Calling all nature lovers and outdoorsy adventure seekers! The third year of our popular Lake A Hike program will start in June. Each hike will offer a different perspective of the lake, information about each of the trails in and around our watershed, and important details about the health of the surrounding areas and how they impact our Lake waters. All ages are welcome and encouraged!

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SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2024 10:00 AM

Lake A Hike: CT TRAILS DAY! HIKE THE PRESERVES OF THE LAKE WARAMAUG WATERSHED

The Kent Land Trust (KLT), the Warren Land Trust (WLT), and the Lake Waramaug Association (LWA) invite you to join us on Sat. June 1st at 10:00 am for Trails Day 2024! This year we are showcasing new trails on adjoining KLT and WLT preserves located in the Lake Waramaug watershed. These trails feature scenic old walls, rock outcroppings of every size and shape, lovely streams, meadows, and marshy areas, a walk alongside Beaman Pond, and a glimpse of Lake Waramaug along with the chimney and foundation walls of a historic farm building.

The hike which we estimate will take approximately 2 hours starts at WLT’s Cunningham Nature Preserve and winds through both that preserve and KLT’s East Kent Hamlet Nature Preserve before looping back through Cunningham once more. The trail is approximately 3.5 miles long, has an elevational change of about 580 feet, and should be considered MODERATELY DIFFICULT. As always, STURDY HIKING SHOES are the best footwear; mud, though not widespread, should always be considered a possibility in our New England climate, and bringing BUG SPRAY & WATER is never a bad decision. We will have board members and staff from our respective organizations to guide you, and snacks for that appetite you’re sure to work up!

We look forward to welcoming you to Kent Land Trust, Warren Land Trust, and the Lake Waramaug Association’s 2024 Trails Day hike! It’s going to be a great one.

Click here to register.

No rain date.

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COMPLETED 2023 HIKES:

SATURDAY, JUNE 3, 2023 10:00 AM - National Trails day

Lake A Hike: graham brush connector trail with warren land trust

Thank you to the hikers who participated! National Trails Day is the perfect opportunity to connect people in our community who share a love of nature. This first hike in our three-hike series will explore the Graham Brush Connector Trail with the Warren Land Trust. Join us and help bring awareness to our local treasures and the preservation of the Lake’s natural beauty.

This 5-mile hike winds through beautiful, unspoiled forest, lovely streams, and a beaver pond. There are old stone walls, rock outcroppings of every size and shape, wildflowers, ferns, and trees that run the gamut from saplings to old and stately. It’s a longer hike and moderately challenging with a few steep climbs and several places where the terrain is rocky and uneven. There are also several streams to cross. 

Sunday, JUly 9, 2023 10:00 AM

Lake A Hike: macricostas preserve with steep rock association

During the second hike of our series, we’ll explore the newly expanded trail system at the Macricostas Preserve.  The expansion includes an additional 1.5 miles of the Boulders Trail. Designed to last for decades with minimal maintenance requirements, the Boulders Trail is a testament to Steep Rock’s commitment to creating sustainable recreational opportunities in harmony with the natural environment. This hike features a rustic log bridge, numerous sets of stone steps, glacial erratics, and breathtaking views. 

A moderately challenging and guided hike up to the pinnacle Waramaug Rock with panoramic views of Lake Waramaug. The hike is approximately 5 miles with an elevation of 1250 feet (climb is approximately 550 feet.)

No rain date.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5, 2023 10:00 AM

Lake A Hike: ‘Little Waramaug Rock’ at Lake Waramaug State Park

Join us for our final hike of the 2023 season as we explore this hidden gem at the northern end of the Lake. If you’ve never camped at the State Park, you might not know there is a one-mile trail that leads to a spectacular bird’s eye view of the lake and surrounding farmland. Come out and connect with neighbors and friends and learn how funds raised by the recent LWA Give Local campaign Lake It Grow will support the replanting of State Park trees lost to disease, storms, and old age. Afterward, join us for refreshments among the newly planted Phase 1 Lake It Grow trees at the State Park. Parking is available in the State Park parking lot at 30 Lake Waramaug Road. Meet at the information booth perched at the top of the parking lot entrance at 10:00 AM. Dogs welcome on a leash; level: beginner with one mild decline at the end.

This hike is approximately 1 mile and features a moderate climb at the start. After that, it’s an easy hike over the ridge line and offers a spectacular view of Lake Waramaug and the surrounding farmland.  

