New for 2026: Traprock Ridge Hiking Club
Anyone is welcome to join the brand new Traprock Ridge Hiking Club exploring trails in our local area. We try to highlight the many different features that make the regional ridgeline to the rivers so unique. We will be hosting these hikes in partnership with the Simsbury Land Trust Hiking Club to share even more of our region’s protected lands with you!
Please review the details for each hike carefully, as we will provide details about terrain and proper equipment to bring so you can confidently attend the hikes that fit your ability and preferences. In general, be sure to wear sturdy shoes for hiking the varied, and potentially muddy or icy, terrain. Consider layers for the unpredictable Connecticut weather. However, we will cancel due to heavy rain, strong winds, and ice/heavy snow, so please check Facebook or Instagram the morning of the hike for cancellations.
Contact Dave Mogul at hikes@trlandconservancy.org with any questions.
Upcoming Hikes:
Wednesday May 13th: Ethel Walker Woods, 86 Town Forest Road, Simsbury
Please join us for this hike through Ethel Walker Woods, led by Traprock Ridge member, Susan Klotz, along with TRLC volunteer Dave Mogul. The planned hike is a loop of about 2½ miles, and it’s expected to take 1.5–2 hours, depending on our group’s pace.
We will hike along mostly easy bridle paths with some hills and more moderate ups and downs. Some trails can be quite wet so wear appropriate footwear. There are many options if you want a shorter hike. Please bring snacks and water. Dogs on leashes are welcome.
We’ll depart at 10:00 a.m. from the parking lot in Town Forest Park.
Alternate date of May 20 if we need to reschedule.
Wednesday June 10th: Hike along Metacomet Trail and through Wilcox Park, Bloomfield
Please join us for this hike with TRLC volunteer Dave Mogul. The planned hike is mostly a loop of 2 to 3 miles using trails in the park and on the Metacomet trail. The hike is expected to take 2-3 hours, depending on our group’s pace.
This is a moderately easy hike, with few inclines and fairly stable footing. Several spots on the ridgeline allow for views of the surrounding area as well as potentially some larger birds gliding on the wind currents.
Be aware that mosquitos and other bugs are likely to be joining us, and that there are several areas that are exposed to the sun, so please prepare accordingly.
We’ll depart at 9:00 am from the parking area for the northern end of the Metacomet Trail in Penwood State Park which is at the end of the cul-de-sac on Mountain Road off Elm Street in Tariffville. Parking is along the road shoulders.
Alternate date of June 17 if we need to reschedule.
Past Hikes:
Saturday, January 10th: Penwood State Park, 560 Simsbury Road, Bloomfield
Please join us for this hike with TRLC volunteer Dave Mogul at Penwood State Park. The planned route is about 3 miles, and it is expected to take 2-3 hours, depending on our group’s pace.
We will be hiking the scenic yellow trail
Meet at 10:00 a.m. in the parking lot at 560 Simsbury Road, Bloomfield.
Saturday, February 14th: Northwest Park, 145 Lang Road, Windsor
Please join us for this Valentine’s Day hike with TRLC volunteer Dave Mogul at Northwest Park. Although the route may vary due to trail conditions, the planned hike is a circular one of about 3 miles that will take 2-3 hours depending on our group’s pace.
This is expected to be an easy hike with a limited number of inclines and areas with uneven footing. Since there’s potential for snow and/or ice on the trail, please wear sturdy shoes or boots that have good traction, and bring poles if you like to use them.
In recognition of Valentine’s Day (and to celebrate our mutual love of the outdoors!), we will enjoy donuts and hot cocoa after the hike.
Meet at 10:00 a.m. in the parking lot that’s located right inside the park, across from the soccer fields.
Wednesday, March 11th: West Hartford Reservoir #6, 3022 Albany Ave, West Hartford
Please join us for this hike led by TRLC volunteer Dave Mogul. Although the route may vary due to trail conditions, the planned hike is a circular loop of about 3 miles using multiple trails (including the Metacomet), and it’s expected to take 2-3 hours, depending on our group’s pace.
Depending on trail conditions, this is expected to be an easy hike with a limited number of inclines and areas with uneven footing. Since there’s potential for snow and/or ice on the trail, please wear sturdy shoes or boots that have good traction, and bring ski poles if you like to use them.
We’ll meet at 10:00 a.m. in the northernmost parking lot off Albany Ave (not the one that’s located right inside the property). This lot is accessed by driving through that first lot, following the road along the reservoir until it ends, and then making a left at that intersection, then following the signs past the stop sign to the northern parking lot.
Thursday, April 9th: McLean Game Refuge, 109 Salmon Brook St, Granby
Please join us for this hike with Tammy Olszewski, along with TRLC volunteer Dave Mogul, for her annual frog pilgrimage at McLean Game Refuge. The planned hike is a loop of 4 to 5 miles using multiple trails, and it’s expected to take 4-5 hours, depending on our group’s pace
This is a moderately difficult hike, which includes a relatively steep but short climb to the summit of East Barndoor Hill. The key feature of this hike is an amazing visit to a vernal pool with thousands of chirping wood frogs.
We’ll depart at 10:00 a.m. from the eastern parking lot of McLean Game Refuge, located at 109 Salmon Brook St.