As early as the 1970s, our founder and first president, Alice McCallister, identified Mud Pond as a protection priority. Between 1991 and 1995, several people worked to purchase the tract, which had been targeted as an 8-lot subdivision. Its purchase was made possible with funds from many private contributors, a generous gift from the Ellen Knowles Harcourt Fund, and mitigation funds from the Iroquois Gas Transmission System’s Land Preservation and Enhancement Program. Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy protects over four hundred contiguous acres in the immediate basin of Mud Pond and mountainsides that surround it.

Despite its name, Mud Pond is a jewel set between a quartzite ridge on the west and the northern buttress of Long Mountain on the east, with several types of calcareous (alkaline) wetland soils along the pond and well-drained acidic soils on the quartzite. The sanctuary has an amazing diversity of species, including the state’s biggest black ash trees. It will take years to find most of the species – some rare. Mud Pond is used by fishermen (especially for ice fishing) and by canoeists. Those who continue their walk along Mud Pond Road will see the beaver baffler system installed by Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy and the Town of New Milford in an effort to prevent the pond level from overflowing onto the road without having to resort to trapping.

Trail Map

The Birch Rocks Preserve is over 175 acres of permanently protected hardwood forest, streams, wetlands, and 2.5 miles of public trails that wind along the shore of Lake Lillinonah. In 2019 Brookfield Open Space Legacy, Inc. merged with Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy. The merger represented 50 years of conservation planning and partnership, and our adjoining lands became the Birch Rocks Preserve.

At Birch Rocks, the topography hides Lake Lillinonah until you approach the water’s edge. The trail descends close to the lake, but not so close as to disturb an important foraging area for otter, mink, eagles, and osprey. The trail passes by a spruce and white pine plantation, old groves of hemlocks and dogwoods, crosses seasonal brooks, and if you’re heading to or from Ashwood Lane, crosses a steep ravine with very tall mature tulip poplar, oak, and beech trees. The damage from the 2018 macroburst is evident as the trail winds around enormous uprooted and snapped trees. Based on the findings of a 2016 Audubon Connecticut bird survey, at least 34 bird species are supported in the Preserve including woodpeckers, turkeys, and owls. Other wildlife sightings here include coyotes and black bears. As you enjoy the preserve, we ask that you remain on the trails to protect the local flora and fauna.

This property includes five separate land donations and bequests made between 1966 and 1991, primarily from the late Jane and George Pratt. The Pratts also protected several other natural areas and farmlands in Litchfield County during their lifetimes, including Guarding Mountain Preserve in New Milford (Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy’s first land acquisition).  We are grateful for the forward-thinking donors who made this legacy of conservation and public recreation possible for us all to enjoy.

Violet C. Watson, 1966 – 11.32 acres

George D. Pratt, Jr., 1967 – 74 acres

Joanna and H.C. Beall Westermann, 1977 – 16.09 acres

Jane Pratt, 1990 – 74 acres

Trail Map

The Naromiyocknowhusunkatankshunk Brook runs through these preserves of mixed hardwoord forests. A beautiful walk where you will cross the brooks on stepping stones and several small footbridges.

Trail Map

The trail connects two of Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy’s nicest preserves on Candlewood Mountain. Kelley’s Slide, the giant pile of boulders known as the “corkscrew,” where the trail spirals up through a mammoth heap of fallen bedrock is closed until further notice. NCLC owns two parcels along the trail. The first is near the trailhead and includes a rocky ravine and an excellent overlook; the second is between Pine Knob and Candlewood Mountain. Both (and the intervening land) reward the tramper with interesting terrain features under a mixed forest canopy. Please stay on the trail. All of the land along the blue-blazed trail is privately owned and continued access is dependent on you. The path is part of the Housatonic Range Trail and is managed by the Connecticut Forest and Park Association.

Trail Map

Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy protects over three hundred acres in the Cobble Brook Valley. The trail offers instant gratification as you walk through the meadow and hikers can continue through the meadow and climb the steep, wild flanks that rise above Cobble Brook. Within a few minutes, one traverses a sandy knoll with a magnificent pastoral and ridge panorama. The soils here are almost pure sand and the vegetation is more like a Vermont hill pasture, with junipers, British soldier, lichen, and poverty grass. Even with extremely well-drained soil, one crosses two brooks just east of the knoll.

The recommended route, once reaching the loop junction, is clockwise as it is safer to climb the steeper route and descend the gentler way. Those reaching the top will be rewarded with a perch in the mountain laurel with views to the west across the Housatonic River.

