Town: North Stonington
Maintained Uses: walking, hiking
Difficulty: easy
Length: .25
Surface: packed dirt
Pets: permitted (dogs on leash)
Year Preserved: 2023
Acres: 3.03
Lat.: 41.4504414 N
Long.: 71.8894542 W
Trail Description
The Richard and Mary Cooper Preserve, a 3-acre parcel located in North Stonington, boasts a newly re-trailed quarter-mile loop hike featuring serene, quiet passages and a bench overlooking an emergent wetland associated with the federally designated Wild and Scenic Shunock River. Upon entering on the open, grassy path, the trail quickly enters a shadier area with a dense canopy made up of red cedar, some large oak, ash, hickory, and black cherry. With minimal elevation change, this preserve offers a convenient and comfortable hike for visitors with children or leashed dogs. Acquired by donation from the Estate of Mary Cooper in 2023, this former pastureland, with picturesque stone walls that hug portions of the trail, has now been conserved in perpetuity.
Easily accessible off Route 2 and with ample parking available just across from the trailhead, the Richard and Mary Cooper Preserve sits adjacent to Stonington’s Hewitt Farm with pavilions, picnic tables, and other amenities nearby. This Preserve with its beautiful, relaxed trail, is great as an addition to your recreation at neighboring green spaces or as a standalone hike.
Located at: 41 Hewitt Rd. North Stonington, CT
Trail Map
