants and animals living directly in the watershed to channeling water to the sources used for drinking water in homes. High quality drinking water starts at the source. Connecticut Water owns and maintains 6,500 acres of watershed land as permanent open space to protect water sources.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health approved hiking trails at two Connecticut Water properties so the public can enjoy the outdoors while not impacting water quality. On Trails Day, we’ll showcase the two trails, which are home to a variety of wildlife. You never know what you might see!
Hike Along Shenipsit Lake In Tolland
Saturday, June 1 – Tolland – 10 a.m.
A 3.5 mile out and back hike in Tolland adjacent to the Shenipsit Lake Reservoir. The hike proceeds along the old railroad bed which is part of the Blue-Blazed Shenipsit Trail. Meet at the trail entrance on Route 74 across from Vern-Rock Electric (24 Tolland Stage Road, Tolland). There is no rain date for this hike.
Located in Ellington, Vernon and Tolland, the Shenipsit Lake Reservoir is a public drinking water supply source that has an approved Department of Public Health (DPH) recreation program which has been opened since 1994. The program includes the year-round hiking trail around the lake in cooperation with the Connecticut Forest & Park Association, and fishing from designated shoreline areas and program-registered electric and oar-powered boats from the second Saturday in April through October.
Scenic Hike On The Killingworth Reservoir Trail
Sunday, June 2 – Killingworth – 10 a.m.
This hike features a 1.5 mile loop in the Killingworth and Kelseytown Reservoir watershed area, which includes some minor hills and will cross the Menunketesuck River footbridge. The new loop trail continues north past Pete’s Pond to the west bordering the Cockaponset state forest. Meet at the Platt Nature Center located at 344 Roast Meat Hill Road. There is no rain date for this hike.
The Killingworth and Kelseytown Reservoir hiking trail is also an approved DPH recreation program. Connecticut Water staff oversees the trails, which provide year-round recreation.
Both hikes are appropriate for children and families. Dogs are permitted on the hikes as long as they are leashed. The trails are not considered handicapped accessible. For more info on Connecticut Trails Day, visit ctwoodlands.org