HARTFORD, Conn. — For residents who enjoy an outdoor adventure, you can celebrate the first week of spring with the start of Connecticut's 2024 Sky’s The Limit Hiking Challenge.
Presented by the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s State Parks and Public Outreach Division, the challenge will bring residents to 15 state forest locations, giving them an opportunity to explore varying scenery and highlights at each site.
DEEP announced the challenge on Friday. The goal is to get people outside for fresh air and physical exercise. One can go on their own, grab a friend or family member, or bring a leashed four-legged companion, the announcement said.
In the state of Connecticut, forest covers somewhere between 57% and 60% of the land and there are 33 official State Forests, according to the DEEP. This year’s hiking challenge will visit about half of those state forests.
Those who complete the challenge, or walk 10 of the 15 forest trails, will receive a 2024 “Sky’s the Limit” hiking staff medallion and a certificate for participating. In addition to the medallion and certificate, 50 people who walk in all 15 locations will be entered in a drawing for a hand-carved hiking staff made by the state’s Sawyer from the DEEP sawmill or the Connecticut Woodcarver’s Association.
All entries are due by 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, the release said. On Jan. 1, 2025, or another date if determined, names will be drawn from those who visited all 15 sites, and the 50 winners will receive the hand-carved hiking staff.
If you post photos on social media, the DEEP asks that you use the hashtags #CTSTL2024 or #CTStateParks.
The DEEP offered several recommendations for those who plan to complete the challenge. First, if you’re not feeling well, stay home, and if you arrive at a forest and crowds are forming, choose a different trail or return another day or time.
While on the trails, it is important to give others enough space to pass. One can signal their presence with their voice, a bell, or a horn. Also, when hiking, be sure to bring water or drinks to hydrate.
Carrying a whistle, sunblock, a map, and insect repellant is also recommended, and it is important to dress for the weather; if it is cold, dress in layers and, as you hike, you can remove pieces of clothing.
The DEEP stresses that those participating in the challenge wear proper footwear based on weather and site conditions. Wearing orange is also a good idea because hunting is allowed in most state forests and some state parks. The whistle can be used to warn hunters of your presence.
Be aware of bears and be loud while hiking to make your presence known. If you see a bear, the DEEP says to make enough noise and wave your arms so the bear is aware of your presence.
Being aware of ticks can also help prevent Lyme disease.
Additionally, dogs must be on a leash for their safety and the safety of wildlife and fellow hikers, the DEEP says. Don’t forget to bring a map so you don’t get lost while hiking, be aware of your surroundings, and check out trail options.
Remember to visit the State Parks Twitter (X) to confirm that the park is open so you can plan your trip accordingly. The DEEP says that with the Passport to Parks Program, state residents are no longer required to pay a parking fee at Connecticut state parks and forest recreation areas due to the DMV collecting a $10 fee on behalf of DEEP at the time of registration.
Lastly, courtesy is a necessity on the trail. If you ride your bike, you must yield to everyone, and if you hike or walk, you must yield to horses. If you ride a horse, you have priority but should observe caution because not all trail users are aware of the rules.
For more information, visit CTParks.com.
Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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