Trail Map

The trail has both the steepest climb (630 vertical feet) and the most dramatic vistas of any Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy preserve. We have worked since 1982 to protect areas around Macedonia State Park, including tracts in New York. The trail is blazed white and intersects the Blue Trail. When you meet the Blue Trail turn right over fairly flat rocky areas, which can be very slippery when wet. The summit is marked by a plain benchmark. Boots and a walking stick are highly recommended.

Notes on Macedonia Brook State Park

Macedonia Brook became Connecticut’s 13th state park as a result of a gift of 1,552 acres from Alain White of Litchfield in 1918. The park now has 2,300 acres. The summit of Cobble Mountain, located adjacent to the western park boundary, is used in triangulation by the US Coast and Geodetic Survey. It is situated on a hard and uniform rock formation of Becket Gneiss, which has worn down slowly leaving a very exciting terrain. The Blue Trail crosses Cobble Mountain and several other peaks, offering outstanding views of the Catskills and Taconics. Numerous springs and streams are in the area, adding to the pleasure of a hike along the trail.

Some years after the park was formed, the National Park Service offered to assist Connecticut in establishing a Civilian Conservation Corps Camp to give work to unemployed people during the Great Depression. Macedonia Brook State Park was selected because of the large quantity of work that was needed there and in the immediate vicinity. The magnificent stone retaining wall located just west of Macedonia Brook Road is a product of those times. The camp was in existence from 1933 to 1935. If you see a problem on this trail, call the Macedonia State Park Manager at (860) 927-3238.

Trail Map

The Hadlow Preserve is a hayfield. Please respect the farmers and walk along the perimeter and do not climb on any equipment. After a gentle climb to the top of the hill, you will be rewarded with distant views. This is a wonderful place to bring a picnic or fly a kite.

We ask that you stay on NCLC land. There is private property north of the stone wall.

Easy walking, but often wet. The Yellow Trail round trip is about 1 mile in length.

The creation of the Hauser Nature Preserve in the mid-1970s was a decisive step by Gustave and Rita Hauser to preserve some of Litchfield’s highest and most developable land. Much of the land is farmed; including a tract 1/4 mile south of the mapped parcel (since grazing occurs there it is not open to the public). The defining character of the park is a hayfield, but it also features a woodland, increased by Mr. and Mrs. George Weston’s gift of thirty-six acres at the northeast corner. Higher than Litchfield’s village center, the hayfield looks out to the high points of the Litchfield Hills, including Cornwall’s Mohawk Mountain. By virtue of the poorly drained soils, the hayfield usually can’t be cut until after mid-July. This has been a saving grace to one of Connecticut’s populations of bobolinks, a declining species. They require unmowed meadow for breeding before migrating to Argentina. In addition to the breeding grounds, the hayfield appears to be a major pre-migration staging ground for area bobolinks that are displaced by mowing elsewhere in the vicinity. Timothy and reed canary grass seeds fatten them for their long journey. Bobolinks can be seen here from mid-May through July; dogs are prohibited during the nesting season.

While it is satisfying to explore the hayfield, the woodland on the north offers the Ed Eveleth Memorial Trail, which loops through the headwaters of a brook with exposed stones reflecting the unique geology beneath most of Litchfield’s soils. Milky quartz appears here with the tease of potential gold deposits. Because this area is contiguous with Topsmead State Forest, wildlife thrives in this area. Ed Eveleth was a major influence in keeping the lives of busy Litchfield County residents healthy and in touch with the natural world. He volunteered for many organizations and outfitted thousands of locals and visitors with equipment and knowledge to enjoy the beauty of the region. Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy hopes you will feel his energy on this path and use it, like Ed, as a true keeper of this special area. To reach the Eveleth Trail, walk along the left (north) side of the hayfield past the crest of the hill and watch for square yellow markers at a gap in the treeline. An old trail created by the neighbors cuts north into the woods before the crest of the hill.

Trail Map

A pleasant, easy walk on a well-worn trail.

Elliott Henry, a civil engineer, cared for this preserve for many decades before trusting it to Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy for permanent preservation. He told of the land’s previous owner, Ed Camp, who worked it during the early 1900s. The Camp family bought the land directly from its first “owner” – the Fairchild estate, one of the first plots of land laid out in colonial Newtown. Seeing this thriving forest today, it is hard to believe it was once cleared for Camp’s corn crops. Eventually, he gave up corn and started grazing sheep until around 1910, when feral dogs killed half the flock. This was “the last straw” for agriculture here and the parcel reverted to forest.

