Hike Westbrook, Summer 2024 Challenge The goal of this challenge is to create a fun way for individuals, families and/or friends to get outside and explore Westbrook’s hiking trails. Hike Westbrook is a great way to explore the beautiful and ecologically diverse hiking trails in Westbrook. 

How does the challenge work? 

1. Complete the 10 designated hikes - see the Hiking List below - anytime between Memorial Day and Labor Day (5/30/2022 – 9/5/2022). If you like to hike with a purpose, each hike will offer an additional challenge: find a list designated landmark, or your own. 

2. Track your hikes.

3. Submit your hiking log to HikeWestbrookCT@gmail.com

4. Join us for a celebratory hike at The Elliott Easement (Chittenden Hill Road), to be announced.

5. Participants who complete all 10 hikes will receive a prize!!

What are the 10 designated hikes?

Click:    Hiking List

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    How do I track my hikes?

We have two suggestions for how to track your hikes:

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1. Fill out a Hiking Log.  We created one that you can use, but feel free to use any log you like.  When you have completed all 10 hikes, email a copy of your log to HikeWestbrookCT@gmail.com. 

2. Take a photo of yourself by a trail sign identifying your location and email this photo to HikeWestbrookCT@gmail.com. We’ll keep track of your hikes on our end. If we want to use your photo for our Facebook page or WLCT newsletter, we will ask for your permission before we do so. 

All entries are due by the end of September 2024.

What should I know about hiking before I hit the trails?

• If you’re not feeling well, stay home!

• If you arrive at a park or forest and crowds are forming, choose a different park and trail, or return another day or time.

• Warn other trail users of your presence and as you pass to allow proper distance and step off trails to allow others to pass. Signal your presence with your voice, bell, or horn.

• While enjoying your hike or walk, be safe outdoors by staying on the marked trails, and most importantly, have fun exploring. 

• Bring water or drinks.

• Bring a whistle, sunblock, map and insect repellant. 

• Dress for the weather.  It is best to dress in layers.  As you warm up while hiking, you can remove outer layers.

• Wear proper footwear based on weather and site conditions.

• Hunting is allowed in most state forests and some state parks so check out the CT Hunting and Trapping Guide and don't forget to wear orange during hunting season.  Also, bring a whistle or make noise so hunters know you are in the area. 

• Be Bear Aware and do make your presence known by making noise while hiking.  If you see a bear, make enough noise and wave your arms so the bar is aware of your presence. 

• Remember to protect yourself from Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases (e.g.. wear long-sleeves, pants and a hat, tuck you socks into your pants, do a full body tick check after your hike). 

• Dogs must be on a leash for their safety, the safety of wildlife and fellow hikers.  Please note that dogs are not allowed at Stewart B. McKinney. 

• Don't forget to bring a map and know what the trail blazes mean (don't think just because there is a wide open trail that is the correct way to go. 

• Be aware of your surroundings and check out options. There might be a trail that takes you around a steep area, consult your map.   

• Have  fun!!