Crystal Lake Hike and Picnic

Saturday, August 3, 2019 (rain date 8/4)
Group Hike: 11:30am
Picnic: 1 – 4pm
Crystal Lake at McCutcheon Park, Livingston Road, Middletown

Join a group walk led by The Rockfall Foundation through the hilly, wooded trails of McCutcheon Park. Experience large mountain laurel groves and rock formations from the early Jurassic period, 201 million years old. Narrow, packed dirt trail with some flat and some steeper sections. Approximately 1.5-2 mile hike meeting at the Crystal Lake pavilion at 11:30, wrapping up around 1pm for a picnic**. Time permitting we’ll also explore a short lakeside trail where blue heron and other birds may be spotted. Bring water and tick repellent. Wear sneakers (no sandals). Rain postpones hike and picnic to August 4th. No dogs on the hike, please.

**Enjoy a Summer Picnic with The Rockfall Foundation environmentalist community on August 3, 1-4pm. Burgers and hotdogs (meat and non-meat options), corn-on-the-cob, watermelon, and soft drinks to be served at the pavilion on Crystal Lake at McCutcheon Park, Middletown. Potluck dishes to share would be a welcome addition. Swim in Crystal Lake or bring your paddleboard or kayak. Wildlife, birds, and hiking trails surround the area, with a guided walk beginning at 11:30am, concluding in time for the picnic. All are welcome to join the hike and/or the picnic. Free for members of The Rockfall Foundation and their immediate family or a plus one guest. $5 donation for non-members for the picnic. RSVP required for the picnic. Please RSVP to amanda@rockfallfoundation.org by 7/31 with the number in your party, and a potluck dish, if you’re bringing one.  Bring your own place setting or we’ll have recycled paper plates, cups, napkins and utensils available. Rain date for both activities is August 4th, at the same times.

Directions to Crystal Lake at McCutcheon Park: From Randolph Road (Route 155), turn south onto Millbrook Road. Follow Millbrook for 1.5 miles and take the fifth right onto Livingston Road. After 0.2 miles, take the first right off Livingston into McCutcheon Park.  (Don’t rely on GPS, but if you do, “Crystal Lake Park” is the most accurate destination in Google Maps.) After passing the guard booth, turn left and park at the far end of the lot where you will see our pavilion.

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Founded in 1935 by Middletown philanthropist Clarence S. Wadsworth, The Rockfall Foundation is one of Connecticut’s oldest environmental organizations. The Foundation supports environmental education, conservation and planning initiatives in the Lower Connecticut River Valley through public programs and grants.  Learn more about our work and other events, such as our monthly Meet Your Greens networking social, at www.rockfallfoundation.org.