Today the forest has many beautiful features. Tall tulip poplars and beeches predate 1900. Inside the preserve is a major tributary of Pond Brook that drains the Great Hill area of Newtown. Before the heavy development of the area, the stream supported brook trout, but as homes were built runoff increased, causing lower flows during dry spells, and the fish became victims of raccoons. In the northern section are oak stumps five feet in diameter. It is ironic that the very raccoons that decimated the fish flourished because of Henry’s love of all animals. About once a week he would drive to a bakery in Waterbury and buy huge bags of stale bread, every night putting out food for the animals roundabout. Keeping the back lights on and building a picture window to watch them, he would witness pilgrimages of thirty to forty raccoons, skunk, opossum, deer, and red and gray foxes every night. Not wanting to see the forest cut down and developed, Henry gave the land to Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy in May of 1989.

The forest is home to over fifteen species of neotropical migratory birds that depend on an unbroken forest canopy to help their nests survive. Stay on the trail at all times so as not to disturb water thrushes, oven birds, grouse, and other birds that nest on the ground.

Trail Map

The Herrick Preserve’s mixed hardwood forest offers easy hiking and gentle slopes.  It is a 1.25 mile hike to the Housatonic Overlook that gives hikers a beautiful view to the northeast and up the river valley. Along the way, you may notice old stonewalls and vernal pools. This preserve also connects with the Appalachian Trail, giving hikers the option for a longer hike.

Park on the west side of Evans Hill Road, near the intersection with Route 55.

Trail Map

A moderate walk that will take you past rock outcrops, vernal pools, and a scenic overlook. The trail dips down into a gorge.  An eagle scout installed steps along the gorge in 2017 and girl scouts installed benches along the trail, perfect for quiet reflection. From the trailhead on Hubbel Mountain Road, it is 0.25 miles to the flat rock and overlook, 0.4 miles to split rock outcrop, and you can hike 0.78 miles to reach Route 37.

Trail Map

Kahlo Preserve is a small forested property nestled along Hop Brook with a short out-and-back trail. The trail begins along a downhill path, crosses a foot bridge, and then follows Hop Brook along its southern bank past small waterfalls and natural pools. From the preserve, Hop Brook flows a half mile to the Housatonic River.

The preserve was generously donated by G.D. Kahlo, III to Brookfield Open Space Legacy, Inc. (BOSLI) in 1986.  In 2019, BOSLI merged with Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy (NCLC) after many years of partnership. NCLC now stewards Kahlo Preserve and maintains the trail, often with the help of volunteers. If you are looking for a quick escape, and a shady, streamside walk, please visit this lovely property. We kindly ask that you stay on the red-blazed trail to respect the flora, fauna, and neighboring private properties.

Trail Map

The Kahn Preserve’s John McNeely trail is named in honor of Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy’s first professional land steward. An expert naturalist, bird rehabilitator, and filmmaker, he worked for the Trust for almost thirty years. His legacy is felt across the Northwest Hills.

Trails connect the two contiguous preserves. Round trip from Cherniske Road and around the Bear Hill loop is about 3-1/4 miles. Exercise care in route-finding near the summit of Bear Hill—the trail does not extend to the south from the summit.

The Kahn preserve was a 1994 gift to Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy in memory of Leon and Yareth Kahn. The Nostrand preserve was purchased by the Town of New Milford with a mitigation grant from the Iroquois Gas Transmission System. The Kahn Preserve was logged in the early 1990s (before Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy owned it). The preserve’s red pines, most likely planted in the 1930s, are all gone. Both events are factors in the intensive invasion of the groundstory by non-native invasive species in the disturbed areas. The outstanding rail bridges on the trail were built by Mark Mankin and the New Milford Youth Agency.

The preserve offers a wonderful experience in the West Aspetuck River Watershed. The river itself is exceptionally clean, protected by abundant forests and wetlands in the preserve and upstream: Mink and otter breed here. Though the marked trail system does not follow the river closely, if one turns right just before the rail bridge after descending from Cherniske Road, a bushwhack reveals a pond where amphibians breed and wood ducks and black ducks gather. Along the base of the slopes, springs emerge with such force that sand boils from the pools where they are located. Watercress was established decades ago in one of the spring-fed brooklets. Further down, a level area in the floodplain has an example of a riparian gallery forest—tall, fast growing trees, including some of the region’s only forest-grown (as opposed to open-grown) swamp white oaks. The trails of Bear Hill pass by two sections of mature forest. The highest reaches offer seasonal (when leaves are down) views northwest to Kent and west into New York. The river is quite impressive in high water.

Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy’s work in and around Bear Hill has led to the creation of a 1,300-acre contiguous protected block of protected land. This is one of the largest permanently protected blocks in southern Litchfield County, all made possible by the tireless work of Guy and Janie Peterson and by land and easement donations by the Peterson, Garraty, and the Hochberg families. Because conservation easements are properties owned by private landowners, we ask hikers to stay on the trail except in the basin along the river where trampers and fishermen can explore to their heart’s content.

