Madeline Reagan Preserve
29 acres in Tolland, CT
Parking: Small lot near 1154 Tolland Stage Rd, Tolland, CT
Trail Map Trails: 1 mile Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Starting from the trailhead the standard yellow-blazed Joshua’s Trust trail immediately hooks left gradually uphill among towering pines on a section of the Old Connecticut Path (Native American trade route later used and expanded by early colonists of Connecticut).
The trail follows this historic route on gently rolling terrain crossing a small brook. After about a half mile the property runs into private houses (temporarily distrupting the old path – find it next at Fenton Ruby Park!). Thankfully the the trail flows right into the blue blazed ‘Ridge Trail’ put in Fall 2021 which follows the curve of the property boundary into the rocky wash of sparse upland oak and hickory. It shortly rejoins the yellow blaze trail and crosses to the red-blazed ‘Esker Trail’
The red esker trail is best on the property. It too skirts private property but thankfully is with a thick screen of young pines. It ascends to a dramatic esker (a glacially formed ridge of stratified sand and gravel). The trail follows this narrow ridge. The steep slopes on either side descend to two vernal pools. The red trail returns to the yellow just above the brook crossing with a short return trip to the parking area.
History:
This property preserves a section of the Old Connecticut Path.
Joshua’s Trust purchased the property on December 15th, 2020 from the Regan family after having a conservation easement on it since 2008.
Links:
Joshua’s Trust Blog – Everyone Loves A View (2021)
Joshua’s Trust Blog – JT Trustee Walk Back in Time: Regan Property in Tolland (2020)
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Last updated May 15th, 2022
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