Iron Mine Valley

Iron Mine Valley Preserve

Joshua’s Trust

52 acres in Ashford, CT

Parking: Shoulder parking near 31 Sand Hill Rd, Ashford, CT

Trail Map         Trails: 1.3 miles       Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Iron Mine Valley Preserve is split into East and West trails.  The 1 mile West Trail starts from Sand Hill Road and heads down into the forest until meeting the fork for the loop.  The loop is simple with trees and interesting rock formations.

The highlight of the hike is the swampy area near Boston Hollow Brook that on my last visit felt right out the Jurassic age with massive ferns, wild moss, and soft ground.

The East Trail is 0.3 miles from Iron Mine Lane and you can park at the small lot for the Pixie Falls section of the Nipmuck Trail and walk past the gate further down the dirt road until the trail turns off to the right.  The brook should be low enough to rock hop if you want to check out this trail from the west side or vice versa.

History:

Preserved in separate parcels donated in 1990 and 2001.

Links:

Peter Marteka  – A Magical Waterfall And A River Of Hope In The Wilds Of Ashford (2015)

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