Directions to the Kahn Preserve, Cherniske Road entrance: From Route 202 in New Preston, take Route 45 to New Preston Center. Take the first left at Pavillion Hall onto New Preston Hill Road. Continue for two miles to a four-way intersection and stop sign. The road becomes Cherniske Road. Continue for one more mile past Frenchman’s Road and another 0.25 mile to the Kahn Preserve entrance on the left.

Directions to the Town of New Milford Nostrand Preserve Squire Hill Road entrance: From Route 202 and Little Bear Hill Road, proceed west for 2.6 miles to a stop sign in the ravine of Merryall Center. At the stop sign turn right onto Squire Hill Road, immediately cross the West Aspetuck River, and continue for 0.5 miles to the trail access road on the right.

Trail Map

A long boardwalk takes you through a wooded wetland dominated by red and sugar maples, to a rolling loop trail along Sawmill Brook, a tributary to Candlewood Lake. Visitors interested in a longer, more challenging hike, can cross the bridge to the yellow loop trail and blue trail, which ascends the steep, eastern slope of Turner Mountain. Near the summit, hikers can enjoy seasonal views to the east.

This preserve is made up of five parcels. A generous bequest from Alice Schneckenburger connected two separate preserves, forming one large, forested preserve totaling 120 acres. The Preserve is part of a much larger forested block and contains a variety of upland and lowland wildlife habitats that support many plant and animal species.

The best place to park is the Sherman Town Center.  The trailhead is near the Sherman Wine and Liquor store.

Trail Map

An easy 1.3 mile looped trail from Mount Tom Road. The hike can be extended by taking the trail to the Pratt Nature Center.

Mount Tom is a prominent topographic landmark that extends from Northville to Merryall in New Milford. In 1978, Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy acquired this forty-acre parcel and along with the New Milford Youth Agency created a spur trail to connect Pratt’s trails to a western access point. Over the years, Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy has acquired two major tracts of land and two easements totaling 134 acres. On the trail, one will see vernal pools and lofty tulip poplars in a fairly young forest.

Trail Map

Despite the unusual shape of this preserve, it contains varied landscapes and species as well as a trail that quickly puts the hustle and bustle of the Route 7 corridor out of sight and sound. Even before parking, one admires the cliffs along Gaylord Road. The trail climbs steeply to a young woodland studded with red cedars, then crosses a small brook and curls around a gentle knoll to the clearing for the Iroquois Gas Pipeline. After crossing the pipeline, note the complexity of the brook, which is fed by underground channels in the marble bedrock. One channel ends in a perfect cylinder. The marble lends richness to the forest with plants like showy orchids, wild oats, and an endangered sedge. The trail continues its climb through an area rich in declining butternut trees and red cedars before reaching towering tulip poplars. At the Sherman town line the trail enters crosses meadows that are studded with carried plantings of conifers and a trailhead at the end of Edmonds Road.

Trail Map

Directions:

From Route 7 in Gaylordsville, take Gaylord Road for 1.7 miles to the south. The road will turn sharply left to cross the brook. There is a pull-out and gate on the bend that provides parking. Please do not park in front of the gate.

You can also access this preserve from 64 Edmonds Road, Sherman, CT 06784.

Tory’s Cave is closed to the public. The preserve still offers 0.4 miles of trails and a central access point to the 6 mile Housatonic Range Trail which is part of the Connecticut Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System.

To help protect and conserve endangered bat species, Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy made the difficult decision to close Tory’s Cave in New Milford to the public. Our research with the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) and Northeastern Cave Conservancy (NCC) has documented two species of endangered bats and the possible presence of a third species listed as threatened in Connecticut occupying the cave. The closure of the cave will, during winter, minimize disturbances to hibernating bats and, year-round, stop the spread of White-nose Syndrome (WNS) by humans entering the cave. WNS is a devastating fungal disease that has killed millions of bats throughout the Northeast since its introduction in 2006. The fungus invades the skin of hibernating bats and disrupts their hydration and hibernation cycles, which causes them to awake early and use already limited fat reserves resulting in their starvation.

Thankfully, Tory’s Cave is home to some of the rare survivors of WNS and is one of the few places in the state (and even the region) where bats have been documented still hibernating. Given the widespread decimation of bats in our region and the ease with which WNS is spread, protecting each individual surviving bat and their remaining known habitats has become critical.

