Another day of nonsense headlines about state parks closing their parking lots because people have no creativity when it comes to exploring the outdoors.
After weaving through bunches of people walking — or stalled — along the paved path in Hartford’s Riverside Park, the rest of the adventure is smoother. The rule seems to be that most people can’t be bothered to walk more than five or ten minutes from the parking lot, and fewer are interested in unpaved surfaces. That’s good news for those who aren’t afraid to be alone, to walk on paths that are more wild.
If you walk or bike north of the train trestle, you will see even fewer people. Usually, no one. This is where you are more likely to encounter herons, turtles, beavers, deer, coyote, hawks, and even the occasional eagle. The trails are marked, and it’s hard to get truly lost as this land is a wedged between I-91 and the Connecticut River, with the North Meadows dike between both.
Contrary to rumors, there are no fumes coming off the bird sanctuary — north of the Hartford Fire Department Training Academy — though the pond beside the dike is another story. Still, it’s a fine place for spotting herons and other birds, and its odor does not begin to compare with what is emitted by the South Meadows incinerator.
Through a combination of trails, or just walking the dike, you can reach Windsor. Soon, it should be possible to cross Meadow Brook (with dry feet) and explore the fantastic meadows, which may be the only ones left in either the North or South Meadows. This is one of the more intriguing spots left in the city, and is now part of Riverfront Recapture. For the time being, it’s fenced off while they do some work on the property. There’s nothing to stop you from peeking through the fence.
That property contains a wood frame house built around 1760 (if the City’s property assessment information is accurate) making it one of the oldest structures in Hartford; there are only four others: Butler-McCook Homestead, Amos Bull House, Old State House, and a private residence on Violet Street, not far from the building in the meadow.
When these areas connect, you will be able to travel in a space free of cars, from Charter Oak Landing to Windsor. After taking a few side streets, you can jump back on a path in Windsor that will take you to the Bissell Bridge. For now, when you reach the end of the line, you can turn around and come back through the trails, walking or biking for quite a ways before putting a mask on becomes necessary.
Parks and Recreation
Another day of nonsense headlines about state parks closing their parking lots because people have no creativity when it comes to exploring the outdoors.
After weaving through bunches of people walking — or stalled — along the paved path in Hartford’s Riverside Park, the rest of the adventure is smoother. The rule seems to be that most people can’t be bothered to walk more than five or ten minutes from the parking lot, and fewer are interested in unpaved surfaces. That’s good news for those who aren’t afraid to be alone, to walk on paths that are more wild.
If you walk or bike north of the train trestle, you will see even fewer people. Usually, no one. This is where you are more likely to encounter herons, turtles, beavers, deer, coyote, hawks, and even the occasional eagle. The trails are marked, and it’s hard to get truly lost as this land is a wedged between I-91 and the Connecticut River, with the North Meadows dike between both.
Contrary to rumors, there are no fumes coming off the bird sanctuary — north of the Hartford Fire Department Training Academy — though the pond beside the dike is another story. Still, it’s a fine place for spotting herons and other birds, and its odor does not begin to compare with what is emitted by the South Meadows incinerator.
Through a combination of trails, or just walking the dike, you can reach Windsor. Soon, it should be possible to cross Meadow Brook (with dry feet) and explore the fantastic meadows, which may be the only ones left in either the North or South Meadows. This is one of the more intriguing spots left in the city, and is now part of Riverfront Recapture. For the time being, it’s fenced off while they do some work on the property. There’s nothing to stop you from peeking through the fence.
That property contains a wood frame house built around 1760 (if the City’s property assessment information is accurate) making it one of the oldest structures in Hartford; there are only four others: Butler-McCook Homestead, Amos Bull House, Old State House, and a private residence on Violet Street, not far from the building in the meadow.
When these areas connect, you will be able to travel in a space free of cars, from Charter Oak Landing to Windsor. After taking a few side streets, you can jump back on a path in Windsor that will take you to the Bissell Bridge. For now, when you reach the end of the line, you can turn around and come back through the trails, walking or biking for quite a ways before putting a mask on becomes necessary.
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