Public Invited to Full-Moon Hike

The Canton Land Conservation Trust is inviting the public to its annual Full-Moon Hike this weekend.

Set for Saturday Jan. 22, at 6 p.m. it is an annual event with a hike lit by luminaries and moonlight, refreshments and a gathering. For the past several years, weather permitting, it has involved a walk to through parts of the Breezy Hill Preserve off of Breezy Hill Road to a private horse barn.

“I just think it’s magical,” said Mary Ellen Mullins, a land trust member. “It’s a special evening.”

“We’re really looking forward to it,” said Rhonda DeWeese. “We think it’s going to be pretty spectacular.”

Mullins, DeWeese and Jan Tanner, are in charge of the Trailblazers, a group of young hikers who take monthly treks on Land Trust properties. The events usually involve a bit of fun, such as a visit from Santa in December.

For the first couple years, the full-moon hike, started circa 2004, was more of an adult hike and gathering at a private home, followed by a kids' hike the next day.

Now the hike, a single event, encompasses the trailblazers, land trust members and the general public.

“It just keeps evolving year after year,” Mullins said.

Those who attend the event will have the option of two different walks to the barn, where the hard work will be rewarded with hot chili and hot chocolate. The most direct route is a 20-minute hike with an alternate trail about twice that. Both routes start in the same place and involve walking uphill at the beginning, before the trail levels off into moderate terrain.

Land Trust members snowshoed the trail last weekend and will perform some additional maintenance this week. But while snowshoes may not be necessary Mullins does recommend sturdy boots, possibly with some form of traction, warm clothing, flashlight or headlamp, water and a packable snack to share.

Due to horses at the farm, dogs are not allowed.

Due to the cold weather, Mullins expects the event will wind up around 8 or 9 p.m. and those who want to hike in should generally arrive before 7 p.m.

Any handicapped or elderly residents who would like to attend or meet family at the barn can contact Mullins at 860-693-2299 or maryellenmullins@comcast.net for directions.

The event would be cancelled in the event of extreme weather or cloud cover. Participants can check the land trust’s facebook page Saturday in case of bad weather.  A facebook account is not needed.

Participants are asked to park on the west side of Breezy Hill Road. Directions can be found here at the land trust’s web site.