45 acres in East Haddam, CT
Parking: Small lot near 24 Grist Mill Rd, Moodus, CT
Trail Map Trails: 1.2 miles Rating: ★★☆☆☆
The Hidden Valley Farm Preserve is 1.5 acres of land trust property and 43.5 acres of private property with an easement for a trail. The two are contiguous but separated by the Moodus River. The property provides hiking and fishing opportunities as well as historical significance in two mill sites.
From the parking area there is a very short loop trail that goes out to a broken dam viewpoint for an old saw/grist mill and returns along the river. Accessing the rest of the trails requires walking down the road, crossing the bridge, and entering the first driveway on the right. Cross another small bridge and you’ll enter a mowed path next to the river. This is technically private property so treat it as such.
The main red blazed trail soon forks into the blue which continues to follow the river’s edge on narrow path surrounded by ferns. You’ll soon reach a second dam and mill site with a bare stone foundation ornamented by a eroded ball of tree roots. Old wooden beams still cross the river bed at a small sandy beach. The trail continues uphill to rejoin the red.
The red trail meanders its way out to Clark Gates Road on what must have been an old farm road. I retraced my steps back to the parking area.
Preserved in 2013 when it was acquired from Gary and Donna Bogan.
Peter Marteka – The Ghostly Mills Along The Mill River Of Moodus (2016)
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. Last updated July 28th, 2024
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