Shelley Lake No. 3 is hidden beneath a layer of snow and ice as viewed from the dam at the Ironwoods Preserve on Race Hill Road in Madison.
Hikes Beyond West Rock-Madison Trails
Madison Land Conservation Trust, Madison
· Why you should go: In different years, I have selected a particular trail system and hiked all of its properties as a way of exploring areas new to me. In winter 2020-21, I selected the Madison trail system as a place to explore. As an overview, Madison has an impressive trail system with many scenic features on the properties, including trails that follow the banks of the Hammonasset or Neck Rivers, ponds and wetlands, interesting rock formations, and the foundations of old mills.
The trails are well maintained: they are pruned back and blowdowns are cleared. The pathways are clearly marked (for the most part) with either painted blazes or a circular metal disk with an arrow. There are kiosks with maps at major junctions that indicate the location with a marker that is a combination of a number and letter. Footing is generally secure throughout. There are bridges to cross most streams and boardwalks to keep feet dry in wet areas.
As I have seen with other land trusts, the properties tend to be blanketed with trails, looking to get the maximum mileage out of a small area. This also means that trails are often by the property edge, resulting in frequent views of houses. Some of the trails cross various properties that comprise Cockaponset State Forest.
One minor issue with the blazes is that almost every trail is blazed blue, which could be a source of confusion in areas where there are multiple trails. My preference would be mark parallel trails with a different color, such as blue-white. The maps at the junctions, combined with the modest property sizes make it easy to stay on track.
While some properties have parking areas, most parking is roadside. Madison roads tend to be on the narrow side, around 20 feet in width, so for a group hike, make sure everyone parks on the same side of the road.
Since mostly local people know these types of trails, they are likely to have few visitors and so will not be crowded.
Land trust trail use is restricted to foot traffic, so bicycles are not permitted. The best Madison option for bicyclists is Rockland Preserve, where there are many custom-built trails for mountain biking.
· Website: https://www.madisonlandtrust.org
The website has two page brochures for each property. One page is a detailed description of the property, including parking information, and the other is a clear map.
A useful tool on the website is the interactive GIS map, which shows where the trails are in relation to each other. This is helpful when planning a hike across more than one property.
When I checked in February 2021, the map brochures linked from the interactive map had a later date on them (2017 versus 2016) than those on the land trust website, but were otherwise similar.
· Format for List of Trails: Some properties have more than one entrance. I list the one I used when I led the group hike, as I wanted an area with sufficient parking. The entrance I chose often also made best use of the property.
Madison Town Parks and Other Properties
This guide focuses on the land trust trails. There are three town parks in Madison, which have trails, the largest of which is Rockland Preserve, 99 Renees Way, Madison. The trails at Rockland are a mixture of old woods roads and a mountain biking park with twisty trails.
Rockland Preserve is next to the Mica Ledges property, most of which is located in Durham. Rockland Preserve and the Mica Ledges are discussed in my webpage on the Mattabesett Trail.
Another town park is Salt Meadow Park, 1362 Boston Post Road, which is mostly an open field, but does have some walking paths, including sections along the Hammonasset River. This is the site of the former Griswold Airport.
Bauer Park is a former farm located at 257 Copse Road, and has some walking paths amidst fields and forest, along with community gardens.
Town parks website: https://www.madisonct.org/512/Parks
There are certainly many walking options at Hammonasset Beach State Park, including a paved pedestrian and bike path, a boardwalk, or walking along the sand.
Website: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Hammonasset-Beach-State-Park
A portion of the Shoreline Greenway Trail passes through Madison. Website: https://shorelinegreenwaytrail.org/madison/
There are also two Regional Water Authority properties in Madison, which are open to people who purchase an RWA permit; Lake Hammonasset and the Genesee tract. Those properties are described on the webpage: Hikes Beyond West Rock: RWA Properties.
RWA website: https://www.rwater.com/in-the-community/recreation
Land Trust Properties Described
The areas below are listed in two sections. First are the preserves that are recommended destinations based on scenic features. The second section are smaller preserves that likely appeal only to people who live locally due to their limited amount of hiking. GPS tracks are included where available.
Detailed directions are available from I-95 and from the junction of Routes 80 and 79. Since there are so many ways to access this junction from other locations, I did not include details on how to reach this area. Options include taking I-91 to Route 80 East, Route 9 to Route 80 West, or driving south on Route 79 from the Durham area.
Larger Preserves
These preserves are listed partially alphabetically and the partial is because some preserves are grouped with adjacent preserves. Others are grouped together because they are a short drive apart.
· Bailey Trail South
· Blinnshed Ridge Trail, Blinnshed Loop, and Neck River Trail
· Jefferson Park, Double Loop, Lowry Woods, Lost Pond, Camp Hadley, and Oil Mill Brook
· Ironwoods Preserve and St. Francis Woods
· Neck River Uplands North Trail and Neck River Uplands South Trail
· Papermill Trail
· Shepherds Trail, Bailey Trail North, and Summer Hill Trail
· Preserve Name: Bailey Trail South
· Starting Location/Parking: There is pull-off parking for four cars at the trailhead just south of Harkness Drive with an approximate address of 60 Summer Hill Road. For a larger group, park on the street near 8 Harkness Drive, a quiet dead end road.
