Family Hike

Summer is great time to be outdoors together! Join other families on Saturday outings as we move our bodies and appreciate the great beauty of nature that surrounds us. If you would like to lead a hike please contact Darcie Farber or Erin Placey. Hike leaders provide the meet-up time, place, and brief description of what to expect. (They also will be responsible for deciding about weather cancellations by 6pm Friday.)

Contact Darcie Farber (darcie@uuspringfield.org, 413-736-2324) or use member access to information on Breeze if you need to reach the Hike host.

Meeting Location: Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary is located on Main Street in Hampden, MA. We’ll meet in the small parking lot as you enter off Main Street

Time: Arrive 9:30am. We will leave the lot promptly at 9:45.

Host: The Vose family

What to Expect: We’ll start off together, but folks should feel free to hike and explore at their own pace. Laughing Brook has 4 miles of well-marked, easy-to-moderate foot trails that wind through mixed woodlands, meadows, wetlands, and along a scenic brook once famously called “laughing” brook.

Expect gently rolling terrain, occasional rocky or steeper hills (especially on the Neff Loop), stream crossings via seeps feeding East Brook, glacial erratics, vernal pools in spring, and peaceful spots like the pavilion pond—prime for birdwatching and observing amphibians and small wildlife. There are spots along laughing brook where “kids” of all ages can dip their toes in, toss and skip rocks, and listen to the burbling sounds of the brook. Lots of cool rocks to examine along the way too! 

What to Bring: Sunscreen, bug spray, emergency bathroom supplies, water, snacks, and optional water shoes/ clothing.