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2023 10:00 AM

Lake A Hike: IRON MOUNTAIN PRESERVE WITH KENT LAND TRUST

COMPLETED 2022 HIKES:

SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2022 9:30 AM

Lake A Hike: ‘Little Waramaug Rock’ at Lake Waramaug State Park

Thank you to the 20+ LWA hikers celebrated National Trails Day on the best little hike hidden in plain sight! If you’ve never camped at the State Park, you might not know there is a one-mile trail that leads to a spectacular bird’s eye view of the lake and surrounding farmland. Come out and connect with neighbors and friends and learn how funds raised by the recent LWA Give Local campaign will support the replanting of State Park trees lost to disease and improvements of the watershed trails and markers. Afterward, join us for a complimentary snack and say hello to the new park supervisor, Stephen Merchant, at OutPOst Eats - the State Park’s new seasonal eatery. Parking is available in the State Park parking lot at 30 Lake Waramaug Road. Meet at the information booth perched at the top of the parking lot entrance at 9:30 AM. Dogs welcome on a leash; level: beginner with one mild decline at the end. Rain date Sunday, June 5, 9:30 am

SATURDAY, JULY 9, 2022 9:00 AM

Lake A Hike: Waramaug Rock (AKA ‘The Pinnacle’) Co-sponsored by the Steep Rock Association

Join us for a moderately challenging guided hike, approx. 4 miles. Start/finish at the Macricostas parking lot on Christian Street. Learn from an SRA guide about the ecological gem of the Macricostas preserve and Meeker Swamp. Delight in songbirds, butterflies, wildlife, and incredible views! Light TBD snack will be served.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2022 9:30 AM

Lake A Hike: East Kent Hamlet Preserve

Co-sponsored by the Kent Land Trust

Come out for a fantastic woodland tour led by a Kent Land Trust guide. Learn the fascinating history of this property and its myriad caretakers, see how the Kent Land Trust is working to restore and nurture native habitats, and understand the Preserve's situation among additional land protected by the State, Warren Land Trust, and Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy working to protect the health of the West Aspetuck River and our lake waters while offering excellent opportunities for passive recreation. Approx. 2-3 miles. Easy/ moderate. Meet at 39 Kent Hollow Road at the sign marking "East Kent Hamlet Nature Preserve" & park in the Preserve's lot.

POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER: TO BE RESCHEDULED

Lake A Hike: MATTATUCK TRAIL & WARREn land trust’s graham brush & coords preserves

Co-sponsored by the Warren Land Trust

Please join us on Sat. Oct 1st at 10:00 am for the first ever joint Lake Waramaug Association/Warren Land Trust hike. This hike will take you through beautiful and unspoiled forest, past some lovely streams (well, lovely if they have any water left after this dry summer!) and a beaver pond lush with water lilies. There are also old stone walls, rock outcroppings of every size and shape, carpets of ferns, and trees that run the gamut from saplings to old and stately. It’s a lovely walk that encompasses both a portion of the Weantinoge State Forest and 2 Warren Land Trust Preserves, Graham-Brush, and Coords.

What would a good hike be without a few fun challenging parts? The hike does have a few steep climbs and in one or two places the terrain is rocky (boulder-y?) and uneven. If the streams mentioned above aren’t dry, they have to be crossed – though only one presents a challenge. That said, we have worked out the best way to get across and not one of the 25 or so people who came on this walk in June had trouble getting over, and later back. There is one stretch along an old city road (appropriately, called Old City Hill Rd) that can be muddy, though again, may not be this year. Still, it’s probably best to wear sturdy hiking boots and leave the sneakers at home. Dogs who can go for 5 miles are welcome; this is probably not a good hike for young children.

This trail has been remarkably bug- and tick-free throughout numerous hikes though that’s not a guarantee and having some repellent handy is always a good idea. And don’t forget your water – walking 5 miles is thirsty work!

We look forward to seeing you on Oct. 1st – and we’ve got our fingers crossed for great fall weather! Approx. 5 miles. Moderate with some challenging parts. Meet at the end of Valley Rd in Warren. If you are coming from Warren on Rte. 341, Valley Rd is the last road on the left before Rte. 202. If you are coming from New Preston on Rte 202, turn left on Rte 341 and Valley Rd will be the first road on your right. There is no formal parking lot at the end but plenty of parking along the side of the road and by the chain link fence at the end. Rain date: TBD.