152.6 acres in Brooklyn, CT
Parking:
Trail Map Trails: 2 miles Rating: ★★☆☆☆
This wonky hidden property is more than a little rough around the edges but if you're willing to push through there is a few sites along the way that you're guaranteed to have all to yourself.
The Ferguson Conservancy feels like the ultimate hidden trail. In the dense screen of brush off Rt. 169 the trailhead is covered and the trail is a narrow land bridge in a marshy area. The long lead-in opens to a strange network of trails with wonky names like the Fried Egg Trail. There are loops near magnetic rocks, lone trails to pond views, and series of impressive glacial erratics.
Unfortunately it is also hidden from the stewards. Much like other Wolf Den Land Trust properties I’ve visited the trails were in great need of stewardship with the northernmost trail out to the marsh point being completely overgrown. Other were flooded, hard to follow, or filled with obstacles.
I hiked the outermost loop and the trail did connect between the houses on Herrick Road. There is a small fork off a driveway here with room for about two cars.
I visited again several years later in the snow and found the winter easier to pass in most places and I was able to follow a the nearly abandoned spur trail all the way out to the pond. There were still several confusing stretches with no established trail through the understory and some searching for a tree with a blaze to guide your direction. I was still able to complete the loops around the property, though I imagine visiting again the summer would be even more difficult since my last visit.
February 24th, 2025. The information shown here is for general reference purposes only. exploreCT.org gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or reliability of this data. Parking in all areas, whether designated here or not, is at your own risk. exploreCT.org is not responsible for any damage or loss to vehicles or contents.
