WOLF ROCK
Perched atop a sheer forty foot cliff, a huge boulder testifies to the force of the glacier that moved southward through this area, slicing off chunks of rock and steepening slopes. Wolves may have inhabited the area when the town was settled, but by the turn of this century, Wolf Rock had become a favorite destination for a walk. Once part of a large estate, bordered by an extensive stone wall, still visible along Brown's Road, Wolf Rock was the site of an observation tower. The tower is gone, but one of the rings that anchored it is still there.
Directions: From Rt.195, travel on Brown's Road for one mile to where Crane Hill Rd. forks to the left. Travel on Crane Hill Rd about 0.15 m to the crossing of the Nipmuck Trail (blue-blazed). Follow the trail on the left (south) side of the road, about 1/4 mile.
A short Meadow Trail runs from Rt. 89 along the Mt. Hope River and back to Rt. 89. On the other side of the road, the Ledges Trail climbs steeply at first, then connects with two other upland trails to form a circular walk through mixed hardwoods and pine.
Directions: From Mansfield Center, take Rt. 89, traveling past the stop light at the intersection with Mt. Hope Rd. Stay on Rt. 89 for a total of 5.9m until you see on the left the imposing yellow farm house with a pond. The Meadow Trail is on the other side of Rt.89, directly opposite the pond. The Ledges Trail is back on Rt. 89, about 1500' before the pond, and is marked with yellow blazes.
Please go to the Trinity College Field Station Webpage for more information about Church Farm
Trails on both sides of Knowlton Hill Rd. wind through 127 acres of woods and fields, past Knowlton Pond and then to the crestt of a glacial drumlin, which affords a commanding view of the Mount Hope River valley and the pond. Along one trail, two granite benches have been placed in memory of William S. Toubman.
Directions: From Mansfield Center, take Rt 89 for 1.2m to Wormwood Hill Rdon the left. Follow Wormwood past the intersection with the Mount Hope Rd until Knowlton Hill Rd branches to the left Travel on Knowlton Hill Rd about .Sm to the preserve on the right, just before crossing the Ashford town line.
The only stone mill of its kind in Connecticut, the Gristmill is built of several types of local rocks: garnetiferous schist, gneiss, granite, pegmatite and quartzite. Located beside the banks of the trout laden Fenton River, the mill houses complete, perfectly preserved equipment. The mill is open Sundays 1-5 P.M. from May through October. The nearby miller's cottage was the birthplace of Wilbur Cross, four term governor of Connecticut. Michael's Preserve is a 5.5 acre natural area which surrounds the meadow. The Nipmuck Trail crosses the property, following the river where the remains of several mill sites and raceways are visible.
Directions: From Rt. 195 in Storrs go east on Gurleyville Rd 2.5m. to the intersection with Chaffeeville Rd. Go south on Chaffeeville Rd. .2m to Stone Mill Rd. The mill is a short distance on the right. Link to The Gristmill page
TINKERVILLE BROOK
According to local folklore, Tinkerville takes its name from a small group of gypsies or tinkers who occa- sionally camped near an old mill. Renmants of mills and a stone bridge abutment are still visible along the banks of the cascading stream. A trail leads to Bissonette Pond, looping through mature hemlocks and thick stands of laurel.
Directions: From the intersection of Rts. 44 and 89 in Ashford, go north on Rt. 89 for 5.2 m. At this point, where Rt. 89 makes a ninety degree right turn, go straight ahead on Turnpike Rd. for .6m. Turn right on to Armitage Rd. At. 1m a smaIl dirt road on the left is the preserve entrance.
UTLEY HILL PRESERVE
Trails wind through the preserve which protects the water supply of Columbia Lake. The 118 acre parcel is adjacent to 115 acres of open land held by the Town of Columbia. The combined area is rich in local and natural history.
Directions: From Columbia center at Rt. 66, go west on Rt. 87 one mile to Lake Rd. and turn left. Go one mile on Lake Rd. Opposite Erdoni Rd is the entrance to the preserve.
HUBBARDSANCTUARY
Located close to Garrison Park in Chaplin and the Natchaug State Forest, Hubbard Sanctuary is an excellent birding spot. A small pond, open fields, and several acres of young hardwoods provide a mixture of habitats and food for a variety of birds.
Directions: From Willimantic, take Rt. 6 to Chaplin. Turn onto Rt. 198 and travel 2.2 m. Ample parking at the Town Office Building.
PRESTON NATURE SANCTUARY
Two elevated hay fields provide open vistas and a pleasing contrast to the mostly wooded sanctuary. A trail dips down to the banks of the Little River.
Directions: From Willimantic, take Rt. 6 to Hampton, where it intersects with Rt. 97. Go left for approximately 5 miles on Rt. 97. The entrance to the sanctuary is a dirt driveway opposite Kimball Hill Road.