Commune With Nature on an Easy Highlawn Forest Hike

This story was written by Middletown editor Cassandra Day.

Sunday was a perfect day for a hike. Partly sunny, a little breezy, sweatshirt or sweater weather, that is until you really get a good gait going on the trails and then that extra layer is shrugged off the shoulders and tied around the waist.

At least that was my experience as a first-time walker along the Connecticut Forest and Parks Association's newest path on the Blue-Blazed Trail system, Highland Forest Trails. 

A little over two miles in length, with easy and varied terrain, the main trail has a number of loops that shoot off it for shorter walks. You'll see conifer plantations, mixed hardwood forests, and red maple swamps. 

Check it out yourself during the next WalkCT Family Ramble, Frog Friday, at the Connecticut Forest and Parks Association, Highlawn Forest, Rockfall (off Route 66) April 26 from 4-5:30 p.m.

Families with children of all ages can join leader Lucy Meigs for Frog Friday in Rockfall/Middlefield (at the CFPA headquarters). Observe transformations that occur in vernal pools during several scheduled outings throughout the spring. Come to one outing or come to all, to see an array of creatures that live in vernal pools this time of year, including frogs, frog and salamander eggs, tadpoles, salamander and insect larvae, etc. Viewing scopes will be provided.

The Frog Friday series continues May 17 and June 7. This free, special series is jointly sponsored by Everyone Outside and the WalkCT program of the Connecticut Forest & Park Association, and is suitable for families with children of all ages.