Join the Friends of American Legion and Peoples State Forests (FALPS) for an invigorating First Day Hike to welcome 2026!
Hike Details
| Date and Start Time | Thursday, January 1, 2026 at 10 AM EDT |
| Estimated End Time | 1 PM – 2 PM EDT |
| Location | Peoples State Forest 106 E River Rd Barkhamsted, CT 06063 |
| Total Distance | 4.25 miles |
| Total Elevation Gain | 700′ |
| Estimated Time | 3 to 4 hours |
| What to Bring | – Water (in Nalgene or similar bottles if below freezing) – Snacks (avoid water-heavy food if below freezing) – Warm, insulated layers including jackets, hats, and gloves – Insulated, waterproof hiking boots – Trekking pole(s) If ground is snow-covered, also consider bringing: – Traction devices (Nanospikes, microspikes or snowshoes) – Gaiters |
Hike Description
Meet FALPS director and hike leader Tim Deschenes-Desmond and other FALPS board members at the parking lot for Matthies Grove on East River Road in Peoples State Forest. Parking is available to the right (toward the North Meadows) and left (toward the pavilion) of the entrance booth. We will meet in the parking lot just to the right as you enter the lot.
The hike will depart from the access trail that begins in the same parking lot. From the Matthies Grove parking area, we’ll cross East River Road and hike a short distance to the Peoples State Forest Nature Museum. From there, we’ll continue on the Robert Ross Trail for about 1.5 miles until we come to a junction with the Agnes Bowen Trail. We will stop to admire the beautiful Gothic View before continuing onto the Agnes Bowen Trail for about 0.5 miles. Along the way, we’ll explore two FALPS-built boardwalks, including an observation deck looking out on the Beaver Brook wetlands. After a restful break and time to enjoy this beautiful ecosystem, we’ll continue on the Agnes Bowen Trail for another 1.5 miles until we return to the Robert Ross Trail and the Peoples State Forest Nature Museum. The hike will conclude after a short hike back to the Matthies Grove parking area.
Please email ctfalps@gmail.com with questions. We hope to see you there!
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