Outdoor activities groups near Niantic, CT

Welcome to **Tales, Trails, and Taverns**! Are you fascinated by spine-tingling ghost stories, enchanted by local legends, and invigorated by outdoor adventures? Join us as we embark on thrilling hikes through scenic trails, sharing chilling tales of haunted locales and mysterious legends along the way. Our group explores the natural beauty of our surroundings while delving into the supernatural tales that haunt them. After our hikes, we gather at haunted taverns and cozy watering holes to swap stories, discuss paranormal podcasts, and enjoy good company. Whether you're a seasoned ghost enthusiast or simply curious about the eerie history of our region, Tales, Trails, and Taverns offers an engaging blend of adventure, storytelling, and community spirit. Come join us for an unforgettable journey where every trail leads to a new tale and every tavern visit adds another chapter to our collective folklore!

**Join us for fun and challenging outdoor activities while making some new friends. We hike almost every trail in CT and the nearby states, the mountains in the Northeast and have backpacked the Grand Canyon, Patagonia, Sequoia, Banff, Mount Whitney, Iceland, etc.. We have some great hikes, paddles, trail runs and trips planned** **Our volunteer leaders are some of the most experienced and accomplished hikers in CT. Most have climbed all 48 NH's 4k's and the higher mtns. in the NE, all are Mtn. Club trained, and many are WFA certified.** **Our members the most avid hikers in CT with many working on climbing NE's highest peaks, AT miles or hiking destinations across the country. We have hikes for all levels, but many are for intermediate – advanced hikers so please read the description and be sure you are physically capable.** **Chapter Leadership** **(Use Meetup Message function to communicate with the leadership)** **Chair Bill R.**                                                      **Vice Chairs: Darryl L./Amanda N./Jennifer** **Treasurer: Kevin B./ Pete S.**                           **Secretary: Donna M.** **Advisory Council Trustee: Kathleen Mi.         Alternate: Ken E.** **Hiking/Backpacking Chairs:  Jeff M./ Eugenia M.**             **Paddling Chair: Carolyn** **Education Chairs:  Jennifer B/Kathleen Mu./Janice M.** **Trail Running Chair: Monica S**                       **Rocky Mtn. Chair Daniel G.** **Membership Chairs:  Tony Mac /Patty**        **Communications Chairs: Bill M./** **Photography Chair: Naomi**                          **Conservation Chair: Sabine** **Member Advisors: Jeff O./ Bill C**/Lori D                  **Social Chairs: Angela R/Alena** We are proud to become the outdoors activity group for CT’s chapter of the Sierra Club.  [https://www.connecticut.sierraclub.org/](https://www.connecticut.sierraclub.org/)   We appreciated our 2 years with the ADK Mtn Club but unfortunately, they are making changes that would have made it difficult for our hikers and volunteers to operate as we always have. The 100-year-old Sierra Club has 3.8 million member and will allows us to continue offer outdoor activities in the same manner as always, with our leader posting hikes and hikers RSVPing for events using Meetup.  We hope you will support us by joining the Sierra Club **[https://www.connecticut.sierraclub.org/  ](https://www.connecticut.sierraclub.org/)** membership is not a requirement (But encouraged) to participate in hikes & events. This change is solely an internal move so we may retain the ability to post and lead hikes consistent with what we currently do. The CT Sierra Club is a strong organization with a mission to protect the resources of CT, from the Sound to the forest uplands and the flora and fauna that occupy these places and the places in between. They will help us with all the support that our hikers/event participants don’t see but enable us to operate effectively. (Training, Liability protection for our leaders, etc.)    **The CT Chapter is regulated by and subject to the Articles of Incorporation and By-laws of the Sierra Club, Inc., and organized under Section (501) c (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.**

