We’ll Be Outside For Connecticut Trails Day–Walk, Ride, Paddle This Way
Are you going?
Chance meetings, history, stories along the way.
Learned about preservation of stones, knowledge and history from Irma Carper Miller. Met her adorable Boston terrier, Jack too.
There will be rivers and views, bird song and beauty.
Dutch Point Hartford, Connecticut, and Little River. Circa 1870. Linked to a story about the area.
“Most people can’t see what’s in front of them if they don’t know what they’re looking for. But once you know what you’re looking for, you wonder how you didn’t see it.” Crystal Chan, Bird
Get out, get gone.
Rediscover the power of nature, incredible geology underfoot, wildflowers along paths and byways. You never know what will be found, even on a daily walk or ride in a nearby preserve, park, open space acres.
Outside. Where there are natural wonders such as this jack in the pulpit. CB/MDP
There are no shortcuts to any place worth going. – Beverly Sills
Shad in the Connecticut River – learn more about what lives and calls rivers and land home. Take a walk. Have a shad dinner. Photo at CT.gov linked to more information about this migrating fish and the Connecticut River.
No telling what you will find along the way, either.
What will you find? Remember, even after the weekend goes by, all those trails and byways remain.
Look at your child, grandchild, friend, canine sidekick, horse in a pasture–idling–then listen: Take me for out to where the water is clear, the path branches to places unknown, let’s go somewhere new.
There are state forests, bridle paths, and trails for riding; many interconnect.
Wongunk, Wongum, Mattabesett, Pyquag, River Indians, Middletown Indians… walking near the Connecticut River.
Handsome Dan.
— Moo Dog Press (@moodogpress.com) May 30, 2026 at 3:06 PM
An online directory makes finding your own path relatively easy throughout the state.
Some walks allow well-behaved dogs on leash of course; some do not.
Maybe notice a silent witness to history such as this weathered milestone or see forgotten stone foundations.
Even if it rains, take some time to look at places to walk after work and all summer long–the trails stay even when the events are over.
Be respectful of the trails; much work is involved to keep these places open and maintained by dedicated volunteers, groups, associations. If on a multi-use route, give right of way. Cyclists, please remember that walkers and riders cannot hear you approach and may startle – let people and their companions know you are there. Dog owners, leash your pet; some people are terrified of dogs and/or have had not-so-great experiences.
Be mindful and kind; stay aware that others may not want to interact with your dog nor be forced to do so.
A stone wall and pasture near Mansfield Depot. CB/MDP
“This museum is more than a tribute—it’s a reclamation of truth,” says Patricia E. Kelly, founder and CEO of Ebony Horsewomen, Inc. “We want young people, families, and visitors from all walks of life to see themselves in this legacy.”
— Moo Dog Press (@moodogpress.com) June 2, 2026 at 10:27 AM
Editor’s note: Most images in each story are linked to other reports.
Along the way, architecture, industrial history–New Departure, Meriden, CT.
Books, libraries, museums, trails, learning. Listening, asking questions. Fun.
A park slide memory. The carriage house in Meriden, CT (right).