Goodwin Trail Challenge

 

Thank you to everyone who took the Goodwin Trail Challenge
on October 8, 2023, and to everyone who helped make this a fun event.

Watch for upcoming information on the 2024 Goodwin Trail Challenge. 
 

Register for this inaugural East Haddam Land Trust fundraising event ...
cycle, run, or hike the 14-mile Goodwin Trail.

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Cyclists must register by 5:00 pm on October 6. (See additional notes below)

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Runners and hikers must register by 5:00 pm on October 6. (See additional notes below)

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Want to volunteer to make this event a success? Email Pete.Govert@ehlt.org.

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Event Notes

The Goodwin Trail is a unique, 14-mile linear trail in the Eightmile River Wild & Scenic Watershed. The trail winds its way through preserved lands owned and maintained by local land trusts, municipalities, the Yale School of Forestry, and Nehantic State Park. Learn more and find trail maps here.

 

All Participants: This will be a challenging event for many. Please give careful consideration before registering.

We will host rest/refreshment stops at Gungy (~4.5 miles in) and Grassy Hill (~9 miles in) Roads where snacks and water will be available. However, please carry your own water, snacks, and other needed accessories as well. 

 

Cell service is very inconsistent on the trail. We strongly recommend participating with a buddy or two. We will provide a sweeper who can provide hands-off assistance. Please note that it may take skilled medical personnel up to two hours to reach an individual with a medical issue.

 

Light rain will not cancel this event, strong storms will.  Please check the EHLT website and Facebook pages for last-minute updates.  If this event is canceled for any reason, we will accept your registration fee as a donation to East Haddam Land Trust. Refunds will not be issued. All registrations will help East Haddam Land Trust preserve land in perpetuity for the public's continued enjoyment. We are grateful for your help and understanding.

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Runners & Hikers:

Park at Darrow Pond Park, in East Lyme. A bus will transport each group to the trailhead in East Haddam. Participants will run or hike back to their cars at Darrow Pond Park. 

Runners will board the bus by 8:30 am. Hikers will board another bus by 9:00 am. The bus ride from Darrow Pond to the trailhead in East Haddam is about ~25 minutes.

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Bicyclists: The Goodwin Trail (while 99% rideable) is a technical test of your off-roading bicycle skills – this is the longest, most remote mountain bike event in the state. Entrants should be prepared for a memorable physical test/challenge.  There will be no timing chips or race clocks, just bragging rights on the 14-mile trail Strava segment. Trust us ... the bragging rights will be well deserved!   

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Park at Patrell Preserve parking lot, 11 Baker Lane, East Haddam, at the western terminus of the trail. Cyclists will ride the length of the trail in its entirety before riding back to the start on 12 miles of paved, scenic country roads lined with fall foliage.  

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The suggested route to return to your vehicle is Mostowy Road to 161 North (left), Walnut Hill Road West (left), then Grassy Hill Road West (left), Beaver Brook Road West (right turn), Route 156 North (right), Baker Lane East (right), to the parking area on your left.