· Directions: I-95 North or South, Exit 61 then take Route 79 North for 27.1 miles, then right on Chestnut Hill Road for 0.3 miles, then left on Summer Hill Rd. for 0.3 miles. The trailhead and parking is on the right. For Harkness Drive, continue another few hundred feet and turn left.
From the north, at the junction of Routes 79 and 80: follow Route 80 East for 0.9 miles, then right on Summer Hill Road for 2.1 miles. The trailhead is on the left just past Harkness Drive. To park on Harkness Drive, turn right onto that road.
· Trail Descriptions: This is a beautiful walk along the banks of the rocky Hammonasset River for the entire length of the main trail. The stone foundation and raceway of a former mill are visible along the trail. One section of the trail has a rocky section consisting of big boulders where the river has washed away all the topsoil. There are plenty of roots along the trail, but footing is good throughout. The Cider Mill Spur Trail is a pleasant woodlands stroll. By starting from the southern trailhead, it is a gradual uphill the entire way to the turn around point.
· Suggested Hike: The out and back hike, including the Cider Mill Spur Trail is about 4 miles with 150 feet of elevation gain. Skipping the Cider Mill Spur Trail shortens the hike by 0.7 miles.
· GPS track: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/6201793038
· Safety concerns: None
· Special considerations: Due to a missing boardwalk, it is not possible to connect to the Bailey Trail North. The boardwalk has washed downriver and can be seen in the river from the northern section of the trail. For a longer hike, drive to the Papermill Trail, 28 Fawn Brook Circle, Madison.
· Preserve Names: Blinnshed Ridge Trail, Blinnshed Loop, and Neck River Trail
· Starting Location/Parking: Parking is permitted at The Country School, 341 Opening Hill Road, Madison, on days when school is not in session. There are many spaces in the paved lot. There are perhaps two parking spaces on Blinnshed Road where the trail crosses the road.
Another parking option is to park on Nutmeg Lane, where there is plenty of room on this dead end street. Nutmeg Lane is off Blinnshed Road, 0.2 miles west of Opening Hill Rd. If parking on Nutmeg Lane, turn right on Blinnshed Road and walk along the shoulder 0.1 miles to the trailhead.
· Directions: I-95 North, Exit 59, then left on Goose Lane and next right on Clapboard Hill Rd. for 1.6 miles. Left on Podunk Rd. for 0.5 miles. Bear right on Squaw Lane (becomes Blinnshed Rd.) for 1.3 miles. Right on Opening Hill Road, then right into the school parking lot.
I-95, South, Exit 60 and straight on Nortontown Road for 2.4 miles, following the road as it turns and heads north. Bear right on Squaw Lane (becomes Blinnshed Rd.) for 1.3 miles. Right on Opening Hill Road, then right into the school parking lot.
From the junction with Route 80, take Route 79 South for 0.2 miles. Bear right on Opening Hill Rd. for 2.6 miles. Then right into the school parking lot, just past Blinnshed Rd.
· Trail Descriptions: Other than the trail sections along the Neck River, this hike has no exceptional reasons to hike the area, as most of it is a typical eastern forest. The river sections make it worthwhile to do the entire loop at least once.
The trail on the Country School property has brightly colored painted roots, most likely to keep cross-country runners from tripping. It passes close to the school’s parking lot and tennis courts and also a ropes course within the woods. This is not a good introduction to the Blinnshed Ridge Trail, but hang in there, it gets much better. As the trail loops west and then south, it parallels the Neck River, providing an enjoyable experience of the river’s sights and sounds. The river walk continues on the Neck River Trail with the total riverbank walk being about 0.7 miles. Away from the river on both properties is a pleasant woodlands stroll across easy terrain with good footing.
The Blinnshed Loop is mostly a quiet stroll through the forest, including some large pine trees, but also passes through an area with wetlands that are crossed on a boardwalk. The area has a slight upward grade with the highest point having an elevation about 75 feet higher than the lowest point. Most of these properties are part of Cockaponset State Forest, except the part of the Blinnshed Loop that crosses land owned by the Country School.
· Suggested Hike: This 6.1 mile hike is partially a loop and partially an out and back and has a mild 400 feet of elevation gain. Start on the Blinnshed Ridge property and then connect to the adjoining Neck River Trail. From Blinnshed Road, follow the trail south along The Country School property, then whenever there is a split, bear right to follow the outer loop, hiking in a counterclockwise direction. Following the trails in this manner keeps hikers along the Neck River as much as the trails allow while heading south. At the south end of the loop, the trail moves easterly away from the river and soon turns north. Continue to follow the outer loop. At trail junction 3A, hiking out to Opening Hill Road and back will give an extra 0.3 miles. Heading northwest from this junction, twice bear right on the east side of the loop before returning to the single trail heading north back to Blinnshed Road. Cross the road onto the Blinnshed Loop Trail, and in a short distance, turn left to follow the loop to the west, soon returning to the main trail and turning left to continue north. At the split, bear right to follow the loop counterclockwise, eventually heading south back to Blinnshed Road and the parking.
