Hours
Dawn to dusk

Conditions
Well-maintained trails loop through woods and old fields, and along the Eightmile River.

Things To Do

What to See: Plants
The trail passes through old fields now full of 20- to 30-foot cedars and dry oak woods. The preserve includes a ridgetop covered with large conifers and old white oaks, as well as rolling wooded hills, covered mostly with oak, hickory, beech and hemlock. The northwestern section of the property consists of a maple ash seepage forest. Among the important species found on the preserve is Virginia snakeroot, a plant generally found along rich slopes that is a threatened species in Connecticut.

What to See: Animals
In addition to watching for woodland birds, be sure to visit the banks of the Eightmile River, keeping an eye out for fish and invertebrates.

Plan Your Visit
Please enjoy your visit to this preserve.  The Nature Conservancy welcomes passive recreation, including hiking, birding, canoeing, nature study and cross-country skiing. 

To ensure those who visit after you are able to enjoy the same experience you have, please remember to stay on designated trails, pack out everything you brought in, and contact our office at: 203 568 6270 or [email protected] if you notice any problems. 

To maintain the ecological integrity of the preserve, the following activities are not allowed:  collection of plant or animal specimens, camping, fires, fishing, hunting, bicycling, and use of motorized vehicles.  Pets are not allowed on Nature Conservancy preserves.

Directions

From Interstate 95 north or south:

-Take exit 70 and follow Route 156 north, driving 6.6 miles and entering Lyme.

-Just before the grade school, town hall and library, turn left onto MacIntosh Road.

-At the first sharp bend in road (just past bridge), park at the dirt road on right.

-The trail begins at the gate. Follow woods road, bear right to stream and preserve sign (about a quarter mile).