Spring Challenge Hike on Laurel Marsh Trial in Manchester, CT on April 20, 2024

[David Ostafin]

April 2024 is the 14th anniversary of our hiking group.  To celebrate, join us for our Spring Challenge on a 4 miles hike of the Laurel Marsh Trail on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in Manchester, CT.  This is a mostly flat hike, but it is deemed "moderate" because of the length of the trek, which will require over two hours to complete.  Meet at the Spencer Street Commuter Parking Lot in Manchester, CT, off Exit 1 of I-384 at 10:30 a.m. for a prompt departure at 11:00 a.m.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  We will NOT be meeting at the other trailhead off Middle Turnpike West, because there is limited parking there.  To meet our parking needs, we will start our hike at the Spencer Street Commuter Lot and access the Laurel Marsh Trail from there.

ABOUT THE HIKE:  The plan is to hike the full red-blazed trail loop.  We will reach the loop via a short access trail across the road from the commuter parking lot.  The trail loop is mostly flat, but with two or three gentle slopes.  The trail is diverse, with a little bit of everything.  The views include forests, meadows, wetlands, and sections of the Hockanum River and Hop River, plus the confluence of these two waterways.  There are easy waterway crossings on footbridges, as well as an extensive boardwalk system.  The hike offers close access to the water (10 wooden benches are distributed throughout the trail), panoramic vistas over the water and marshland (there are observation decks), and numerous opportunities for bird-watching (there are many wooden birdhouses on posts near the waters).  The Hockanum River Linear Park Committee (HRLPC) takes good care of the trail.  The flora includes extensive phragmites, invasive plants known as the common reed, as well as a big weeping willow tree and several large beech trees (ideal for carving; many have extensive sets of carved initials dating back decades).  The fauna includes deer and beavers, as well as mallards and Canada geese.  One section of the boardwalk has been washed out, which will require a short detour around the broken part to reconnect with the main boardwalk system.  The hike has its urban motif as well, as we will be walking adjacent to the Exit 60 Exit of I-84.  We will go under several highway bridges with extensive and colorful graphic markings (one man's graffiti is another man's art!). 

At one time there was the picturesque Laurel Lake on the site, a lake madet by damming the Hockanum River to create the Pitkin's Falls as a powersource for the Pitkin's Powder Factory. There was a popular amusement park at the site from 1885 to 1923.  But when the dam was dismantled, the area sank into a marsh ( which is also picturesque in its own way).

About halfway through our hike, we will reach the other trailhead entrance, off Middle Turnpike West.  There is a small parking lot here, which is a bit too small for our needs.  But there is a large LAUREL MARSH TRAIL sign which may be ideal for a group picture.  This is a "cruising" area, and limited parking spaces are sometimes used by persons unknown for purposes other than for hiking the trail system. 

NOTE:  There are no bathroom facilities along the trail, but there is a WENDYS across the street from the commuter parking lot, as well as a gas station.  Dogs on leash are most welcome.  As always, dress appropriately for the season, and read our DISCLAIMER in the ABOUT US section.  This is a marshy area, and the Spring season can be a bit muddy.  Wear proper water-proof footwear.  Plan to use bug spray to ward off any bugs and ticks.

DIRECTIONS TO THE SPENCER STREET COMMUTER LOT

From points West:  Take I-84 East toward Manchester. Then take Exit 59 on the right to I-384.  Take Exit 1 on I-384 to Spencer Street.

From points East:  From I-384 West take Exit 1 to Spencer Street.  Go straight across from the traffic light at the end of the exit into the commuter parking lot.

The Spencer Street Commuter Parking Lot is across the street from West Cemetery.  For a GPS address, you can use the West Cemetery address:  274 Spencer Street, Manchester, CT.

AFTER-HIKE SOCIAL:  The optional after-hike social will be at Joey Garlics, at the Manchester location near the Buckland Mall:  31 Redstone Road, Mancheseter, CT.  It is only a ten-minute drive to the restaurant from the parking lot via highway 84 to the Buckland Street exit (Redstone Road is off Buckland Street).  To view the menu, visit the restaurant's website:  www.joeygarlics.com

Giovani Querido and David Ostafin