Connecticut
Hikers get outside to enjoy ‘Trails Day' across Connecticut, with more hikes still to go
It’s “Trails Day” in Connecticut and beyond, a day to celebrate the outdoors by getting outside.
The American Hiking Society started the annual event and the Connecticut Forest and Parks Association keeps it going here in Connecticut.
They’ll tell you a day outside, is a day well spent.
“I thought, here is a chance to try out a new trail,” said Jeff Dickey–Chasins, of Middletown.
He had been wanting to check out the southern section of Middletown along the Connecticut River, so he took Trails Day as a chance to explore with a group.
The day is dedicated to recreation on the state’s trails.
“Even though there are a few sprinkles we have people ready to go for the hike,” said Gail Hanson, the leader of Dickey-Chasins hike.
She said this is her third year leading hikes, but has been volunteering with the organization for five years. As a former science teacher, for her, it’s a chance to help people appreciate the world they are in.
“I talk to people about the rocks, the birds, the flowers, I point things out, the more you notice, the more fun it could be,” Hanson said.
The CFPA puts on about 200 hikes and events in 110 towns around the state. The idea is to get more people exposed to the outdoors and enjoying what Connecticut has to offer.
They maintain about 825 miles of our states trail system so this is also a chance to check in on trails at the start of the busy hiking season.
“Really what we want to do is make the outdoors accessible and families especially to experience something new,” said Chuck Toal, leader of Trails Day for the CFPA.
He notes there are activities geared toward everyone, of all experience levels.
“Things like paddles and bike trips, history hikes, yoga hikes, birding events, there are urban events, there are farm walks,” Toal said.
He said Connecticut’s trails are stellar and more people should be outside using them. This is a chance to do that and celebrate our great state.
“It’s really become a great celebration of all our outdoors here in the state,” he explained.
Despite a few Saturday showers, those participating in the Middletown hike, say a wet day in the woods is still better than a day spent indoors.
“To be outside, what she was saying earlier, its very relaxing, even if it’s raining its relaxing,” explained Dickey-Chasins.
Some Saturday events did get postponed, and there are still Sunday hikes to attend. The CFPA asks you register for the events if you would like to participate.
WASHINGTON (7News) — A Park Police chase ends with a moped rider getting hit and killed on the Taft Bridge in Northwest D.C.
7News’ Washington, D.C. reporter, Phylicia Ashley, went to the scene moments after it happened Saturday evening and spoke to multiple witnesses.
Ximen DeFillippes was riding her bike near Woodley Road when she saw the chase.
ALSO READ | Secret Service detains fleeing driver after deadly crash near White House
“The Park Police passed me. We were on Woodley Road. And then I saw the car they were pursuing,” said DeFillippes. “It was going very fast on the sidewalk. It drove up on the sidewalk up Woodley Road.”
DeFilippes was on one side of the Taft Bridge.
“I’d never seen anything that crazy,” said DeFillippes. “It was, it was like really like homicidal. It was just insane. I’ve never seen anything like that.”
7News also saw the aftermath of the chase and found Lamont Penry on the other side of the bridge. He also saw the chase. It ended on the steps of the Chinese Embassy staff housing.
“The car crashed into the diplomatic car,” Penry said. “A young man jumps out, takes off running down the street. The other three guys came out kind of dizzy. They apprehended one who was on the bench. One was at the rear. Tire of the vehicle, looked to be a Camry, and the other was on the other side of the diplomatic car.”
In the middle of the bridge, 7News saw the victim’s body covered by a white sheet. Witnesses said that when the chase reached the Taft Bridge, one of the vehicles involved struck someone riding a scooter.
“Once the gentleman on the bridge was hit. We realized that no one stopped,” said Penry. “Police continued the pursuit until here, and then they turned around.”
RELATED | President Trump allows US Park Police to chase fleeing vehicles
Penry said all the alleged suspects involved looked young. While on scene, 7News saw one person get arrested and placed in an ambulance.
DeFilippes was riding her bike when she said two cars blocked her from getting caught in the midst of the chase.
“I’m feeling lucky that for those few seconds of my path being kind of blocked,” said DeFillippes. “I’m just so glad that happened. Or else I would have been right there. I’m not at all surprised that someone was hurt. Just. Just from the way everything was unfolding, I could just tell it was going to be bad.
Marina Mabrey torched her former team for 37 points as the Toronto Tempo came back from 14 down to beat the Connecticut Sun, 101-97, at Mohegan Sun Arena.
Former UConn women’s basketball star Olivia Nelson-Ododa had 13 points and three rebounds while Aaliyah Edwards had six points and two rebounds for the Sun. Kia Nurse did not score in just five minutes for the Tempo.
Click on picture to enlarge gallery
WETHERSFIELD, Conn. (WFSB) – A tractor trailer’s diesel fuel saddle tank ruptured on I-91 north between exits 25 and 27, state police said.
Approximately 25 to 30 gallons of fuel was released to the road surface, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. No ground soil or waterways were involved, DEEP said.
The two right lanes were closed, according to the state Department of Transportation.
No other vehicles were involved and no injuries were reported, state police said.
Wethersfield Fire Department solidified the diesel fuel on the ground surface with Speedy Dry, DEEP said. An environmental cleanup contractor was en route for cleanup.
Copyright 2026 WFSB. All rights reserved.
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