For a shorter 3.8-mile hike with 200 feet of elevation gain, skip the Blinnshed Loop.
· GPS track:https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/6129840786
· Safety concerns: None
· Special considerations: The trail and parking on the Country School property are closed to the public on days when school is in session. At those times, hikers would have to enter through the Neck River Trailhead at 210 Opening Hill Road, Madison, and could not hike through to the Blinnshed Loop Trail.
· Preserve Names: Jefferson Park, Double Loop, Lowry Woods, Lost Pond, Camp Hadley, and Oil Mill Brook
· Starting Location/Parking: Park in the cul-de-sac and along the road near 63 Jefferson Park Road, Madison.
· Directions: I-95 North or South, Exit 61 to Route 79 North for 2.8 miles. Left on Warpas Rd. for 0.7 miles. Left on Jefferson Park Road and drive to the end to park in the cul-de-sac.
From the junction with Route 80, take Route 79 South for 2.9 miles. Right on Warpas Rd. for 0.7 miles. Left on Jefferson Park Road and drive to the end to park in the cul-de-sac.
· Trail Descriptions: These six preserves are near each other and have trails that connect to each other, making them a good candidate for an extended loop hike. The preserves are best described as pleasant woodlands with easy terrain. There are also sections of wetlands. One section of the Double Loop has a stand of large pine trees. The Camp Hadley property is the most interesting of the five because the foundations of a Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) camp from the 1930s can be explored and there is interpretive signage to point out the locations of the buildings. Lost Pond refers to a vernal pool, not an actual pond. Most of these properties are part of Cockaponset State Forest.
· Suggested Hike: This roughly 6.5-mile loop has a mild 500 feet of elevation gain. One disadvantage to starting on Jefferson Park Road is that the return loop involves a modest climb of about 150 feet over a two-mile distance.
From Jefferson Park Road, head south and then west over to the Double Loop, completing the loop in a counterclockwise direction. At the next trailhead past trailhead 4C, turn right and follow the trail south into the Lowry Woods property. At Warpas Road, turn left and then at the next intersection where Copse Road is on the right, turn left to stay on Warpas Road and then turn right into the Camp Hadley property.
After touring the camp, head north on the trail into the Lost Lake property. At the trail junction near the road named Amber Trail, turn right and follow the eastern park of the loop through the Jefferson Park property, eventually ending up back at Jefferson Park Road. From the cul-de-sac, head east into the Oil Mill Brook property and complete those two short loops, along with the straight trail section to Route 79 and return back to Jefferson Park Road.
· Safety concerns: None
· Special considerations: There are trails spouting off the southern part of the Double Loop into Lowry Woods that are blazed blue and are not on the printed map. These could cause someone to get off-track. The maps for five individual preserves show the trails on all five properties (excepting Lowry Woods), so someone only needs to print one map. Getting the map of the Lowry Woods trails requires (in Feb. 2021) taking a screenshot from the interactive GIS map.
I suggest printing the Jefferson Park map because it is the central property. The narratives for each property are different, but they can be read on the computer. The one narrative that is worth printing out is the one for Camp Hadley, which guides people through the camp.
The trail junctions listed on the Lost Pond map dated April 2017 has an error: Junctions 7A and 7B on the Jefferson Park section are reversed and listed incorrectly. Junction 7A is at the top and junction 7B is at the bottom.
· Preserve Name: Ironwoods Preserve
· Starting Location/Parking: There is a dirt parking lot with about 12 spaces (not plowed in winter) for the Ironwoods Preserve with an approximate address of 215 Race Hill Road, Madison. If a mapping website or GPS does not recognize this number, use 209 Race Hill Road, which is the house on the next property to the south. Race Hill Road is too narrow to park along the shoulder. In winter or for a larger group, one parking option is Genesee Lane, located 0.8 miles to the north.
· Directions: I-95 North, Exit 58 to Route 77 North for 4.5 miles. Right on Route 80 East for 3.3 miles. Left on Race Hill Road for 0.5 miles, then left into the parking lot.
I-95 South, Exit 61 to Route 79 North for 5.6 miles. Left on Route 80 West for 1.4 miles. Right on Race Hill Road for 0.5 miles, then left into the parking lot.
· Trail Descriptions: Ironwoods is a beautiful preserve with Iron Stream running along the northern part of the preserve. At the southern end is a pond called Shelley Lakes No. 3. The pond itself is eye-catching with rock formations along portions of it, some of which are traversed by the trail. There is a small island roughly in the center of the lake with a wooden structure on one shore. At the northwestern corner are remains of the North Madison Iron Works, marked by a granite plaque. The iron works, for which the preserve was named, was active in the early 1800s, and also has a dam site. The trails are mellow in terrain. The only real climb is the new trail at the northern section, which has a gain of 90 feet in 0.1 miles. This trail section can easily be avoided by taking the trail closer to the interior of the preserve.
· Suggested Hike: Hiking all the trails in the preserve would yield a hike of 4 miles in length. The loop has about 500 feet of climbing for those who do everything.
