It starts with a snowflake

One of my most cherished memories of my 38 years as a Bethel resident is a late October, mid-afternoon walk through the Couch Hill Preserve's two grassland meadows with my miniature schnauzer, Jake. Access to this preserve is via the adjacent Collis P. Huntington State Park, which has no direct access, so many think it is part of Huntington.

I have always loved the view of the far hills of Newtown and Redding from the meadows. Not a soul in sight, simple peace after working in NYC. The meadows that were months earlier full of life—the bobolinks (listed as a species "of special concern") that nest there in spring and summer and the numerous species of insects pollinating untold numbers of flowers—had been mowed and harvested for silage, producing large round bales of hay, later to be used for winter feed.

Meadows are somewhat rare but extremely important in Connecticut. The decline in wildflower meadows over the last 50 years has made the Couch Hill Preserve an invaluable ecosystem. Its meadow habitat supports hundreds of terrestrial species, including bees, flies, beetles, spiders, moths, butterflies, reptiles, rabbits, foxes, deer, field mice, birds, and bats.

Quietly and unexpectedly, a snowflake came to rest. The snowflake signaled that winter was just around the corner, perhaps to the chagrin of the mountain bikers and their untethered dogs who dotted the adjacent landscape of Huntington Park, some dog walkers, and runners who likely preferred not to think about winter's wrath.

For those who have yet to visit Collis P. Huntington State Park, the park spans Bethel, Newtown, and Redding with its 1,017 acres. It is a beautiful park with bridged and graveled carriage paths that meander through its forest and around its three lakes, West and East Lagoon, Hopewell Lake, and two ponds. Throughout the park, you will pass by numerous brooks, large boulders, steep hills, ledges, and first-growth trees that provide lovely Fall colors. The park is visited by mountain bikers, dog walkers, hikers, trail runners, horseback riders, canoers, and kayakers and is a haven for fishers.  

Eventually, winter follows, producing a white snow canvas, making it a beautiful time to explore Huntington Park, not on mountain bikes but snowshoes.

Since prehistoric times, snowshoes have evolved into a popular recreational activity. Why go snowshoeing? Imagine yourself in a quiet landscape of freshly fallen snow, breathing fresh air and immersing yourself in Mother Nature's beauty.

Snowshoeing offers a variety of health and recreational benefits, making it a great winter activity for people of all fitness levels. Here are some of the top benefits:

1. Cardiovascular Fitness • Snowshoeing’s low impact aerobic exercise can improve your cardiovascular health.

2. Strength and Endurance • Snowshoeing works your body, resulting in low-impact muscle building.

3. Improved Balance and Coordination • Walking in snowshoes requires balance and helps strengthen muscles, enhancing one's balance and coordination.

4. Accessible and Affordable • Snowshoes and poles are relatively affordable and can be enjoyed locally without the purchase of expensive ski equipment, ski passes, and the cost of distance travel.

5. Versatile for All Fitness Levels • Snowshoeing can be as intense or leisurely as you like.

6. Social Activity • Exploring snowy landscapes together can make for a fun and memorable experience with friends or family of all ages and abilities.

While there are numerous local and statewide parks and preserves one can choose from, Huntington Park is a fabulous place to start.

There are two main trailheads: the largest is at 50 Sunset Hill Road (Redding) and the other is at 20 Old Dodgingtown Road (Bethel). From either trailhead, you can access a 2.6-mile loop that most runners and walkers enjoy. What is lovely about this loop are its wide trails, vista views, and a view of ice-laden Hopewell Lake. The loop takes only about an hour or so to complete. One can extend this time by adding other trails.

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