What we’re about
Our meetup group schedules hikes regularly for both the advanced hiker looking for long and strenuous workouts as well as the less serious hiker looking for shorter and more moderate walks. We hike all the trails and preserves in the Litchfield County area and often venture into New York and Massachusetts. Our focus is on exercise, making friends, and appreciating nature. We usually follow each hike with a social gathering at a local eatery.
This group is unique in that there is strong emphasis on learning about the diverse flora and fauna of Connecticut's wooded habitats and its ecology. I recently completed the DEEP/Goodwin Forest Master Naturalist program and love sharing the things I find exciting about the areas we explore. I am also really interested in CT history. When I'm not leading hikes for Litchfield County Explorers, I guide hikes professionally for the Mayflower Inn in Washington, CT and internationally for Connecticut Audubon Society EcoTravel. I am certified as an AMC hike leader and in wilderness first aid from the National Outdoor Leadership School.
Please join us!
Rami Haxhi
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Mount Greylock Hike, 8.6 miles with 2,536' elevationHaley Farm Trailhead, Williamstown, MA
This 8.6-mile loop trail (Mount Greylock and Stony Ledge via Hopper Trail and Haley Farm Trail) near Williamstown, Massachusetts. Generally considered a challenging route.
This loop has some incredible views from Stony Ledge and the summit of Mount Greylock. On a clear day, you can easily see into neighboring states like Vermont, New York, and New Hampshire. Hopper Trail leads to Sperry Road at the junction with some campsites. Continue on Hopper Trail to the Overlook Trail and the AT which crosses the summit. When you arrive back at the camping area, continue on Sperry Road to Stony Ledge and Haley Farm Trail.
Mount Greylock is the highest point in Massachusetts at 3,489 feet. Located in northwest region of the state, it is part of the Taconic Mountains, a geologically distinct range from the nearby Berkshires and Green Mountains. Expansive views and a small area of sub-alpine forest characterize its upper reaches. A seasonal automobile road crosses the summit area near three structures from the 1930s, which together constitute a small National Historic District.
Three structures contribute to the 1930s "Mount Greylock Summit Historic District," which is part of the National Register of Historic Places as of 1998. These are the Bascom Lodge and the Thunderbolt Ski Shelter, both designed a Pittsfield architect, and the War Memorial Tower designed Boston-based architects. Together, their cultural significance as period architecture was cited in the register. Mount Greylock has about 70 miles of hiking paths including an 11.5 mile section of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
Use this map as reference to the route we will be taking;
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/massachusetts/mount-greylock-and-stony-ledge-via-hopper-trail-and-haley-farm-trailMake sure you bring water and plenty of layers of clothing for changing weather conditions.
Event organizers are just responsible for leading the hike, they are not guides. Everyone should be prepared to take care of themselves. Please download the route on All trails in case you get separated from the group.
Organizer: James (860-796-5165)
Join us after the hike for a meal and fellowship at Olde Forge Restaurant, 125 North Main Street, Lanesborough, MA 01237
- Hike at Macricostas Preserve (Full Moon hike)124 Christian St, New Preston, CT
Roughly 5.5 miles and 800 feet elevation gain. Will do the loop to Waramaug Rock, counter clockwise.
Full moon hike. The preserve is open from sunrise to sunset.
A headlamp is required and poles are suggested. This hike will be slower than the usual LCE pace but still not a stroll. You must keep pace with the group. There is no sweep. A printed map is advised should you fall behind and need to hike out on your own.
Sorry no children or dogs.
Meet in the parking lot of Christian Street for a 6:15pm prompt departure.
Note there is little or no cell service in the parking lot.
https://steeprockassoc.org/preserve/macricostas-preserve/
https://steeprockassoc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Macricostas-Trail-Map-2024.pdfPlease put this address in your GPS as the map pin can be a bit wonky: 124 Christian St, New Preston, CT 06777
At an elevation of 1,250 feet, Waramaug’s Rock is a spectacular overlook providing panoramic views of Lake Waramaug and the surrounding countryside. Named after a chief of the Wyantenock Indian tribe, Lake Waramaug is the second largest natural lake in Connecticut, an ecologically vital habitat for wildlife and a recreational center for the Towns of Washington, Warren and Kent. The awe-inspiring views from the top are a rewarding dividend for the steep hike.
RSVP for the hike only if you are confident, you can safely complete it. You must not have medical issues that would inhibit your ability to safely participate, If you have any doubts consult your physician. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to: Stay with the group, Stay on the trail, Speak up early if you are having trouble, Confidentially inform the leader of any known potential medical issues (Allergies, Diabetes, Heart condition, etc.) and what we need to do to help you.
Required Equipment: appropriate attire and shoe gear, plenty of H2O & snacks, phone, printed map; and depending on conditions you may need a headlamp, rain gear, coat warm enough for overnight temps, dry base layer, hiking poles; and this list: [[https://hikesafe.com/gear-list/essentials](https://hikesafe.com/gear-list/essentials)](https://hikesafe.com/gear-list/essentials)