From the parking area walk west on the Blue Trail, then turn left at the first junction at mile 0.15 to follow the loop in a clockwise direction, past Shelley Lake, taking the southernmost part of the loop. At junction 13B, bear left at mile 0.5 to continue north along the west side of the lake. At the junction at the lake’s northwest corner, turn left at mile 0.70 to follow the western part of the loop. At junction 13C at mile 0.85, turn left to briefly loop south, and then head north to the northwest corner of the property and the iron works at mile 1.4. The iron works are shown on the 2017 map, but not on the 2021 map.
From the iron works, head east on the Blue Trail. At the next junction at mile 1.6, turn left before the bridge to head north on the newer trail section, ascending the sharp hill. Turn right at mile 1.85 to hike southeast down the hill (where the now eliminated trail to Race Hill Road went east.) At junction 13D, turn left at mile 2.05 to continue heading south. (For those who want to hike everything, turn right and hike to the junction of the newer trail section and return, which is 0.35 miles.) Continue straight/bear left at the next junction at mile 2.20 where a crossover trail leads to junction 13C.
From this junction at mile 2.30, bear right to do a second loop around Shelley Lake (or turn left to head back toward the entry trail). At mile 2.55, turn left near the northwest corner of Shelley Lake to backtrack the first part of the hike for a short distance. At the southwest corner of the pond, turn left at mile 2.75 and cross the dam with a good view of the pond to the north, and the stream passing through a small rocky canyon to the south. Turn left after the dam and walk north along the east shore of the pond.
At the next junction by the northeast corner of the pond, turn right at mile 2.95 to head back to the parking area. (For those looking to hike absolutely everything, turn left to head north to the next junction and back, which is 0.3 miles.) At mile 3.10, turn left to head northeast back to the parking area, arriving back at 3.25.
· GPS track: This 4 mile GPS track involves some out and back sections to hike virtually all the trails in the preserve. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/6312153738
· Safety concerns: The rock trail along the west side and north side of Bailey Pond could be tricky to navigate in wet or icy conditions. Other than this short section, footing is good throughout.
· Special considerations: There are two trail maps in existence at the time of this writing in Aug. 2021. On the Regional Trails website is an outdated map dated May 2016: http://scrcog.org/wp-content/uploads/trails/madison/alt/RecTrails_MA8_Alt_6-2-16.pdf
The Madison Land Trust website has a revised map dated March 2021, which shows the correct trailhead connection to Race Hill Road: https://madisonlandtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/MLCT_Ironwoods_Mar2021.pdf
These are the major updates to the older map: Trailhead 2 no longer exists as there are houses on the former trail to the road. Another Blue Trail has been added at the top of the preserve to connect the V-shaped trails on the map. Trailhead 1 has been relocated slightly south and connects to the trail along Bailey Pond near the northeast corner of the pond.
However, the new map does not show the location of the iron mine, nor does it have the full-page narrative of the older map. As long as the older map is available, use that in conjunction with the newer map.
The online interactive map shows the three trail names that are shown on wooden signs at trail junctions. The Greist Pond Loop and the Greist Connector are at the southern end of the property. The northern trails are called the Iron Woods Trail.
For another 1.4 miles of hiking, combine this with St. Francis Woods.
· Preserve Name: St. Francis Woods
· Starting Location/Parking: There is plenty of parking along the road by either of the two trailheads on St. Francis Woods Road, near 100 St. Francis Woods Road. There is a cul-de-sac with parking by 162 St. Francis Woods Road, but I do not recommend parking there because it would involve a steady climb from the woods portion of the trail. Trailhead 2 is marked with a green land trust sign for St. Francis Woods. The spur beyond the cul-de-sac leads to a memorial to a founding member of the land trust, and also an old cemetery.
· Directions: See Special Considerations below.
· Trail Description: With such a short trail section, St. Francis Woods is likely to be used only by people who live nearby or those seeking to hike all the Madison preserves. The 0.8-mile loop has 200 feet of climbing.
The eastern part of the loop crosses across an area of rocky high ground, while the western part passes through a valley alongDodd Hollow Brook.
Starting the hike from Trailhead 2 involves a steep climb of 100 feet in 0.2 miles, which is rewarded by a steady downhill and then a flat finish in the 0.8 mile loop. At the end the loop, turn right to return to trailhead 2. For those looking for additional mileage, walk up the road to the cemetery, which is a gain of 80 feet in 0.2 miles. The map shows a scenic viewpoint, which is really just the cemetery with a stonewall and an impressive spruce tree in the center and an open field.
· Suggested Hike: For the 1.3 mile hike, follow the loop clockwise from trailhead 2 to trailhead 1, then turn right on the road to the cemetery, accessed at the end of the cul-de-sac and return.
· Safety concerns: None
· Special considerations: Due to its short distance, this hike would best be paired with Ironwoods Preserve, which is 2 miles away. From the Ironwoods Parking lot, turn right and head south on Race Hill Road for 1 mile (crossing Route 80 midway). Right on Bradley Corners Road for 0.4 miles. Right on St. Francis Woods Road for 0.3 miles and park along the road by Trailhead 2.
