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Dear ECTA Supporters,
As we head into the busy holiday season, it’s often tough to find time to take a break and enjoy the trails. But getting out in the fresh air has some serious benefits this time of year – you can reduce stress, burn off those holiday cookies, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of our New England winter. Read on below for our suggestions of local hikes that are short and easily accessible this time of year.
You might also be stressing over the perfect gift for that person on your list who seems to have everything. What about a gift membership to ECTA? Members enjoy special discounts at local businesses, receive our e-news and print newsletters, and are invited to events throughout the year, including walks and rides limited to ECTA members only. Another meaningful gift idea would be to celebrate the life of a loved one or pet with a memorial donation, or to make a contribution in honor of someone who values the trails. For more information on gift memberships and donations, visit our Donation Page or contact Ray Denis at ray@ectaonline.org or 978-239-2024.
In addition to sharing the gift of ECTA with others, we ask of you at this time of the year to think back about how much time you spent on the trails this year. How many miles did you and your family log on the trails? If you traveled just 10 miles a week on the trails, that would be 520 miles a year. If your whole family was out on the trails, that could easily jump up to over 2000 miles a year! Now think about this… what if it cost you 50 cents a mile to use those trails? That’s a pretty small price to pay, right? Please consider making a “50 Cents Per Mile” contribution to the Annual Fund to help ECTA cover the cost of mowing, clearing, and protecting this incredible resource!
Holiday Hike Suggestions
In the winter months, and especially during the holidays, sometimes it’s just nice to get out for a quick 20-30 minute walk to get out of the house and revive with some fresh air. Here’s our Top 5 list for short winter hikes, all of which have trail head parking and relatively flat terrain: Appleton Farms / Appleton Farms Grass Rides, Myopia Schooling Field, Mill Pond, Julia Bird Reservation, Bradley Palmer State Park.
Join us on Sunday, January 18th for our annual Ski/Hike to the Black Cow! If weather permits, we’ll meet at the Waldingfield parking lot of Appleton Farms and cross-country ski to Patton Park in Hamilton. No snow? No fear, we’ll hike instead! Either way, we’ll head to the Black Cow Tap & Grill afterward and warm up by the fire. This event has become a fan favorite, and no matter the weather everyone has a great day!
The retailers below offer ECTA members great discounts on goods and services.
Farm Bar and Grille
Ipswich Inn
Wenham Sports Stop
Zumi’s Coffee Shop
First Light Anglers
Green Elephant Toys
True North Gallery New England Running Co
