Name: Saugatuck Trail: Part 2; South & West, +/-10 miles, Intermediate Hike
Start: 2024-12-12T09:00:00-05:00
End: 2024-12-12T15:00:00-05:00

**This will be a +/-10 mile hike, with an elevation gain of +/-1200 feet. The hike will be a basic out and back, with some side trails added on, only if interest and conditions permit. We will be meeting and starting from the "Saugatuck Universal Access Trail" parking area. We will be taking the branch of the trail that heads south and west. It is an “Intermediate" hike, NOT for beginners; because of distance and time, ups and downs, possible trail conditions and no alternative routes. There are no dogs allowed on this preserve.**

The Connecticut Forest & Park Association, Blue-Blazed Trails:
Saugatuck Trail; Length: 11.8 miles, Towns: Weston, Redding, Easton
Trail Overview: The Saugatuck Trail is located within the 15,000-acre [Centennial Watershed State Forest](http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2716&q=447970&deepNav_GID=1650) and closely parallels its namesake, the Saugatuck Reservoir. The trail offers a variety of terrain, rock outcroppings, vernal pools, wetlands, streams, and spectacular vistas of the reservoir. The trail also connects to the blue-blazed Aspetuck Trail, offering longer distance hiking opportunities.

Because the trail is located within watershed lands, recreational use is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Please respect and obey all signs. The Centennial Watershed Forest is managed cooperatively by the CT DEEP, Aquarion Water Company and The Nature Conservancy. Allowed Uses: Hiking Only, No Pets.

We will be doing the South and West portion of the Saugatuck Trail, beginning from the Universal Access Trail head (pictured above and pinned on the map for directions). We will explore this +/-10 mile out and back trail near Redding, Connecticut. It is a beautiful hike along the reservoir with a few peaks and forested areas. It is generally considered a moderately challenging route, and it takes an average of +/-5 hours to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking and snowshoeing, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/connecticut/saugatuck-trail

**RSVP to join, there will be a limit of 12 hikers, based on demand and/or weather conditions, as necessary. Rating: “Intermediate”, for experienced hikers, +/-10 miles, moderate paced (2.0-2.5 mph) with few stops. You must stay with the group without holding us back. Take pictures for photo contest. DOGS are NOT allowed on this trail.**

***Please cancel at least 48 hours prior to event, so the wait list can attend. If on the day of the event, you can't make it, please take your name off the going list. A message would also be appreciated, so the group doesn't have to wait to see if you show up. Thanks...***

**Required Equipment: appropriate attire and shoe gear, plenty of H2O & snacks, phone, printed map; and depending on conditions you may need a headlamp, rain gear, coat warm enough for overnight temps, dry base layer, hiking poles; and this list:** [https://hikesafe.com/gear-list/essentials](https://hikesafe.com/gear-list/essentials) **.**

**Please consider joining the Connecticut Chapter of the Sierra Club; they support our chapter and leaders: [https://www.sierraclub.org/](https://www.sierraclub.org/)**
***Thank you and keep on hiking; from the Connecticut Chapter of the Sierra Club, and your hike leader!***

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Saugatuck Trail: Part 2; South & West, +/-10 miles, Intermediate Hike

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Saugatuck Trail: Part 2; South & West, +/-10 miles, Intermediate Hike

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