· Preserve Name: Neck River Uplands North Trail and Neck River Uplands South Trail
· Starting Location/Parking: There is plenty of street parking near 45 Princess Drive, Madison, off Route 79, a bit north of the Route 80 traffic circle.
· Directions:I-95 North or South, Exit 61 to Rt. 79 North for about 6 miles. North of the traffic circle with Route 80, go 0.2 miles then turn left on Princess Drive for about 0.2 miles. Park along the road. Since the road is narrow, hikers should all park on the south side of the road facing toward Route 79.
· Trail Descriptions: The Neck River Uplands North Trail has a maze of trails that blanket the entire area. Unlike other trails in the Madison system, there are colors in addition to Blue, including Red, some brief Red-Blue sections and then cross trails marked with either a Blue or Red X.
The Blue Trail and the Blue Cross Trail both parallel the Neck River. The Orange Trail crosses over a rock formation, and gets too close to the sights and sounds of cars on Route 80. There are some impressive rock walls along the trails. The trails have rolling terrain with many mild climbs and descents. The largest climb is about 100 feet over half a mile. Since Princess Drive is the high point in the preserve, any hike will be uphill on the return.
· Suggested Hike: Hiking virtually every trail on the properties yields about a 5.5 mile loop with 700 feet of elevation gain. From Princess Drive, head south into the Neck River Uplands North Trail property and follow the Blue Trail a short distance before turning right on the Blue-Red Trail, which soon becomes Blue again where the Red Trail goes south. At the junction with the Orange Trail, turn right on the Blue Trail and soon cross Route 80 (Old Toll Road) into the Neck River Uplands South property. At junction 20B, turn right to follow the outer Blue Trail, which eventually turns east and ends near the North Madison Congregational Church. Turn around and hike east on the Blue Trail.
At junction 20A, turn right to head directly north back to the crossing of Route 80 to the North Trail, continuing on the Blue Trail in the North property. At junction 19C, turn right to follow the loops of the Orange Trail, back to the Blue Trail. At junction 19D, turn right on Blue and hike north toward Princess Drive. Returning directly to the road will result in a hike of 4.2 miles with 600 feet of elevation gain.
For more mileage, where the Blue Trail joins itself near the road, turn left on hike south on the Red Trail. At the next junction, turn left on the Red cross trail, marked with a Red X. Back at junction 19E, turn right on the Blue Trail heading south, then east, passing the junction for the Blue Cross Trail on the right and the Orange Trail on the left. At the next Blue Cross Trail, turn right to head north. Turn right at junction 19B on the Blue Trail (which will briefly be Blue-Red), before turning left at junction 19A to return to Princess Drive.
· Safety concerns: None
· Special considerations: Take care in crossing Route 80 from the North to the South trail, as the fast-moving traffic is not expecting pedestrians.
· Preserve Name: Papermill Trail
· Starting Location/Parking: There are two pull-off areas near 28 Fawn Brook Circle, Madison, off Green Hill Road, which also includes additional roadside parking. There is easily room for 15 cars.
· Directions: I-95 North or South, Exit 61 then take Route 79 North for 1.1 miles, then right on Green Hill Road for 1.6 miles, then left on Fawn Brook Circle, and park near the trailhead.
From the north, take Route 79 South from Route 80 for 3.1 miles. Bear left on Horse Pond Road for 1.2 miles. Left on Green Hill Road for 0.8 miles, then left on Fawn Brook Circle, and park near the trailhead.
· Trail Descriptions: This preserve consists of a horseshoe-shaped trail with two sections that have a parallel trail. The total out and back hike is 3.2 miles if the spur to Wickford Place is included. The loop starts by passing the foundation of the Hammonassett Paper Mill (spelled tt) and follows the loop of the Hammonasset River (spelled t) for 0.6 miles before turning south away from the river. The trail is gently rolling with good footing. There is 300 feet of elevation gain. With the interest of the paper mill site and the beauty of the river, this preserve definitely rates a visit.
· GPS track: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/6201810403
· Safety concerns: None.
· Special considerations: None
· Preserve Names: Shepherds Trail, Bailey Trail North, and Summer Hill Trail
· Starting Location/Parking:
There are only a couple of spaces for the Bailey Trail North at Route 80.
The parking lot for the Summer Hill Trail at 510 Summer Hill Rd., Madison has room for about four cars and parking along the road is not advised because Summer Hill Road is a north-south through road.
The best parking area for these three trail systems is for the Shepherds Trail preserve at 4 Shepherds Trail, Madison.
· Directions to 4 Shepherds Trail: I-95 North or South, Exit 61 then take Route 79 North for 2.7 miles, then right on Chestnut Hill Road for 0.3 miles, then left on Summer Hill Rd. for 2.1 miles, then right on Shepherds Trail. The trailhead is on the right shortly after the turn. There is plenty of parking on this quiet road.
From the north, from the junction with Route 79, take Route 80 East for 0.8 miles, then turn right on Summer Hill Rd. for 0.3 miles, then left on Shepherds Trail. The trailhead is on the right shortly after the turn. There is plenty of parking on this quiet road.