The Shoreline Sailing Club is a club for active singles. We have both sailors and power boaters. Please join me at Clark Field, 210 Elm St, Old Saybrook, on the first and third Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m. This club has 205 members and usually, 35 to 40 people attend our meetings twice a month.   Please note that when you join SSC meetup.com, you are not automatically a member of SSC. We are a FUN group who enjoy many common interests; we are all single, enjoy socializing and we all have a passion for adventure. Hope to see you there! Follow us on Facebook too, join the FB page here: [https://www.facebook.com/shorelinesailingcl](https://www.facebook.com/shorelinesailingcl)... \ *FYI - We have many more members that show up at the meetings than what is posted on Meetup!* Pat Holinka & Karen Warhit\ More information is available at the club website: [http://www.shorelinesailingclub.](http://www.shorelinesailingclub.camp8.org/) com **Check out our website:** **Shorelinesailingclub.com**

***"It's not about how far, or how fast, but rather the people you enjoy time with"*** We are a group that finds the outdoors enjoyable at a mellow pace. We will not be racing through. Average hikes or walks will be 3-6 miles. * Hikes: Have a decent pair of waterproof hiking footwear, a water bottle. Optional: hiking poles, backpack, microspikes (ice cleats), snacks. * Bicycling: Most events will be held off roads. * Kayaking: Local shoreline tributaries, rivers and when mellow the long island sound. Most events followed with lunch at a local restaurant. **All who attend should be vaccinated and covid free**

Welcome

Come to a Meet Up event for fun and friendship and meet singles your age who are active and interesting! We  explore restaurants,  attend concerts, museums, movies, and enjoy theater groups in the area. We have book clubs, enjoy wine tastings and visiting breweries. Our members also enjoy outdoor activities including walking, hiking, kayaking and biking.

We have a $25 annual dues for membership which pays for administrative costs and is used to enhance our events.

South Eastern Connecticut Adventures (SECTA) is a group for active people near South Eastern Connecticut to get together and enjoy the outdoors.  SECTA is all inclusive and anyone is free to suggest a meetup. If you want to go hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, backpacking, ziplining, zorbing, sledding, bowling, or anything fun, this is the place for you.

There’s been an awakening and this is your Avengers initiative! There is a desperate need for a nerd gathering in the local area and we can be it! We are a celebration of Geek and Nerd culture amongst like minded individuals looking to connect and have fun! We’re talking movie/show watchings, card games, board games, and video games; recreation activities and more! If you’re looking to connect with others in the area who share similar passions for all things Geek and Nerd you’ve found the right place!

Do like being active, being social, and having fun? Want to meet new people? This is the place for you. We are a group organizing dodgeball games, parties, and fun social events.

Check us out at www.shorelinesocialse.com

Do like being active, being social, and having fun? Want to meet new people? This is the place for you. We are a group organizing co-ed flag football, parties, and fun social events. Check us out at www.shorelinesocialse.com

Calling all walking enthusiasts in Old Saybrook! Our Meetup group is perfect for those who love exploring the beautiful coastal town on foot. Whether you enjoy leisurely strolls along Main Street, scenic hikes through the marshes, or quick jaunts to the beach, this group is for you. Connect with like-minded individuals, discover new trails, and stay active while enjoying the fresh air and stunning views of Old Saybrook. Join us for regular walks, meet new friends, and make the most of this charming coastal community together!

