Lone Pine Trail/Mattabesett Trail, Durham/Guilford, CT

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/0/f/9/600_456465305.jpeg

You need to have hiking experience for this event due to elevation and distance. Please don't be a first time ever hiker.

We are going to cross and head out to the Broom Stick Ledges area, cross route 77 and head to summit Totoket Mountain and then back to cars.

We will head down to route 77 on the Durham Guilford line for the Lone Pine Trail connected to the Mattabesett Trail-a blue blaze trail. This will be a 7 mile hike. We will find the headwater of the Cognichaug River to the top of Totoket Mountain at a blistering 720 ft.

This is going to be a loop. As you get to the big intersection, with Rts 79, 17, and 77, head down 77 south. About 4 miles down you will see a parking area on the left. DON'T PARK THERE. Continue down the road to a parking area about a mile down on the right. This is the beginning and end of the hike.

Bathroom info-none at the trail head-there is a Dunkin Donuts at the three route intersection.

You need a pack with water, snacks, and dress in layers. Please bring traction devices. I am not sure what kind of trail conditions we will encounter. I STRONGLY recommend waterproof hiking boots with ankle support. Cold weather is here so synthetic layers need to be worn. No jeans and no sneakers. There will be lots to photograph too.

For this hike, dogs on leashes and no children please. You will need to assess your ability to complete this hike. There is no place to bale out early. I am estimating that this will take no more than 4 hours. Please do not schedule your day with say a 2:00 event. We hike as a group so if that does not appeal to you please pass on this event. You must be able to keep a 2 mile an hour pace.

Items you must consider for every event:

• If you have an event after a hike, please do not sign up for the hike.
• End times are only an estimate.
• The group will not adjust speed or trail route to accommodate your schedule.
• If you cannot attend an event, please cancel 48 hours before. Late cancellations are rude and take away the option for others to join the event.
• Be a good hiking human

https://connecticutexplorer.blogspot.com/2013/09/mattabesset-trail-bluff-head-lone-pine.html

--- Legal Stuff ---
HAH COVID update for this event
Any attendees who have tested positive, have symptoms or have been in direct contact with an infected person should not attend.

By clicking on "Yes" for this event you agree, warrant, and covenant as follows:

In consideration for accepting this entry, I, the registrant, intending to be legally bound, hereby, for myself, my heirs, my executors and administrators, do waive and release any and all rights for damages I may have against any parties or persons connected with the Hartford Area Hiking meetup group for and related to the above listed event. I attest and verify that I am physically fit to participate in any portion of this above listed event. I grant Hartford Area Hiking permission to use any photographs, film or videotapes of this event for any purpose. I further attest that I, the registrant, am fully and completely responsible for any guests that I bring to the event, whether registered or not.