· Trail Descriptions:
Shepherds Trail:This is 0.8 miles from the road to the Bailey Trail North. Shepherds Trail crosses a rugged rock formation with a 150-foot climb midway between the road and the Bailey Trail. Footing is tricky in some locations. This is a beautiful hike with a similar appearance to the nearby Chatfield Trail. The out and back hike has 400 feet of elevation gain.
Bailey Trail North:This is an interesting walk along the banks of the Hammonasset River, scrambling over and around rocks. Other than a short hill up to Route 80, the trail is flat to rolling with about 80 feet of elevation gain, but definitely is not easy due to the rock formations. The out and back from Route 80 to the turn around point near some houses is 1.2 miles.
Summer Hill Trail:This is a pleasant woodlands walk. The interactive map shows far more trails than the paper map dated April 2017, including a trail that connects to Route 80 across from the Bailey Trail North. The multiple loops north of the connector trail make it easy to get turned around. The 1.5-mile loop that I walked had 200 feet of elevation gain.
· Suggested Hike: This 5.1-mile hike passes through all three properties with about 800 feet of elevation gain. From the Shepherds Trail trailhead, walk west on Shepherds Trail. At 0.8 miles, turn right to head south on the Bailey Trail North. Make a U-Turn at mile 1 and head north on the Bailey Trail North, crossing Route 80 at mile 1.6 to the Summer Hill Trail. Follow the loops counterclockwise, eventually ending back at Route 80 at 4 miles. Cross Route 80 to the Bailey Trail North and walk south to mile 4.3, turning right on the Shepherds Trail, arriving back at Shepherds Trail (the road) at mile 5.1.
For a shorter hike of 2.8 miles, skip the Summer Hill Trail.
· Safety concerns: Due to the rock formations, the Shepherds Trail and the Bailey Trail North would be especially challenging in snowy and icy conditions.
Take care in crossing Route 80 from the Bailey Trail North to the Summer Hill Trail, as the fast-moving traffic is not expecting pedestrians.
· Special considerations: The Shepherds Trail description on the map from May 2016 says the trail has a closed section due to dead hemlock trees. The map from April 2017 says the trail was extended to the Bailey Trail North in 2016. The trail was passable when I hiked it in December 2020.
The Bailey Trail North map from January 2016 says that the boardwalk to Georgetown Circle and the Bailey Trail South are only accessible during dry periods. When I hiked the area in January 2021, the boardwalk was washed away. As a result, there is no connection between the Bailey Trail North and the Bailey Trail South.
Smaller Preserves
These preserves are listed by trail length, starting from the longest and progressing to the shortest.
· Overbrook Trail
· Indian Rock Shelters
· Indigo Woods
· Rettich Preserve
· Ox Head Pasture
· Preserve Name: Overbrook Trail
· Starting Location/Parking: There is parking for about 8 cars parked facing the woods at the trailhead near 51 Overbrook Road, just north of Colonial Drive. The map gives an address of 81 Overbrook Road, which is a bit further to the north.
The nearest street parking would be Papermill Drive, located a quarter mile to the south. This is not a great option because it involves walking on Overbrook Road, which has a sloped shoulder, forcing hikers to use the narrow road.
· Directions: I-95 North or South, Exit 61 to Route 79 North for 3.4 miles. Left on Overbrook Road for 0.4 miles. The trailhead is on the left. Park on the dirt shoulder on the west side of the road (the wooded side).
From the north at the traffic circle with Route 80, drive south on Route 79 for 2.1 miles. Right on Overbrook Road for 0.4 miles. Park along the road. The trailhead is on the right.
· Trail Descriptions:The trails are a pleasant woodlands stroll with no outstanding features, other than along the southern part of the property.For someone not from the area, there is no compelling reason to visit this property.This is a series of loops, so the hike length can be adjusted as desired. The map designates two spots on the southwestern trails as a scenic viewpoint. The westernmost one is by someone’s backyard near the marsh. The other one looks down on the lower trail and toward the wetlands. Neither of which is worth calling out on a map. All trails are blazed Blue.
· Suggested Hike: Using almost all the trails in the preserve (some more than once) yields a hike of 2.1 miles with 250 feet of elevation gain.
From the trailhead head straight into the woods, and soon turn left to head south, following the outer loop in a clockwise direction. At junction 9A, continue straight at mile 0.1. At junction 9B, bear left to follow the lower trail at mile 0.3. At the split by junction 9C at mile 0.5, turn right to soon reach the viewpoint, which looks down on the lower trail. (The lower trail can be skipped because it goes almost immediately to someone’s backyard, adding only 0.3 miles to your hike). At the T-intersection at the western property boundary, turn right and ascend a short hill in a series of switchbacks. At junction 9D at mile 0.8, turn left to stay on the westernmost trail, turning left again at junction 9E at mile 1 to again stay on the outermost loop, merging back into the main train and then returning to junction 9A at mile 1.3. Turning left here soon returns to the road.
