Click for upcoming Yoga Hikes: NUTMEGYOGACT
Yoga means Union, we honor that by recognizing we are all connected, we are all sacred, we are all deserving of health. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, all gatherings will be modified in participant size and observe current guidelines established by the World Health Organization and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Yoga and Nature provide an opportunity to connect to your breath, your body, the present moment, and mindful living. Yoga hikes are a fun way to explore Connecticut’s blue-blazed trails, land trusts, nature preserves and state parks in a new way. These guided adventures are suitable to all levels of yogis and outdoor enthusiasts; occurring year-round to experience the beauty of New England’s changing seasons. No yoga, meditation or hiking experience is needed, but you should be in shape to walk at a moderate pace. Participants are guided along a trail that is being spotlighted during it’s “peak” time to visit each season.
We trek at a comfortable pace that best compliments our group then pause at a view point for gentle yoga and meditation before returning to the trail head. Stories of trail-specific history, awareness of conservation efforts, seasonal flora and wildlife activity are shared along the route.
Each hiking event has a theme that is weaved into the meditations and yoga practice. Themes vary from Peace in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, International Day of Women & Girls in Science, Migratory Birds Day, International Forest Day, Earth Day, International Human Rights Day and others.
Contact to book a private group hike event for bachelorette parties, birthday, corporate team-building experience, family reunion, or your next special occasion. Spending time outdoors is a magical gift to yourself –hope to meet you on a trail!
Read how to prepare for a Yoga Hike by clicking Frequently Asked Questions Page
Free Community Yoga Classes for the Outdoor Enthusiast
* Temporarily Suspended as of March 2020 due to Covid-19 pandemic *
Practicing yoga is an excellent way to develop strength, balance, and flexibility. Join me on second Fridays for an in-store class from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm at REI in West Hartford. They are tailored to help enhance your pursuit of exploring the great outdoors. Whether you are taking a short hike or spending hours on the trail, this class will break down yoga poses that can be incorporated along your hike, paddle excursion, or at camp to improve your overall experience. This class has been designed to target commonly tight or easily injured areas of the body. This is an all level class with the intent to make you feel at ease with beginning yoga and create an at home practice, concluding with a Q & A session.
Limited to 15 participants + BYO yoga mat. Reserve your spot at West Hartford REI class page
Follow on IG + FB for all photo albums of hikes that have occurred across the state of Connecticut year-round
Winter Fire Yoga Hikes
Nutmeggers and neighboring state residents explore trails in Fairfield, Hartford and Litchfield counties with grounding + strong warrior yoga poses for an invigorating winter adventure.
Locations: ❆ Cranberry Park – Norwalk, CT ❆ Steep Rock Preserve – Washington, CT ❆ Ragged Mountain Memorial Preserve – Southington, CT
Coastal Connecticut
Inhale the salty sea air and serene coastal views of these Connecticut state parks while learning about their diverse ecosystems and conservation. Yogis explored these three and had amazing bird watching experiences along the rivers, estuaries, and Long Island Sound at Sherwood Island, Bluff Point, and Harkness Memorial.
Connecticut Trails Day at Bear Mountain
It’s not the Mountain we conquer, but ourselves. Partnering with CT Forest and Park Association for National Trails Day, this was the state’s only guided yoga hike leading adventurous outdoor explorers on a challenging 6 mile trek. With an elevation of 2,316 feet, Bear Mountain is Connecticut’s highest peak with a little of bit of everything, from picturesque brooks to challenging moments uphill to an easy going ascent along the Appalachian Trail. We meditated and practiced yoga with stunning views of CT, NY, and MA. Hope you’ll join us next year for another free guided yoga hike or find your trail by joining one of 250 organized free guided hikes across the state the first week of June. Here’s a sampling of 2018 events: https://www.ctwoodlands.org/ct-trails-weekend
Memorial Day Weekend at Bluff Point State Park
Yogis from across Connecticut gathered for a free yoga hike in Groton, CT. Strolling along the last remaining significant piece of undeveloped land along the Connecticut coastline, we paused to see snowy egrets in the tidal salt marshes and smell the wildflowers blooming along the forested trail. Our gentle 1.5 mile hike along the Poquonnock River ended at Bushy Point barrier beach where we practiced yoga along the shore with a salty sea breeze and expansive shoreline views.
Earth Day Weekend at People’s State Forest
“Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world.” – John Muir
Despite being the start of muddy hiking season, this group of yogis gathered for a 3.3 mile yoga hike at People’s State Forest in Barkhamsted, CT. We started a chilly Spring morning firing up our core with an 800 ft ascent up steps cut into rocky ledges and a few boulders scrambles before leveling out to an easier hike. Two spectacular vistas were worth the initial heart-pumping cardio workout under hemlocks and pines. Soaking up sun on the rocky ledges we experienced a gentle yoga flow to the sounds of birdsong and red-tail hawks soaring overhead.
Devil’s Hopyard
Devil’s Hopyard State Park was once inhabited by three Indian tribes who called it “Machimoodus,” the place of noises, because of numerous earthquakes in the area between 1638 and 1899. This paired with interesting geological features, sparked legends of Satan burning hoof-marks into the Earth. Our 2.5 mile hiking route went through a Hemlock forest and along scenic portions of the Eight Mile River. Home to the spectacular 60-foot Chapman Waterfalls, this state park is a favorite among photographers, birders and fishermen.
Yoga + Hiking + Craft Beer Trail = Sunday Funday
Shade Swamp Sanctuary ❅ #NewYearsDay #January1st Hike
We began 2018 with a winter walk along the 1.5 mile blue-blazed trail that is on the list of historic hikes in Farmington, CT. With hot-cocoa in hand we stayed warm and kept a brisk pace in the sunny 3 degree temperatures. I hadn’t done this trail since July and it’s much more pleasant in the winter, since you’re not batting off bugs or over-grown vegetation. Nature is quickly re-claiming the old zoo cages. I highly recommend you check this trail out. If you want more on it’s history as an abandoned zoo from the 1930s be sure to visit Damned Connecticut and CTMQ-Destroying the Myth that there is nothing to do here did stellar write ups here and here.
Steep Rock Preserve – November 2017 #OptOutside Hike
Ranked one of the nine most beautiful winter trails in Connecticut, the 4 mile Steep Rock Loop was a gentle hike through forest, field, farmland and along the Shepaug River. We had a blast starting our hike with grounding yoga poses and a gratitude meditation before reaching Steep Rock Summit (elevation 776 feet). Incredible views and sunny skies led the way on this crisp fall day for this group of hiking adventurers who braved the trails the day after Thanksgiving.
Macricostas Preserve – August 2017
Inaugural Yoga Hike for Nutmeg Yoga CT at Macricostas Preserve in New Preston, CT. A group of trail-blazing yogis got their heart pumping on the Meeker Trail for a free 3.74 mile yoga hike with donations that went to Steep Rock Association. Traversing a hayfield and surrounding meadows that are home to a myriad variety of songbirds, butterflies and other wildlife we enjoyed the sights and sounds of the great outdoors. After climbing a series of switchbacks we emerged at a rocky outcrop, revealing an expansive view southeast over a nearly unblemished countryside then continued on to Waramaug’s Rock. At an elevation of 1,250 feet we took in a glorious sunset over Lake Waramaug with some yoga and meditation among the famous rolling hills of Connecticut before venturing back down to the trailhead.
