If you've been out on a trail in Newtown in the past year or two, you may have seen Aaron Coopersmith's handywork.
He's the trail builder for the Newtown Forest Association, clearing out paths for the hundreds of hikers who take to Newtown's trails every year.
"Trail building is a living experience," he says. He says when building a trail, he looks for existing pathways left by animals.
"The animals seem to know the most scenic way to go anyway," he says. "I tag it with ribbon, then I take a friend out and say, 'How does this feel to you?' Then you get this other perception and it becomes real."
Coopersmith will lead the first trail walk of the year for Newtown Forest Association this Saturday. Coopersmith and NFA president Bob Eckenrode took me through a stretch of the trail, which begins on Dayton Street behind Fig's Restaurant and curves along the Pootatuck River. (See photo.)
On Saturday, Newtown residents will have the chance to hike the trail with NFA members and learn more about the fauna and historical sights along the way. The NFA is hosting a trail walk, starting at 12:30 p.m. Eckenrode says it's a good trail for those who have a little experience hiking.
"It's really not that hard," says Coopersmith. "But this trail really does have some inclined hiking. If you're not nimble, it might not be the best hike."
Eckenrode recommends hikers bring a snack for a picnic and enjoy the good views along the trail.
"It's kind of sweet," he says, gesturing to the river and the views along the way. "You'd never know this is back here."
The trail walk begins 12:30 p.m., at the trailhead at the end of Dayton Street near the foot bridge. Eckenrode recommends participants park nearby at Fig's or the United Methodist Church and walk to the trailhead. Saturday afternoon at the trailhead For more information on hikes, visit the Newtown Forest Association's website.
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