Photos
Description
Oak Ledges Preserve
8.27 acres in Portland, CT
Parking: Shoulder parking near 98 S Rd, Portland, CF
Trail Map Trails: 0.7 miles Rating: ★★☆☆☆
This small land trust parcel adjacent to another parcel of the Meshomasic State Forest features a rugged hike and a couple great trail views like a balanced rock and ‘possum sniff point’ as well a unique ‘Meditation Shelter’ destination.
Hiking
From the shoulder parking the trail immediately climbs up steep rock ledges using switchbacks. Coated with fallen leaves this first stretch was a little precarious but a great start to the hike. The trailhead is right between two houses so you’ll pass close to private property at a couple points.
Once atop the ledge you’re on Blueberry Hill, the preserve’s highest point. The trail splits on a well-traveled old path and I took it right heading slightly downhill. Blazes get a little wonky in this part, deviating off down a hill that I’m sure no one ever follows and instead follow the well worn path to rejoin the blazes a bit later. Once again you’re near private property until turning at a large erratic.
The back side of this property abuts a smaller parcel of the Meshomasic State Forest, which does have old woods roads though they aren’t directly accessible from the preserve. The trail passes some fading grand old oak trees before climbing a second hill to the ‘Meditation Shelter’. This small lean-to, complete with bunk, shelf, and seating, sits on a knoll looking at the heart of the preserve.
The trail winds around and climbs again around a perched balanced rock to complete the loop and return down the same steep access trail back to the parking.
History:
The preserve was donated to the land trust by long time board member John LeShane in 2000.
Links:
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Last updated December 24th, 2023
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