To make the most of the property, and to get a different perspective on trails that will be hiked twice, make a U-Turn at junction 9A and return back on the same trail. At the next junction at mile 1.5, bear left to skip the outer loop. At junction 9E, turn left at mile 1.55 to hike the only trail not previously used. At the next intersection, turn left and soon arrive at junction 9B at mile 1.85. Finish the hike by turning left and walking north, continuing straight past junction 9A at mile 2.0, arriving back to the parking area at Overbrook Rd. at mile 2.1
· Safety concerns: None
· Special considerations: The map has an error, telling people to start at the trailhead on Riverside Terrace, which is actually located 3 miles to the south. This is the trailhead for Indigo Woods.
· Preserve Name: Indian Rock Shelters
· Starting Location/Parking: There is plenty of parking in the cul-de-sac by 66 Lake Drive, Madison. The map gives a starting address of 76, but that is incorrect, as 66 is the highest number on the street and a GPS probably will not recognize 76.
· Directions: I-95 North or South, Exit 61 to Route 79 North for 5.5 miles. Right on Route 80 East for 0.7 miles. Left on Summer Hill Road for 0.7 miles, then left on Twilight Drive for 0.1 miles, and right to stay on Twilight Drive for 0.3 miles, then right on Lake Drive for 0.2 miles to the end.
· Trail Descriptions: While the loop is short, this preserve is definitely worth the visit. The western portion of the loop parallels a rocky bluff with three sets of overhanging rock ledges. The largest shelter is the furthest south and looks like a layer cake comprised of different types and colors of rocks. Native Americans once used this cave as a shelter. The rocks have sculpted sections that indicate a river probably scoured them. The cave to the north has what appears to be a closet, as it is too small to be called a room. There is also a viewpoint overlooking Sunset Lake (named Bartlett Pond on the map). Part of the trail follows the Neck River. The total circuit is about 1.1 miles.
· Suggested Hike: The 1.3-mile hike has 160 feet of elevation gain over rolling terrain. The trailhead is located along the western part of the cul de sac. From the road, descend to the Neck River, crossing it on rocks. Turn left after the river and head south. At trailhead 14A, turn left at mile 0.15 and walk south following the very shot spur to the pond view and return. After returning to the main trail, turn left to walk west, and then north at mile 0.35, hiking along the rock shelters. The largest overhang is just after the turn. At mile 0.75 there is a set of wavy cliffs with some small overhangs, plus one with a moderate overhang that has a “closet”. The loop heads south at mile 0.9, which soon turns south at mile and heads back to the start. At mile 1.25, turn left to return to the car.
This hike travels clockwise, while the hike described on the map travels counterclockwise. By hiking clockwise, the Neck River crossing is done first thing, rather than at the end of the hike. It is better to realize the river cannot be crossed (if that is the case) right away, rather than having to backtrack about a mile at the end of the loop.
· Safety concerns: Getting into the property from the trailhead involves crossing the roughly 10 foot wide Neck River on rocks, which could be challenging at times of high water.
· Special considerations: The online map shows a dotted line from this property to the Summer Hill property, implying there is a trail connection, but no trail existed in reality in Feb. 2021.
Since this is such a short hike, most people would likely be seeking other nearby hiking areas. The two closest Madison properties are Summer Hill Trail, 510 Summer Hill Rd., Madison, a mere 1.3 miles away, and the Neck River Uplands Trail, 45 Princess Drive, Madison, located 2.7 miles away.
To reach 510 Summer Hill Road, backtrack to Summer Hill Road, then turn right to head south for 0.7 miles. The trailhead is on the left, just north of Route 80.
To reach 45 Princess Drive, backtrack to Summer Hill Road, then turn right to head south to Route 80 West, then right on Route 79 North for 0.3 miles, then left on Princess Drive for 0.2 miles.
· Preserve Name: Indigo Woods
· Starting Location/Parking: Park in the cul-de-sac near 63 Riverside Terrace, Madison. The map incorrectly gives an address of 99 Riverside Terrace; 63 is the highest property number on the street. There is plenty of parking along the street. Access the trail by walking to the right of the split rail fence, then following the other side of the fence, and turn right to reach the Neck River.
· Directions from the Jefferson Park Trail: From the cul-de-sac, drive west on Jefferson Park Road. Left on Warpas Rd. for 1.2 miles. Bear right at the split to stay on Warpas Rd. for 0.4 miles. Right on Riverside Terrace to the end.
· Trail Description: This is a lollipop hike in which a stick connects a loop. The trail goes along the Neck River. Near the top of the loop are the remains of a mill race, which is the most interesting part of the loop. The total hike, including the out and back along the straighter part, is 0.85 miles. Houses are visible at all times, which is not surprising, given that the loop uses an easement over private property.
This trail has about four crossings of the Neck River, which is 20 or more feet wide with quick moving water. The first crossing near Riverside Drive has a series of stepping stones, which would work well if the water is less than a foot deep. At the second crossing, there are stepping stones with a rope to provide an extra level of security. Another crossing had no organized stepping stones, but the water was low enough when I hiked it in Aug. 2021 that I was able to keep my feet dry.
