Of the 35 towns that comprise the National Heritage Corridor called The Last Green Valley, Hampton is one of the smallest in population, yet this year, apart from the City of Norwich, Hampton offers more Walktober events than any other town in The Last Green Valley! There are fifteen events scheduled in Hampton this October that span interests including hiking, biking, art, nature, wild edibles and local history. Please note that several of the events listed below require registration. For additional information on the entire Walktober series of events, please go to The Last Green Valley’s website at thelastgreenvalley.org.
October 2 & 17 Relaxed Ramble 11AM – 1PM & 1 – 3PM
A guided, moderate walk on Goodwin Forest’s trails. Sponsored by Friends of Goodwin Forest.
October 6 Goodwin Arts Day 1 – 4PM
Join a variety of art and nature enthusiasts for an afternoon of crafts, games and programs. Sponsored by Friends of Goodwin and the DEEP.
October 6 Abandoned Road Ramble 1 –3PM
Explore the Town of Hampton’s latest open space acquisition, the former Edwards property, a matured forest abutting Goodwin Forest. Sponsored by the Hampton Antiquarian and Historical Society.
October 11 Full Moon Night Hike and Campfire 7 — 9PM
Let the full moon guide your path as you take a night hike at Goodwin Forest, followed by a campfire and s’mores. Sponsored by Friends of Goodwin and the DEEP.
October 12 Autumn Mushrooms 10AM — NOON
Join a foraging family who hunt, photograph, identify and love to eat fungi for a discussion on cooking and eating wild mushrooms. Sponsored by Friends of Goodwin and the DEEP.
October 12 From the Mayflower to Main Street: The Brewsters of Hampton 1– 3PM
Starting at the Community Center, listen to a presentation of the history of Hampton’s Brewsters, descendants of Mayflower leader William Brewster, including artist John Brewster Jr. Walk to the Brewster house and tour this restored early 19th century family residence to see period antiques and decorative touches, as well as copies of John Brewster Jr.’s portraits. Sponsored by the Hampton Antiquarian and Historical Society.
October 19 Mountain Bike Ride 9AM — NOON
Quiet Corner NEMBA will lead guided mountain bike rides through Goodwin Forest’s trails. Bike and helmet required. Sponsored by Quiet Corner NEMBA.
October 19 Kids Mountain Bike Ride 9AM — NOON
An introduction to mountain biking for kids at least 8 years of age at Goodwin Forest. Parents must be present. Sponsored by Quiet Corner NEMBA.
October 19 A Day in the Life of Edwin Way Teale 10:30AM & 1:30PM
October 21 Fall Tree ID 1:30 — 3:30PM
Learn how to identify trees using bark, twigs and buds at Goodwin Forest. Sponsored by Friends of Goodwin and the DEEP.
October 26 Acorn Adventure: Hug a Tree and Survive 10 — 11:30AM
After a video and talk about how to find your way and stay safe in the woods, we’ll put our new skills to work on trails. Sponsored by The Last Green Valley and McLean Research.
October 26 Fall Fairy Homes 1 — 3PM
Contribute to Goodwin’s fairy community by creating your own fairy home and help us make our forest home to magical guests. Sponsored by Friends of Goodwin and the DEEP.
October 29 Hampton Station 10AM — NOON
Starting at the intersection of Eleventh Section and Estabrooks Roads, hear some of the lore of the Air Line trail as we stroll the site of the Hampton Station. Sponsored by Connecticut Eastern Railway Museum.
October 30 Long Distant Hike 10AM — 1PM
Enjoy the company of fellow hikers on this 3 hour, 5-6 miles hike on Goodwin’s trails. Sponsored by Friends of Goodwin and the DEEP.