Stoppleworth Conservation Area
55 acres in Tolland, CT
Parking: Small pull off at 359 Hunter Road Tolland, CT
Trail Map Trails: Less than a mile Rating: ★★☆☆☆
The Stoppleworth Conservation area contains a 0.8 mile orange blazed loop. The southern section of the loop connects to the adjacent Campbell’s Peaceful Valley for additional trails. The loop I did combining the two was about 3.75 miles.
There are a surprising number of water features at Stoppleworth crossing seasonal streams and brooks that head towards Shenipsit Lake. The water was flowing well during my hike creating tiny cascades above the crossing footbridges. The western side of the loop passes through the largest densest stand of birch trees I’ve seen yet. My recommendation would be to hike Campbell’s Peaceful Valley for the overlook and to tack on this short hike for its small surprises.
From the town site,
“The property is a diverse wildlife habitat with wetlands, uplands, and exposed ledges. Species found include, but are not limited to, salamanders, amphibians, blue herons, songbirds, turkey, woodcocks, foxes, deer, bobcats, and bears. An owl and her chicks have been spotted on the property along with a pair of pileated woodpeckers. The property is within the Shenipsit Lake Watershed, part of the Connecticut Water Company public drinking water supply system.”
History:
Established as a conservation area in 2004 when it was purchased from the Stoppleworth family. Just north of the parking area is the remains of the Aborn Homestead, a preserved foundation where you can read a history of the Stoppleworth family farm, by Tolland historian Bill McDermott.
Links:
Peter Marteka – Stop at Stoppleworth’s for a Hike (2011)
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Last updated: April 22nd, 2018
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