This trail would probably best be hiked in a drought or on a hot day for those willing to have wet feet. Since houses surround the trail, there are no other access points.
When I hiked this, the trail was marked with a mixture of blue painted blazes and circular blue metal discs. Some sections of trail were poorly marked and overgrown with summer growth fueled by steady rains, so I had difficulty following these sections. There were also no signs for the trailhead or the trail junction, which the land trust plans to install.
Unless someone is seeking to hike all the Madison Land Trust trails, which is the reason I hiked this, there is not a compelling reason to hike this area.
· Suggested Hike: From the trailhead, walk east along the Neck River. At the junction to the loop, turn left and follow the loop clockwise back to this junction, and then straight out to the road.
· Safety concerns: The map cautions that the river crossings may be difficult at times of high water. I can attest that the crossings could be a challenge at any time of year. I suggest having two poles for stability, and not attempting the crossing if the water is more than a foot deep, and walking as if the rocks are slippery because they probably are slippery.
· Special considerations: Since this loop is so short, it would best be done after a hike at one of the nearby preserves: Double Loop, Lowry Woods and/or Camp Hadley. The map indicates it may be possible to hike to these properties via a connecting trail, via paths and woods roads.
The Indigo Woods map indicates there is a direct connection to Lowry Woods via a trail that is not on the printed map, but is shown on the online map as a dotted line. I have not hiked this and cannot vouch that it is passable and marked.
· Preserve Name: Rettich Preserve
· Starting Location/Parking: This is an old farm along the banks of the Hammonasset River at 274 River Road, Madison, off Scotland Road, south of I-95 and the railroad tracks. Park in the gravel lot on the property that has room for about 8 cars.
· Directions: I-95 North, Exit 62, then left on the Hammonasset Connector for 0.1 miles. Right on Duck Hole Road for 0.4 miles. Straight on River Road for 0.2 miles, passing under I-95 and the railroad. Bear left on River Road (where Scotland Road is on the right), and turn left into the preserve property.
From I-95 South, Exit 62, turn right on Hammonasset Connector a short distance, then turn right on Duck Hole Road and follow the above directions.
· Trail Descriptions: There is about a mile of walking along the grounds of this 11-acre property, which are a mix of mowed paths through meadows, plus some trails through the woods. There are good views of the East River along the trails. The trails are not blazed, nor do they need to because the system is compact and obvious. Traffic noise from I-95 is ever-present, quite loud by the parking area, and fading to a quieter hum on the trails further south. There is also occasional noise from a passing train on the nearby railroad tracks. If passing nearby, this preserve is worth a visit for the river views.
· Suggested Hike: Follow the paths along the property along the river, and return on the paths closer to the road.
· Safety concerns: None
· Special considerations: This property is not near any other Madison Land Trust property, but is close to Hammonasset State Park.
· Preserve Name: Ox Head Pasture
· Starting Location/Parking: The recommended parking area is the turn around near 138 Garnet Park Road, Madison where there is room for about 4 cars. The actual trailhead is located at 7 Canoe Road, Madison where there is There is shoulder parking on the marsh side for about 3 cars. There is no other parking available in this area because the road is too narrow. There are conflicting signs just past the cul-de-sac where the first and larger sign indicates, Private Property, No Trespassing. Just beyond that is a Madison Land Trust sign on the tree which indicates that walkers are welcome. From the Garnet Park Road area, continue straight on Start at the trailhead opposite Madison, off Garnet Park Road.
· Directions: I-95 North, Exit 59, then right on Goose Lane, then left on Route 1 North for 1.7 miles. Right on Garnet Park Road for 0.7 miles and park along the wide portion of the road near the marsh. From I-95 South, Exit 60, turn left on Mungertown Road for 0.5 miles, then right on Nathans Lane for 0.2 miles, then left on Route 1 South, then immediate right on Garnet Park Road for 0.7 miles and park along the wide portion of the road near the marsh.
· Trail Descriptions: There is the shortest trail in the Madison system at 0.15 miles. It provides a view of the Hammonasset River to the north, the Neck River to the west, and Bailey Creek to the south. The quiet area roads provide additional views of the Neck River. The unblazed trail is muddy from the road through the marsh, and the ground firms up when it enters a set of cedar trees on slightly higher ground that features a viewing platform. If visiting the area, this small property is well worth the visit for the marsh and river views. While the hum of I-95 can be heard in the distance, the area has a peaceful feeling.
· Suggested Walk: For a flat 0.6 mile loop, from the parking along Garnet Park Road, continue straight where the road narrows and follow it to the left at the curve on Canoe Road. At the trailhead, turn right to follow the trail out to the viewing platform and return. Back at the road, turn right on Canoe Road, and then left on Riverside Drive at the curve, and then left again on Park Lane to return to the start. To make this a longer walk of 1.9 miles, turn right on Garnet Park Road for 0.4 miles, then right on Governors Way for 0.3 miles to the cul-de-sac and return. From Governors Way, turn left on Garnet Park Road to return to the start.
· Safety concerns: None
· Special considerations: This property is not near any other Madison Land Trust property, but is close to Hammonasset State Park and the Shoreline Greenway Trail.
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