People all over the country are taking a walk this weekend for National Trails Day, and Connecticut is hosting its own Connecticut Trails Weekend across the state. The Connecticut Forest and Park Association has listed hundreds of options, from leisurely strolls, to walks through historical sites, to expert level hikes up steep terrain. Locally, many organizations are hosting events and hanging out welcome signs. For more hikes in the region visit the hiking guide. For events specific to Trails Day, see our Trails Day calendar or visit www.ctwoodlands.org.

Nehantic State Forest - East Lyme section

Grassy Hill Road, East Lyme

There is also access off Holmes Road. Parking is limited to a few spaces along the north side of Grassy Hill Road.

This 1,900 acres forest is traversed by Park Road, a dirt road suitable for hiking or mountain biking. The Park is on both sides of Grassy Hill Road. From the south side, a dirt road of roughly one mile heads almost due south to the edge of Powers Lake. From the north side of Grassy Hill Road, Park Road travels roughly due north about a mile and a half between Grassy Hill and Holmes Road. There are wetlands and waterways, including the Fourmile River and Beaver Brook. There are ledges and some steep terrain throughout. It is owned by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve

Near Veterans Field on Route 161, East Lyme

Parking is in the lot for the softball field and a nearby sign directs you to the trail entrance.

This preserve is several trails of various lengths, the longest of which is about 3 miles and moderately strenuous and hilly in spots. The preserve is largely comprised of two major rock ridges running north and south; between the ridges is the ravine gouged out by glaciers. There are scenic views and wetlands throughout the area, including Clark Pond. A map can be found at the Oswegatchie Hills website. The area is owned by the Town of East Lyme and the East Lyme Land Conservation Trust.

Raven’s Wood

Brainard Road, East Lyme

There is a small dirt parking area at the entrance for three to four cars.

Raven’s Woods is 22 acres of woods that sits along the Pattagansett River as it flows south near Giant’s Neck. The main trail is about a half mile out and back and is generally wide with good footing. There are two side paths that branch off of the main trail. There are a few areas with roots and divots and views of the Pattagansett River. A number of side trails branch off of Raven’s Wood trail. Though not a part of the Raven’s Wood trail system, they are well established and generally easy to follow. For more information, contact the East Lyme Land Conservation Trust at (860) 739-5377.

Rocky Neck State Park

Route 156, East Lyme

The park has three main trails — red, blue, and white — of mostly easy terrain. Natural features include a scenic overlook, boulders, streams and an estuary. Fees are charged to get into the park from Memorial Day to Labor Day but there are no fees to enter from the trailhead. The park is owned by: State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. For more information, visit the DEEP website.

Chestnut Hill Preserve

Sterling Hill Road, Lyme

Parking is along the right side of Sterling Hill Road. This 40-acre preserve has trails with orange markers that connects to a trail in Nehantic State Forest. It passes by a small waterfall on Falls Brook and has mixed hardwood forests and stonewalls on upland areas. Terrain is easy to moderate in difficulty. Natural features include wetlands and streams. It is part of the watershed of the Wild & Scenic Eightmile River. The Lyme Land Conservation Trust owns the preserve and has two other nearby properties: Plimpton Preserve and Sterling City Preserve, both on Sterling City Road. For more information, visit the trust website.

Elizabeth Karter Watch Rock Nature Preserve

Joel Road, off Caulkins Road, Old Lyme

The 25-acre nature preserve where the Duck River enters the Connecticut River includes wide, flat, easy trails. A loop can be completed in about 20 minutes at a brisk pace, or can include more criss-crossing and exploring. The area is filled with shore birds, especially owls and osprey, and has great views of the mouth of the Connecticut River, which is the main scenic draw of the walk. It is owned by Old Lyme Conservation Trust. More information is available at the trust website.