Welcome to The Original Hiking with Dogs.  **Hiking With Dogs is free and open to every dog-lover, but it runs on donations. You are required to read this page from here thru to the Disclaimer.** This group is for anyone who wants to be outdoors in the company of friendly dogs Hiking and Camping even if you do not have one. Hikes will be setup in the Eastern part of CT. It's a fun group, like anything it is what You Make Of It. If you do not agree with the disclaimer, please leave the group or you will be stating full agreement.  **\*Required - Post a Picture of you and/or your dog. Please put You and Your Hikers Name in Your Description. -Bringing a Leash is required also-** We hike every Sunday at 9:45, if you do not receive an invite in your mail. Check the site.  **Hiking with Dawgs is about the betterment of dawgs.** Like Minded People and Dawgs, Socializing, Your Dawg having Friends and Training Your Dawg To Become a Great Off-Leash Afficicondo - whatever that is! Picnics and refreshments from beer to tea to ice cream after some functions. If you Are All About The Miles, you will be thoroughly disappointed, we are not interested in wearing a canine out of its life. Hiking as a group start to finish. About making your dog into something to be proud of, proud of off-leash. Letting puppies be puppies, to a point. Hikes are usually 4 - 6 miles long at 2 1/2 hrs. None of them are flat! Hikes are Hikes and Not - dawg walks and you will live thru your first one to make it to another.  Anyone who would like to organize a hike/gathering at a favorite location or at a special time is welcome to send us a request. There should be parking for 20, if its a Sunday hike. Less if its another day. Anybody taking their ‘Hiker’ on a vacation or day trip, etc and wanting to post pictures feel free. Post them to the latest hike! **\*Hike Description's:** As some guy used to say “HWD - it ain't shopping with dogs". All the hikes have hills, most have stream crossings without - bridges - its CT not VT, but peoples interpretations vary with all the variables. The Hikes have a stated start and stop time, and different trail characteristics. So To Help You, we've got a very vague system that tells you what the ‘Hikers’ (the dawgs) will be doing after the hike, so you can compare and measure it all:) Most hikes are 2-2.5 hrs long. Here is the Vague ‘Hike Description’ in ‘Nappers’.... Half Napper-Full Napper- Definite Sleeper! Respectively - 1/2 the hikers will be napping, all the hikers will be napping and everybody will be sleeping! \*If you have a medical condition and you need a better description - definitely contact any organizer and we will tell you our interpretation. But we are all in agreement that we don't want to scare anybody away by saying a hike is hard. This is CT and all Hikes are all basically the same easy deal just different in length or scenery which is reflected in the time allotted.  **\*Operating Principles - please read.** We really want to keep this group loose and fun and lightly structured. Most dogs know what to do after there first hike, and that is to stick around Hike/Swim and Carry On as a Friendly Bunch. We ask that you just keep them leashed up in the parking area, keep an eye on your buddy thru out the hike, do not let him/her get too far ahead of the Hike Leader, and its best that people stay behind the Hike Leader. Show your buddy acceptable behavior your first few hikes and he/she will most likely figure it all out quickly. We hike as a group from start to stop so people in the front keep it slow, people in the back please keep up! Get your dogs attention every time he/she comes back looking for you, or you may have to go looking for your buddy. Keep your dawgs 30 feet at most in front of you hiking day 1 thru day 6 and under control, because we Hike on day 7!  **Camping:** You usually have to Hike with us to get an invite. Maybe we notice your a camper when you join and add you to the ‘invite list’... Campgrounds/Trails are hard to locate - sorry not everyone gets an invite but all are welcome to go... we just don’t blab our stuff on the internet.  **Cape Cod:** HWD is the kinda group to put on a Cape Cod bumper sticker and then run in the opposite direction. If you get a crazy invite, pay deeper attention.  **Donations**: HWD is free. But the web site is not free and to put on functions is not free either. All members are asked to make a yearly suggested donation of $20 per household, organizers included, to keep the group running. This will cover the expense of the site, plus money for chips dips and bones, no alcohol (byob) at a few small picnics. After operating expenses ALL remaining monies when accumulated do get donated. HWD is not for profit. HWD's Donated on 6/27/17 $500 to Our Companions Animal Rescue. 1/26/19 $682 to Scout Troop 44 Beaver Ledges Bridge.  **\*\*\*Disclaimer:** "Hiking with Dogs" is not for everyone. Please use your discretion. Hills/uneven terrain/dogs on/off leash/trip and slip hazards/snakes/broken glass etc. Orgr's and attendees are not trained in any way, though we may carry bandages and some things to help with problems. Meetup regards us all solely as a number, we cannot vet anyone. HWD's has no control over who attends, may not even know persons real names, has dogs from puppies to old timers as hazards. Guests Are More Than Welcome to Attend - but it is the responsibility of the member who brings them to inform guests of this disclaimer before attending! By being a member you agree to this disclaimer and to have your guests read, that "all injuries to them, you, your dog are all accidental and the injured's responsibility and applies to all functions. All of the above is just the nature of a person and pet Meetup, which exists for the betterment of our canine friends. This disclaimer works to protect us all, Participate at your own risk.  **\*Tuning Your Own Dawg:** There are basically ‘no’ bad dawgs, just ‘faulty owners’ is usually how it works. Figure out what you own - and what his/her needs are, buy a book and learn how your buddy is programed - and physically work with him/her. It is 100% wrong to establish the preferred positive canine training - without first establishing NO! using Negative Dawg Training. Every puppy/dawg personality is very different in many varied degrees... You ‘may need’ to loudly/harshly instill NO! There is no harm chasing your beloved dawg around swinging a noisy scary newspaper and screaming No! in the air. Do not think that you are an idiot. Earn the respect your dawg craves, hold up the chow line for an hour as you outwardly fume.... Then start with the Good Puppy happy praise and treats when you get what you want. Canines thrive for Love, Guidance and Boundaries.  -Canines understand - Voice Tone first, understand Words/meanings second-  ***Guidance:*** Never assume that your new buddy speaks English. Show him exactly what you want - go take a leak with him, feather lite touch petting - saying ‘Go Gentle’, use a 30feet clothesline as a leash and call him back when they reach the end if it, Showing is the key to a quick understanding and it sure cuts out the guesswork. If you need ideas for training, please ask.  ***Boundaries:*** Enforce boundaries and use the words NO! Bad Dawg! In a negative tone. Using the ‘canine submissive position’ helps very quickly to get ‘themguys’ to understand.  Be Aware of what you are training out of - or into your friend and if that is what you want or really need. Happy fun loving Dawgs who respect their Boundaries is the goal.  ***Love:*** Nothing Like Showing Your Buddy a good time and all that he/she means to you - After You Establish NO! Dawgnabit!!! I said No! What Dawgs Do 6 Days a Week, they will repeat on the 7th. We Hike on the Seventh!!! **Arthritis Awareness**: It is much better to work to prevent this horrible disease, than to deal with it solely if it arrives. ‘Think Joint Care, Everyday, In Every Way’ - from the day that you bring your puppy home. An overworked joint that is inflamed gives the disease a foothold, because using an inflamed (swollen) joint is very damaging. But you can not tell its inflamed, until your dog tells you, After the Hike. Hiking Dawgs are athletes. Feed your athlete well. Real - healthy - food is a good extra in the bowl. Some dogs actually like vegetables. They all like meat. I like to add the "anti-inflammatory foods" to their bowl. See Google for a list 10% less food and treats, keeps the joints - work load down. Glucosamine/Chondroitin, Fish Oil, Less Weight, Low Impact and Being Active equals good joint health. Help a healthy dog out of the car. (That is a very impacting thing to do!!!) A coated aspirin with food, used as an anti-inflammatory before hiking really works. Though some vets may have reservations do to stomach problems and need to sell their pricier drugs. I give my 90# buddy 325mg Ecotrin brand aspirin. Ask your vet and/or research the mg dosage for your pup yourself. My previous dog took one for nearly 8 years as he got this dreaded plague at 4 years old. He lived to be an active 12-1/4 under vet care. Jones did and Grizz does takes an aspirin as prevention on game days. If he were to get arthritis, he would receive what ever works to help him at that point in time.  Stay limber and active and Off the Concrete. (All hard surfaces are no good.) Take care of your buddy, especially the ones prone to arthritis. (if your dog can't hike-you probably won't.) **Dog Chiropractor:** Ask the Orgr's. **Canine Massage**: No one recommended at this time **Good Reading**: The Whole Dog Journal, This article on big pet medicine [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2017-01-05/when-big-business-happens-to-your-pet](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2017-01-05/when-big-business-happens-to-your-pet)  The Monks of New Skete book titled ‘How To Be Your Dawgs Best friend’ Learning what your dawg ‘is’ and getting a book on how he/she thinks.  **Advice for the Trail: Things to look out for:** \* Dogs run ahead to the front and then come back looking for their master.- Always acknowledge your hiker when they come back looking for you or they will get nervous and really go looking for their master! - NEVER ASSUME THAT HE/SHE SAW YOU!  Pet them on their head. That seals the deal. Or your dog will go hiking the trail in reverse and both you and them will be upset, including the host!!! lol :) **\*Anybody New To The Area: Take The Ticks and Lyme Disease Seriously.**  \* Ticks, Lyme Disease etc.  Get your dog vaccinated for Lyme Disease, use advantix ,a Sorento Collar, or something similar. Lightly use a spray in the spring/fall. Spring and fall are the worst times. Check your self and your dog a couple times. A little Tick will mess up your life big time. Frontline is Not Recommended.  \*Snakes: If you think that your dog has been bitten by a poisonous snake, stay calm and try to get a picture of the snake, that snake picture is very important, it determines if thousands of dollars of anti-venom is actually needed and what kind. The Rocky Hill Vet Has Emergency Hrs and have stated they can get snake anti-venom. Help your dog back to the car. You do have time to get back to your car and drive fast. Call **860 563 1027** wait for the answering service to switch you to the hospital. We have only come across two 8" long copperheads But a bite by one of them is enough to do you or your dog in! And it may only feel like a bee sting. Think if you see a possible injury...What could of just happened? Copperheads and Timber Rattlers are in our area, Black snakes too but they supposedly eat the poisonous ones....  \* Bees in summer. Especially ground dwelling bees.  \* Hurt or cut paws from sharp rocks, ice and terrain - broken glass too.    \* Keep your dog off the ‘thin’ ice in winter. **Paw Awareness:**  Canine Pads should be very tough but pliable. They walk on everything in all weather. Most pads don't need much work, but you should check them from time to time, especially in the winter when they tend to dry out. If your Hikers paws feel like 40 grit sand paper, rock hard and dry...that's not ideal, they may be getting ready to split and put him out of commission for a bit. Try rubbing in some Bag Balm or similar. I use Vaseline, its cheap, easy, does the job and helps your hands, putting it on his. Don't over do it, soft paws are just as bad. Vaseline Is Also Good Protection Against Road Salt and Ice Build Up Between The Toes.

