Hiking Uphill Efficiently

Having been Head of Tax and a consultant for the founder and his management team at Bridgewater Associates in Connecticut, Dennis John Olmstead assists senior management with transaction issues and compliance with company policies. When he isn’t busy with his professional activities, Dennis Olmstead spends time hiking.

Uphill hikes leave many people sweating and breathing heavily, but the rise in metabolism, burning of more calories, and increased physical exertion makes the challenge worth it. Before any uphill section, hikers should warm up. Uphill sections work the muscles more intensely and a warm-up prepares these muscles for the extra activity, thus ensuring they propel the body forward efficiently.

Hikers should also consider their technique. When going uphill, shorter steps are best since they make lifting the body up easier. Maintaining a steady stepping rate also helps. While this pace is slower for some hikers than their regular pace on even ground, keeping with the same pace doesn’t tire the body out and promotes faster progress up the hill.

At the same time, hiking uphill requires consistent breaks. Short breaks keep hikers moving quickly up the hill by giving their bodies a chance for recovery. It lets hikers get their breathing and heart rate more under control so they don’t overexert themselves when going uphill.

Finally, leaning forward slightly helps maintain balance for hikers. This slight lean should come from the ankles, while the rest of the body maintains an erect posture. Since the goal of this technique is maintaining balance, don’t lean too far forward or backward when going uphill.

4 Hiking Spots in Connecticut

Dennis Olmstead serves as an advisor at Bridgewater Associates in Connecticut. Outside of his work helping businesses achieve operational growth, Dennis John Olmstead enjoys hiking.

The following are some of the top hiking trails in Connecticut that are worth seeing:

1. Castle Craig

Overlooking the city of Meriden, Castle Craig is a 32-foot stone tower built in 1900. Found in the Hanging Hills, it is one of the best hikes in the area’s Hubbard Park and offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty along its 2.8-mile stretch.

2. Bear Mountain

An out-and-back trail covering 5.4 miles of ground, Bear Mountain is the highest peak in Connecticut. The peak is found in Mount Riga State Park and is an intermediate hike that takes people past several waterfalls and streams.

3. Enders Fall

Tucked away in the Enders State Forest in Granby is Enders Fall. A series of five waterfalls, the rocky gorge is accessible after only a half-mile hike. At the end, people can swim and cool off at the swimming holes created by the waterfalls.

4. Zoar Trail

Found in Oxford, Connecticut, Zoar Trail is a 6.4-mile round-trip loop trail. It’s located in a remote and secluded part of the Paugussett State Forest and is best for intermediate and experienced hikers looking for a challenge.

Hiking Increasingly in CT Pandemic

A member of the American Bar Association, Dennis John Olmstead is an experienced tax attorney who has worked as Head of Tax and a consultant capacity for Bridgewater Associates in Westport, Connecticut, since 2011. He worked as head of tax and shareholder services for the company from 2011 to 2019. When he isn't working, Dennis John Olmstead enjoys hiking.

The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred a significant increase in hiking interest in the US, and particularly in Connecticut. According to the Connecticut Trail Census, there was a 77 percent average use increase at 13 multi-use trails in March 2020 compared to March 2019. This trend continued throughout the summer and into the fall. The organization tracked more than 300,000 activities on participating trails in September 2020, compared to only 211,304 activities in September 2019.

In March 2021, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Parks Division launched the 2021 Sky's the Limit Hiking Challenge to further promote the exploration of the state's parks and multi-use trails. The challenge, which first began in 2015, incorporates 20 designated locations including Dinosaur State Park, Hammonasset Beach State Park, and Osbornedale State Park. Those who hike in each of these locations are eligible to win one of 50 hand-carved hiking staffs. Individuals who complete hikes in at least 15 locations can receive a certificate and medallion.