Nature Hike to a Beaver Pond

We just got word from naturalist John Anderson that this event is cancelled. The recent snow and freezing rain have created a thick crust on the North Brook Trail. Even his snowshoes complete with spikes couldn’t cope with well and on his test walk this morning he fell 2 or 3 times. Use the extra time for enjoying pancakes and doughnuts, and be sure and come back—the trail will still be there.

The Norfolk Rails-To-Trails Committee is holding a hike along its newest trail project, the North Brook Trail. We will meet and park at the Connecticut state garage on North Street (Rte. 272) and walk across the road to the trailhead. The trail gently slopes down to the old railroad bed and is an easy hike, though there are some places where you need to walk around some rough areas. A portion of the trail has been impounded by beaver and we will be walking on the frozen pond surface. Beaver lodges and dams can be observed from here. We will pass through a variety of habitats—forests, shrublands and marsh—and hope to sight numerous birds and other wildlife. Local naturalist John Anderson will lead the hike.