The State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has announced a hiking challenge. The Sky’s the Limit Hiking Challenge calls for participants to explore bridges, footbridges and boardwalks on 20 trails within various state parks and forests, officials said.
Everyone who completes the challenge will receive a Sky’s the Limit hiking staff medallion and certificate to commemorate the accomplishment.
Additionally, for hiking all 20 locations, 50 people will receive a hand-carved hiking staff. Names will be drawn on Jan. 1, 2022, from everyone who completes the 20 designated hikes and submits entries by 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3.
“Sky’s the Limit is a great way to explore Connecticut’s state parks and forests while joining others in a friendly challenge to visit all 20 locations handpicked by those who know the parks best—the staff of our state parks system,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes.
The 2021 Sky’s the Limit Hiking Challenges include: Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill, Lovers Leap State Park in New Milford, Silver Sands State Park in Milford, Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison, Black Rock State Park in Torrington, Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth, Collis P. Huntington State Park in Bethel, Newtown and Redding, Southford Falls State Park in Oxford, Wharton Brook State Park in Wallingford, Wadsworth Falls State Park in Middletown, Peoples State Forest in Barkhamsted, Ferry Landing State Park (DEEP Marine Headquarters) in Old Lyme, Kent Falls State Park in Kent, Cockaponset State Forest in Chester and Haddam, Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, Devil’s Hopyard State Park in East Haddam, Stratton Brook State Park in Simsbury, Salmon River State Forest in Colchester, Osbornedale State Park in Derby, and Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme.
Hikers are invited to post photos on social media using the hashtags #CSTL2021 or #CTStateParks.
Participants are urged to remember to practice safe social distancing, keep a minimum of six feet distance from other people and wear your mask when passing near other people.