McLean Game Refuge - Granby, CT

Date Hiked: Saturday, February 16, 2019
Estimated distance:  3.07 miles
Weather: 36°F, fair
Resources: McLean Game Refuge, Trail Map
Highlights of the trip: beautiful sunshiny day, pileated woodpecker


I started at the Barndoor Hills Road entrance to the Game Refuge and walked toward Trout Pond.  On the return trip, I detoured on to the Werbitzkas Loop and came back along the West Branch of the Salmon Brook.  The trail conditions were a little tricky.  I wore my microspikes and used poles.  The microspikes weren't completely necessary, but the poles were quite helpful.

Cabin in the picnic grove

Basalt trap rock talus slope

Cabin at Trout Pond

This pileated woodpecker was in the tree as I headed toward Trout Pond and was still there on my return.  I spent quite awhile watching him and taking pictures and he seemed completely unperturbed.  Of course, he was above me by 20-30 feet, so I guess he had no worries.

Pileated woodpecker

Schiro Preserve from Werbitzkas Loop

West Branch Salmon Brook

Scantic River - Enfield, CT

Date Hiked: Sunday, February 3, 2019
Estimated distance:  1.76 miles
Weather: 34°F, cloudy
Resources: Scantic River Watershed Association, Scantic River Linear Park (Enfield) Map
Highlights of the trip: walking along the river


I noticed the Scantic River Watershed Association was offering a game day Super Bowl hike and it seemed like a good idea to get out and get some exercise and fresh air before planting myself in front of the TV and eating chicken wings!

We met at the parking lot of Powder Hollow Brewery.  There were quiet a few of us, enough to divide into a couple of groups.  I got a chance to catch up with someone involved with the American River Heritage Commission that I had met at CT Trails day in 2018 on the Scantic River in East Windsor.  This is another reason why hiking with groups can be fun.  Getting to meet such nice people.

I know we stopped to look at the fish ladder, but with the number of people, I didn't get a real good look.  We continued along next to the river and got to hear a little of the history of the area.  I had worn my microspikes, but they really were unnecessary.  In fact, there was one little girl walking along in her sparkly, pink sneakers.  She didn't seem to be having any problems, but I have to imagine her feet were cold and probably a bit wet by the time we got back to the parking lot.

The weather wasn't perfect, but I enjoyed the hike and seeing some place I hadn't been to before.