Do like being active, being social, and having fun? Want to meet new people? This is the place for you. We are a group organizing kickball games, parties, and fun social events.

Check us out at www.shorelinesocialse.com

We are a group for women who want to share their joy of learning/growing through books! We meet once a month and focus on books that provide us with personal development and self-improvement. Feel free to attend our meetings, even if you didn't read the book. We request that if you join, you are an active participant, as this group has limited membership. We also request you bring a snack to share with the group when you attend. We REALLY look forward to meeting you! Note: We are a social group, with no business agendas.

Do like being active, being social, and having fun? Want to meet new people? This is the place for you. We are a group organizing kickball games, parties, and fun social events.

Check us out at www.shorelinesocialse.com

Our gatherings are fun, casual, and inclusive events for young adults ages high school to 30. We host events such as game nights, craft nights, outdoor activities, special interest groups, and so much more! Nest Gatherings is a social program sponsored by A Little Compassion Inc. and The Nest Coffee House in Deep River, CT! Our gatherings are open to all, and we place a special emphasis on welcoming autistic and neurodivergent young adults. We strive to provide a supportive, structured environment where young adults can find a safe place to hang out and connect with peers. The group will explore new activities and interests together. Join us for events like trivia, card games, painting, and open mic nights. Our gatherings are free. The only requirement is that you come with a nonjudgmental heart and an open mind! **For more information on A Little Compassion and The Nest Coffee house, visit us online at www.thenestcoffeehouse.org or www.alittlecompassion.org.** **Nest Gatherings are funded in part by generous grants from**  **the Community Foundation of Middlesex County and the American Savings Foundation.**

