Guided hiking tours of Mount Decatur to take place Saturday

Ledyard – Guided hiking tours of Mount Decatur, site of the fort constructed in Gales Ferry during the War of 1812, are available this Saturday.

Tours are available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors are asked to park in the Gales Ferry United Methodist Parking lot, located at 10 Chapman Lane in Gales Ferry.

Fort Decatur was established by Commodore Stephen Decatur during the war and remnants of the fort include stone structure and a monument inscribed on a boulder.

All visitors will be required to sign a liability release form. Tours will be guided by scouts from Troop 12 and should take between 45 minutes to an hour.

The hike is sponsored by the town, Styron LLC, Gales Ferry United Methodist Church and Boy Scout Troop 12.

The town has asked that persons of poor health or limited mobility not attempt the hike since it is strenuous and on uneven and sloping trails. All visitors should wear sturdy walking shoes and bring sunscreen and bug repellant. Clothing to protect from thorns and branches should also be worn and bottled water will be provided at the top of the hill.

The only available restroom facilities are those at the Methodist Church.