NCLC, CT DEEP, and NCC hope that the bats of Tory’s Cave are resistant to WNS or will survive its spread and help populations recover.  Bats play many important roles in the ecosystem, including pollinating flowers, spreading seeds, and controlling insect populations. Some species can capture 500 to 1,000 mosquitoes in a single hour, as well as other insects that can damage forests and crops.

Tory’s Cave preserve still offers trails and is a central access point to Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy’s Eleanor and Howard Hunt Nature Preserve and the 6-mile Housatonic Range Trail which is part of the Connecticut Forest and Park Association Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System.

The Eleanor and Howard Hunt Nature Preserve

The Eleanor and Howard Hunt Nature Preserve consists of 107 acres of wooded land west and south of the Tory’s Cave property.  Mr. and Mrs. Hunt were long-time residents of New Milford and had owned the land that is now the preserve for over 50 years.  The land was donated to Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy by brothers Brian and Mark Hunt in 2016 in memory of their parents.

In the late 19^th century, the land that is now the Hunt Nature Preserve was owned by the Kent Iron Company, which operated from 1826 to 1892.  The remains of a blast furnace owned by Kent Iron are located on what are now the grounds of the Sloane Stanley Museum in Kent, Connecticut.  Iron from the Litchfield Hills was used to make cannons during the Civil War as well as to supply 19th-century locomotive and steam engine manufacturers in New York, Rhode Island, and New Jersey. The Hunt Nature Preserve land was used to produce charcoal for ironmaking.  Many of the hills of northwest Connecticut were stripped of their trees as charcoal was produced on-site to feed the iron industry. Remnants of 19th-century charcoal mounds can be found on the Hunt preserve; they appear as shallow circular areas, some with stone foundations.  Several are found adjacent to existing trails.

Trail Map

The Towner Hill Preserve features impressive glacial erratics. These massive boulders were left behind at the end of the last ice age. This hike begins with a steep incline along a boulder field that gives geology enthusiasts plenty of reasons to pause, admire, and rest. A pair of glacial erratics marks the top of the climb. The rolling loop along at top offers beautiful views to the east after the leaves fall. In the early spring, vernal pools host many species frogs, toads, and salamanders.

NCLC preserved this property in 2008 with funding from the federal Highlands Conservation Act and State of Connecticut.

Trail Map

After steep climb up the first hill, enjoy the moderate rolling loop trail. This trail is a hit with trail runners as well as birdwatchers. The trail will take you past beautiful old stone walls and old trees. This trail can be muddy in the spring, wear sturdy shoes.

Thanks to two hardworking teams of Americorps volunteers, this preserve was re-opened in 2017.

Trail Map

One of Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy’s signature preserves, the Wildwoods Nature Preserve was a gift of Paul Porzelt, Constance Morris, Charles D. Brooks, George Vila, and Valerie Delacorte in 1981. Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy conserves an additional 200 acres in the immediate area. Wildwoods has many unusual characteristics including a variety of woodland types, a fine shady glade, bottomland wetlands, and magnificent views west to the Taconics that are best viewed in fall. It captures our best stand of northern hardwoods and has a plentiful food supply for wildlife. Quiet exploration will reveal its treasures.

Directions from Kent: Take Skiff Mountain Road, which becomes West Woods Road #1 in Sharon. Pass the Marvelwood School and continue north to stop sign. Turn left onto Keeler Road. At Lambert Road, bear left staying on Keeler Road, and then turn right onto Caray Hill Road. Continue 0.4 mile and park on the right by a culvert just before the only house, a cedar-shingled cape. The trailhead is just beyond the culvert.

Directions from Sharon: Take Route 41 south from the village clock tower for 6 miles to Knibloe Hill Road on the left. Go 1.5 miles to the Clark Road and Weber Road crossing, where Knibloe Hill Road becomes Caray Hill Rd. Continue on Caray Hill Road for 1.5 miles and park on the right side of the road, just past a cedar-shingled cape. The trailhead is across the road, by the culvert.

Trail Map

The Wimisink Preserve’s boardwalks and observation platform offer excellent wildlife viewing.  It is an Important Bird Area for bitterns. The unique plant community is a result of this wetland’s calcium rich soils. The boardwalk also provides wonderful butterfly viewing. This preserve is a wonderful way to see how beavers have shaped this environment.

This preserve has a 330-foot-long boardwalk accessible from the parking lot. The northern boardwalk has a gentle slope and is 5-feet wide with curbing.  The boardwalk extends onto a protected 57-acre freshwater wetland complete with a wildlife and bird viewing platform with a bench and a railing. Bring your binoculars or just enjoy the fresh air and sounds of nature!

The parking area is just south of the intersection of Route 55 and Route 39 North. 

Trail Map

Photo of the green heron in flight by Steve Martin.