Join us Mother's Day for a moderate there-and-back-again 7 mile hike via the Appalachian Trail in western CT. We'll hike near the western border of CT up and over a well forested ridge, down to Ten Mile River and then along the ragin' Housatonic River. There will be beautiful views of the Housatonic River valley, and a great mid-river viewpoint on an island where we'll have our lunch stop within sight of Bull's Bridge covered bridge and the nearby falls. On the way back we can make a side trip on the Herrick Trail to the Housatonic Overlook point. Expect rocky trails and one long sustained hill climb each way.

If there's interest afterward we can stop at a nearby bakery/deli across the state line in NY.

Equipment: Sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Water - at least two liters. Trail lunch. Hiking poles if needed. Plan to dress for spring hiking conditions, and avoid cotton. Rain jacket if there is the possibility of a shower. Sun protection. Bring a mask to be used in case of passing closely by other hikers and if you'd like to go into the bakery/deli afterwards.

Weather: Heavy or all day rain cancels; a passing shower doesn't.

From points west in NY state, take NY State Route 22 to State Route 55 in Wingdale and head east on Route 55 to the CT state line. The AT trailhead parking area will be on the right just after crossing the state line.

From points in CT take US 7 in western CT to Gaylordsville and turn west onto State Route 55. The AT trailhead parking area will be on the left approximately two miles from the junction of US 7 and Route 55.

Google Map link to AT trailhead parking area: https://maps.google.com/maps?daddr=41.64459,-73.51914&hl=en&sll=41.644677,-73.518695&sspn=0.001792,0.004128&t=h&mra=mift&mrsp=1&sz=19&z=19 .