Winter Wonderland Walks, Skating and More |
by Cornelia Fortier, Contributing Editor
Winter weather shouldn't mean we have to limit our recreation options to meandering in the malls or munching Milk Duds at the movies. With Fairfield County's variety of parks, ponds, outdoor rinks, trails and nature preserves, there are so many scenic settings in which to view the natural world in winter and take in its seasonal beauty. And those frigid temperatures mean we have to keep moving!
Maybe the best way to make peace with the cold weather is to meet it head on; that is, as long as we're properly layered, buttoned, zipped and insulated. Then, with our breath hanging in the frozen air and a grey curtain of sky above, exercising feels especially exhilarating. And later, by the fireplace, the memory of the stark, winter landscapes we worked our way across makes a second glass of cabernet absolutely mandatory.
On Foot, or Cross Country Skis or Snowshoes:
Devil's Den, 33 Pent Road, Weston Open daily from dawn to dusk, Devil's Den has 1,756 acres, making it the largest preserve in Southwestern Connecticut. There are over 20 miles of hiking trails. Maps of the trails are available in the parking lot/registration area. There aren't any restrooms, however, and pets and bikes are not permitted. For more information, call 203-226-4991.
Squantz Pond State Park, Route 39, New Fairfield Named for Chief Squantz of the Schaghticoke Indians who lived at the northern tip of the pond, the remains of an Indian canoe over 22 ft. long and 5 ft wide, were raised from the pond's bottom leading to speculation that even before the settlers came, Squantz Pond may have once been much larger. While it may be mostly known for its beach and picnic areas, it also has trails, including ones that circle the pond and bring visitors startlingly close to the woodlands and wetlands that ring its western shoreline. For more information, call 203-797-4165.
Tarrywile Park and Mansion, 70 Southern Boulevard, Danbury A 654 acre land preserve with a majestic mansion, Tarrywile has 21 miles of hiking trails and a lake and hosts numerous outdoor events such as cross country skiing clinics, backpacking and camping demos, monthly guided hikes, orienteering, and environmental education programs. Its trails wind through woods and rocky terrain and then suddenly, emerge into open fields with spectacular views. A bird watcher's paradise, it is home to woodpeckers, hawks, turkeys and more. Check our Calendar of Events for information on Tarrywile's upcoming WinterFest or call 203-744-3130.
Trumbull Old Mine Park Trail, Tait Road, Trumbull Once part of the Housatonic Railroad, this section of the Rails to Trails Conservancy offers a 3 mile, relatively flat trail, much of which is located on a ledge overlooking the Pequonnock River. Excellent for walking and cross country skiing, it connects to the woods-filled Old Mine Park. To get there: >From CT 25, take Exit 9 onto Daniels Farm Rd. At the light in Trumbull, turn right onto Tait Road.. For more information, call 203-452-5075.
Babcock Preserve, 201 North Street, Greenwich Partly acquired from and partly donated by the heir to the R.J. Reynolds tobacco fortune, spear flints and a millstone dating to 2500 BC were found in this 297 nature preserve. With many well-marked trails for hiking, and trails up to 4 miles in length, it also has bridle paths for horseback riding. (Bring your own horse.) Also a favorite for cross country skiing. For more information, call 203-869-0376
Outdoors, with Skates:
Mead Memorial Park, Richmond Hill Road, New Canaan With its 24.5 acres, baseball fields and picnic areas, some might think Mead only comes to life during summer time. But its pond has become a popular spot in winter, for ice skating - and there are bathrooms. For more information, call 203-594-3600.
Tilley Pond Park, Lakeside and West Avenues, Darien With over 8 acres, and situated in the heart of Darien, the park has a wide variety of trees and woods, as well as the pond which offers outdoor skating in winter. A stone hut with a fireplace allows skaters to thaw, and then go back for more ice time. For more information, call 203-656-7325.
Binney Park, Sound Beach Avenue and Arch Street, Greenwich Though it's a favorite picnic spot when the July 4th fireworks display happens, this lovely 22 acre park, open dawn to dusk, has a pond for skating with benches lining it. For more information, call 203-622-7814.
The Rink at Longshore, 260 Compo Road South, Westport A full-fledged outdoor rink, with stunning views of Long Island Sound. The Rink at Longshore also rents skates, has a snack bar and can offer a list of skating instructors. For more information, call 203-226-7465.
