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Town: Stonington
Maintained Uses: walking, hiking
Difficulty: moderate
Length: 1.82 miles of total trails (yellow and blue trail head/markers)
Type: network of connected trails
Surface: grass/meadow, board/bog walks, packed earth/dirt
Pets: permitted (dogs on leash)
Year Preserved: 2007
Acres: 26.78
Lat.: 41°20’41.8″
Long.: 71°55’41.6″

Trail Description

Parking is on the roadside of Rt 1, near the entrance to Darling Hill Farm.  Do not go up the private driveway.  The trailhead for the right of way is immediately to the right.  A map at the entrance illustrates how the Right of Way passes through private property to get access to the preserve itself.  For a short distance, the Right of Way runs parallel to Rt 1, separated only by a stone wall.  Passing through woodlands, wetlands, over a board/bog walk, and through a thicket will lead you to the opening by the private residence.  Pass under the rope and walk in front of the open bay garage.  Immediately on the right is a small gate in a stone wall.  Pass through the gate, closing it behind you, and proceed along the marked edge of the field to the well-marked trail head of the preserve.  Please, do not interact with the animals on the private residence.  Once through the trailhead, the trail quickly turns into dense woodlands.  With a combination of yellow and blue marked trails, you can diversify your hike to meet your needs.  Offering 1.82 miles of trails and with elevation changes of 135 feet, this moderate difficulty trail is sure to delight with varying trail widths of 3 feet to wide open.  On the blue loop portion, enjoy huge glacial erratics that look precariously balanced.  Take in all that nature has to offer – dense trees, wild flowers, and animals of all kinds (deer, chipmunks, squirrels, etc.).  With very old stone walls along a former farm pentway and cedar groves that may house owls in the winter, the trail is a unique beauty.  Also of note, one can easily kayak on Quiambog Cove and pull off at the well-marked kayak landing with cedar log stairs to the trail.  It is designated as pet friendly (dog on leash).

Note to Hikers

The Right of Way path is through a private yard. PLEASE note signage, remain within boundaries, stay away from animals and be respectful of homeowners.

Thank you.
Avalonia Land Conservancy

More Info

Trail begins at bottom of driveway on the right hand side. Do not go up the private driveway. Follow Easement and trail signs around buildings and through field. Preserve trail head is at North end of field beyond gateway.

Parking on north shoulder of Route #1 at entrance to Darling Hill Farm (337-339 Stonington Road). Access to preserve is via a right of way on private property. Approximately 1 mile of trails. Wooded area with kettle hole pond, boulder moraine and frontage on east side of upper Quiambaug Cove. Kayak access.

A HIKE & SEEK PROPERTY

5 total targets to find at Knox Family Farm

READ MORE ABOUT KNOX FAMILY FARM

Knox Family Farm: By Hiking or Paddling

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