Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

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03/08/2018

Connecticut State Parks “The Sky's the Limit” 2018 Hiking Challenge

Program Showcases State Parks and Forests and Promotes Outdoor Recreation

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced a great opportunity to hike 14 of Connecticut’s lesser known hiking trails and receive a “Sky’s the Limit” hiking staff medallion or pin for your efforts. This opportunity is part of a program that began in 2015 – “The Sky’s the Limit” 2018 Hiking Challenge, designed to promote hiking in Connecticut’s state parks and forests throughout 2018.
“What a great way to explore Connecticut’s state parks and forests with family and friends and joining others in a friendly challenge to visit all 14 locations,” said Robert Klee, DEEP Commissioner. “Connecticut has hundreds of miles of hiking trails all over the state, ready for you to hike any season of the year.”
Participants in this friendly competition have the opportunity to receive a medallion or pin for hiking to 10 designated locations.  For hiking all 14 parks, 50 people will receive a hand-carved hiking staff.  Names will be drawn from all who complet the 14 designated hikes.
For more information visit:  www.ct.gov/DEEP/SkystheLimit
Sky’s the Limit is easy, fun and this is what you do:
Step 1: Hike to one of the 14 CT State Parks or Forests listed.
Step 2: Snap a photo of yourself by a sign at the entrance to the park or forest.
Step 3: Take a second photo of yourself at the location described in the specific write-up on the website.
Step 4: To receive a medallion or lapel pin and certificate, email your 2 photos from each of ten parks listed below, along with your name and home address, to DEEP.SkystheLimit@ct.gov or mail to CT DEEP State Parks, Sky’s the Limit, 79 Elm St., Hartford, CT 06106. Entries must be received by Friday, December 7, 2018.
Step 5: To be entered to win a hiking staff, send your two photos (at the front sign and specific location) from all fourteen locations, along with your name and home address to the above address. On January 1, 2019, 50 winners will be chosen to receive a hand carved hiking staff. Entries must be received by Friday, December 7, 2018 to be entered into the drawing.
State Park & Forest Locations (not all locations are readily accessible year round, so remember to check www.ct.gov/DEEP/StateParks to confirm and plan accordingly):
  1. Housatonic Meadows State Park, 90 Route 7 North, Sharon
  2. Cockaponset State Forest, Peddler’s Road, Guilford 
  3. Naugatuck State Forest, Quillinan Reservoir Block, Ansonia
  4. Seth Low Pierrepont State Park Reserve, Barlow Mountain Road, Ridgefield
  5. Old Furnace State Park, South Frontage Road, Killingly 
  6. Moosup Valley State Park Trail, Route 14, Plainfield & Sterling 
  7. Paugussett State Forest, Lower Block, Great Quarter Road, Newtown
  8. River Highlands State Park, Field Rd., Cromwell
  9. Farm River State Park, Route 142 (Short Beach Rd.), East Haven
  10. Machimoodus State Park, 128 Leesville Rd., Moodus
  11. Hopeville Pond State Park, 929 Hopeville Rd. (Rt. 201), Griswold
  12. Sunnybrook State Park, Newfield Road, Torrington
  13. Day Pond State Park, Day Pond Rd., Colchester
  14. George Dudley Seymour State Park, Clarkhurst Road, Haddam
Visit www.ct.gov/DEEP/SkystheLimit for more details. 
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