Knox Preserve

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Trail Description

With ample parking on the north side of Wilcox Road, Knox Preserve is a network of unmarked trails totaling approximately 1.1 miles.  A beautiful mixture of grass/meadow and packed earth/dirt in woodlands, the trail also runs along Quiambog Cove with several spots to access the shore and 3 benches to stop and enjoy the view.  The trails are easily appreciated, ranging from 4 feet to wide open in width, and offer the opportunity to explore without relying on trail markers or maps.  Of note, Knox Preserve is a birding hot spot (on eBird) for fall migration.  Avalonia maintains an active colony of State listed Purple Martins as well as many birdhouses in the fields.  Given the wet meadows and brackish pond, it is very attractive to wildlife (deer, coyotes, foxes, rabbits, woodchucks, turkeys, birds of prey, waterfowl).  Elevation changes are minimal (less than 50 feet), with the exception of a rocky knoll that offers great scenery and good views of an osprey nest by the railroad tracks.  The preserve is adjacent to an old cemetery and offers kayakers the ability to paddle up to the preserve and land at several spots along the shore.  It is pet friendly (dog on leash) but the fields are closed to all activity during bird nesting season, April through August.

More Info

The Knox Preserve is accessible from Wilcox Road, off Route 1. The ocean-side preserve also abuts the Miner Cemetery – noted as being the oldest cemetery in Stonington.

South side of Wilcox Road ~200 feet south of Route #1. Abutting Quiambaug Cove. Short trails, approximately 0.5 miles total. Former farmland with old orchards and stone walls with small brackish pond. Purple martin nesting site. Kayak access.