Join us at Connecticut Forest Yoga for a unique blend of outdoor exploration, conservation efforts, and spiritual practices. Connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for preserving our forests while enjoying activities such as hiking, yoga, meditation, and nature appreciation. Dive deep into guided meditations and gentile yoga sessions to align with your true nature. Embrace the principles of Ashtanga Yoga as we work together to protect and sustain our natural surroundings. Whether you're an experienced yogi or simply a nature enthusiast, this group offers a welcoming space to nurture your mind, body, and soul in the beauty of Connecticut's forests.

HIKE & HEALING & it's organizers welcome you to our group! This group is open for anyone wanting to hike and participate in health & wellness events across Connecticut. Here we offer opportunities to get back to basics and meet like minded individuals that enjoy holistic and integrative strategies to finding inner balance and opportunities for personal growth. There are a wide variety of initiatives and opportunities to explore the Connecticut landscape as well as experience activities to nurture living a balanced life. \~We host and cross post yoga, meditation, hiking, running, walking, forrest bathing and other holistic health oriented events and workshops. (PM host to post) \- We engage with the community and support one another\. Activities include: **HIKING:** Trail hikes vary in length, duration and ability and will be outlined in each of the event descriptions.  \~We walk and hike for fun but we also prepare for and attend annual events such as ["The Sky is the Limit Challenge" ](https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Skys-the-Limit-2023) and the [Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation](https://tbbcf.org/tbbcf-walk/) as a team. No committment is required. **MASTER CLASSES:**   Enjoy contemplative practices without judgement or prior experience.  Topics include: Yoga, Functional Fitness, Experiencial Medicinal Oils, eating and exercising for your genetics, Seasonal Cooking & Eating. All master classes are designed to help you undertand how your default behaviors may be sabotaging your personal health and happiness. Come join us in self awareness practices that bring balance back to life. THE LOGISTICS-  $5.00 annually to help defray the cost to register with meetup.com. The Organizer is a Certified ACES Personal Trainer, Kripalu Ayurvedic Yoga Teacher (500RYT, CEP) & a Medicinal Aromatherapist. She has been a professional dog trainer for over 15 years and specializes in Evaluations & Behavioral Modification with the[ International Association for Behavior Consultant](https://iaabc.org/). LOST, LATE or CAN NOT FIND THE GROUP - CALL 860-304-1447 at the scheduled time so please plan accordingly or call. Participants understand the inherent risk and participate at their own discretion.All persons are responsible for the safety and well being of him/herself and his/her children & pet(s). All Hike & Healing sponsor's,affiliates and organizers hold no liability to anyone attending events or other sponsored events which it promotes. Anyone wanting to bring their dog(s) are welcome to do so.  State Law Requires Dogs to be on leash.  \*Most importantly—  For the safety and well being of all participants we discourage participants who’s dogs respond poorly to other dogs; do not have reliable cues or tend to engage in hard escalating play. DISCLAIMER—Participants understand the inherent risk and participate at their own discretion.  All persons are responsible for the safety and well being of him/herself and his/her children & pet(s).  All Hike & Healing sponsor's, affiliates and organizers hold no liability to anyone attending events or other sponsored events which it promotes.

We are a group of young women ages 27 to 37, who live along CT’s shoreline. This group will meet up for anything from brunches, dinners at local restaurants, exploring the outdoors, going to vineyards, and much, much more! The goal of this group is to meet awesome, like-minded women and create some strong friendships. Please note that we do have a three-strike no-show policy as a courtesy to all of our members. If you know that you will not be able to attend an event, please change your RSVP as soon as possible to notify other members. You may also leave a comment on the discussion board of an event if you have trouble locating our group or happen to run late for any reason. If you have any ideas for future meetups, feel free to send me a message or leave a comment below on the discussion board!