Outdoors - Courant.com

The Great Gunks: World Class Rock Climbing On The East Coast

By ERIK OFGANG, Special To The Courant — Thu, 24 May 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Follow CT Lifestyle & Entertainment News On The Courant's Features Buzz Facebook Page

I'm hanging onto the side of a towering 200-foot cliff wall and a professional climbing instructor is urging me to do something that every muscle in my body is resisting – let go.

Connecticut Hikers May Find Blocked Trails, Streams

By STEVE GRANT, Special to The Courant — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:51:00 EDT

Uncleared Debris An Aftermath Of Irene, October Snowstorm Follow CT Lifestyle & Entertainment News On The Courant's Features Buzz Facebook Page

You're hiking the Metacomet Trail from Farmington into West Hartford and suddenly you find the trail is closed on Metropolitan District Commission land, blocked by fallen limbs and trees from Hurricane Irene and the late-October snowstorm that did so much damage.

Scores Of Events Celebrate National Bike Month

By ERIC VO — Wed, 2 May 2012 11:28:00 EDT

Simsbury Encouraging Everyone 'To Come Along For The Ride' Follow CT Lifestyle & Entertainment News On The Courant's Features Buzz Facebook Page

Ready to get out on your bike and start exploring Connecticut?

An Unhurried Winter Stroll In Stonington

By STEVE GRANT, Special To The Courant — Fri, 9 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

The Quiet Streets Of This Little Village Are The Perfect Antidote To Holiday Hurry Follow CT Lifestyle & Entertainment News On The Courant's Features Buzz Facebook Page

With its little shops and restaurants, its historic homes, its expansive, everywhere views of the sea, the quaint village of Stonington can be a busy place in summer.

What's Snowga? Think Yoga On The Slopes

By STEVE GRANT — Thu, 5 Jan 2012 12:12:00 EST

Follow CT Lifestyle & Entertainment News On The Courant's Features Buzz Facebook Page

Gathered in a circle at the base of Mohawk Mountain Ski Area in Cornwall was a small group of skiers, silent, arms raised skyward, faces relaxed, each skier concentrating on the moment.

A Poet's Legacy: The Wallace Stevens Walk

By STEVE GRANT — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EDT

Follow CT Lifestyle & Entertainment News On The Courant's Features Buzz Facebook Page

Among Hartford's literary luminaries over the past two centuries, Wallace Stevens is right there: That is, wholly within the shadow ofMark Twain.

Ski New England: Seven Tips For Great Trips

By DEBORAH GEIGIS BERRY, Special To The Courant — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:15:00 EST

Follow CT Lifestyle & Entertainment News On The Courant's Features Buzz Facebook Page

What's more natural on a crisp winter day than the urge to head to a ski area and play in the powder? But even veteran skiers could benefit from a few inside tips to enhance the experience.

East River Preserve Paths Wind Through Forest, Rugged Terrain In Guilford

Peter Marteka — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EDT

Driving along Tanner Marsh Road on the way to the East River Preserve, you see the "what might have been" — large new trophy houses squeezed into coastal forests and meadows along quaint-sounding roads.

McKinney Wildlife Preserve: A Refuge From The Storm

Peter Marteka — Thu, 3 Nov 2011 18:03:00 EDT

I visited the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge's Salt Meadow Unit Wednesday. Otherwise known as the we-got-8-inches-of-snow-no-power-a-yard-full-of-limbs-I-gotta-get-outta-here preserve in Westbrook.

The Beeches Of Autumn At Chapman Pond Preserve

Peter Marteka — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

I love going to the beeches in the middle of autumn.