Mark Trails Day Saturday with a hike

Lyme and North Stonington will participate in National Trails Day and Connecticut Trails Day on Saturday with hikes in those towns that are among 193 being held statewide this weekend.

The Lyme Land Conservation Trust offers two hikes through Chestnut Hill Preserve, the land trust's newest trail system, beginning at 10 a.m.

Forester and land trust Environmental Director Lisa Niccolai will lead a short hike along a moderately level path to a small waterfall. The longer hike will be led by former state geologist Ralph Lewis. Lewis' hike will continue along more rugged trails beyond the waterfall through Nehantic State Forest.

The guides will explain woodlands features, the geology of the area, some history, and plant and tree identification. Hikers are asked to leave dogs at home and wear waterproof shoes if possible.

Chestnut Hill Preserve is on Sterling Hill Road, off Route 156.

In North Stonington, William Hixson will lead a hike Saturday through the 75-acre Fowler Grindstone preserve.

The 1 p.m. hike, which also can be walked unguided, will begin at the Upper Trail sign on Fowler Road. The preserve includes logging trails, old stone formations, two large glacial erratics - one of which has a wooden staircase built on top - and crossings of the Hetchel Swamp Brook. The trail continues on to a private boulder farm along steep Pendleton Hill Brook embankments that takes you to an early 1800s - or older - shingle mill site and dam.

Rain cancels the hike, sponsored by the North Stonington Citizens Land Alliance.