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November 27, 2026
Day after Thanksgiving Woodland Walk at Utley Hill PreserveReady to burn off that extra slice of pie? Join guide Laurie Gypson for a beautiful "Day After Thanksgiving" nature walk at Joshua's Trust's Utley Hill Preserve in Columbia! Swap the leftovers and couch for a scenic hike through a gorgeous upland forest, pass a large upland swamp, and explore the Columbia Lake Brook to check out its historic old dam and mill sites.
The loop is approximately 2.50 miles long and will take us roughly 1.5 hours—the perfect post-feast stretch! The trails are mostly flat, very well-maintained, and easy to traverse, though there are some minor rocks, tree roots, and small hills to navigate. Depending on recent weather, there is a possibility of encountering a few challenging muddy or wet spots, so please dress accordingly.
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- When: Friday, November 27 at 10:00 a.m. (Cancelled in the event of rain).
- Where to Meet: Columbia Recreation Park, 60 Hennequin Rd. After pulling into the park, take your first right just before the tennis courts. Follow the road down until you see the Joshua’s Trust trail kiosk.
- Parking: There is plenty of free parking available at the recreation park.
- What to Bring: Please bring water and wear appropriate hiking footwear/gear.
- Guidelines: All are welcome to attend! Registration is suggested so we can anticipate group size. Click here to register. Please note that to keep the group cohesive, we ask that you leave your dogs at home for this specific walk.
Click HERE for a trail map and directions to the preserve.
For questions, concerns, or to register, please contact Joshua's Trust at (860) 429-9023 or email administration@joshuastrust.org.