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Community Corner

Fun Facts About Hiking

Enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise - go for a hike!

Debbie’s Daily Dose of Food for Thought

There are many lovely walking and hiking trails in and around the shoreline. According to ABC-of-Hiking, hiking is “all about the journey” and “is a simple Outdoor Activity which entails preparation, simple pieces of gear, and knowledge of some essential aspects such as hiking training and rules and etiquette.” When you hike, please keep this quote in mind and have fun! “Take only pictures; leave only footprints.” Anonymous

Here are a few things to know about hiking.

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How to Get Started

Going for a hike can be as simple as heading out to a local forest or park and following marked trails or as challenging as a rigorous trek through unchartered territory. It is best to plan where you want to hike and for how long. Then, assess these three factors:

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1. Am I physically fit enough to undertake this hike?
2. Am I knowledgeable and experienced for this walk?
3. Am I mentally prepared for this?

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Hiking Shoes

The most important first thing to have for a successful venture into hiking is a suitable pair of hiking shoes or boots. Visit this site for more information about proper shoes and what to look for as you shop for them. Locally, you can purchase hiking shoes and gear at , or .

Hiking Safety

When you set out, establishing a hiking rhythm and speed and setting rest periods are extremely important for your health and to avoid any safety issues. Click here for more information about hiking rhythm and click here for hiking safety tips.

Where to Hike

Here are some of the many places to hike in our area: Branford Trails (, , Shoreline Greenway and to name a few); Sleeping Giant State Park; Chatfield Hollow State Park; Hammonasset Beach State Park; and, Gillette Castle State Park. Visit this site for more.

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