Knowlton Hill Preserve
127 acres in Mansfield and Ashford, CT
Parking: Small lot for three cars at 81 Knowlton Hill Rd, Storrs, CT
Trail Map Trails: 2.5 miles Rating: ★★☆☆☆
The standard Joshua’s Trust yellow loop starts along the slope of the glacial drumlin under your feet. The copper-roofed home of the preserve’s namesake sits at the peak of the hill to your left. As you work your way through the field there is a majestic tree with stone benches for taking in the view to the east. The trail then descends into the forest towards Knowlton Pond. Though the pond is private property there are changes to sneak a peek.
After crossing Knowlton Hill Rd you pass what I’m guessing is an overgrown former cow pond right before reaching the perimeter of active farmland. The trail here is wide and relatively easy walking. An orange loop extends the hike here and has a new set of posts to go with an updated trail guide (see below). Soon you’re back at the main parking.
The start of a purple blazed trail that I noticed in to my 2016 visit seems to have been abandoned.
The trailhead kiosk also offers a trail guide that has been expanded in 2018. There are now 15 trail posts that correspond to descriptions in the trail guide educating about the history and natural world of the preserve.
History:
C.C. Knowlton, a wealthy mill owner, built his copper-roofed summer home at the top of Knowlton Hill in the style of the houses of Watch Hill, RI.
Links:
Peter Marteka – Knowlton Hill Preserve, A Peaceful And Serene Place (2010)
Janet Lopes – ‘Quiet Corner’ Hiking Spot Lives Up to Its Name (Archive link 2017)
Outdated 2016 Trail Map
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Last updated August 20th, 2019
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