Kollar Wildlife Management Area

Connecticut Wildlife Management Area

Parking: Small lot just east of 130 N River Rd Tolland, CT

~~Hunting Map~~ Trails: 5 miles Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Access to the Kollar Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is down the gated North River Rd. The abandoned road is almost a straight shot to the Willimantic River and even paved for the half mile to the river. For an old single lane road, it remains in pretty good shape even as Mother Nature encroaches in. At the river stone abutments still stand on either side of the river and are the remains of Scripture bridge (named for a Willington family) which was washed out in 1938. So it was fitting that I visited after three straight days of rain when the river was deep and swift.

From the bridge, I headed north along the river following an increasingly narrow path which meandered along the banks. Cut telephone poles, some covered in moss, act as kind of trail marker the length of this trail, but I’m unsure what purpose they would have served. Just across the river are the train tracks and Rt. 32. I lost the trail in about three places among thick ferns and grass, but always quickly found it again. The farther I got in the more I expected it to reach all the way to Plains Rd. It ended near a train trestle bridge about 1/4 mile away from the road making the distance out about 2.4 miles. There are many nice views along the river including a large boulder with a tree growing out of it in the river, though it is marred a bit by noise from Rt. 32.

There were many side paths that can be taken from old woods roads to what could just be game paths. Marteka followed one to an enormous split boulder. He also suggests heading up Babcock Rd and taking some of the side trails off it. Dusk prevented me from exploring any further so I’ll have to return soon.

Caution should be exercised as this is an active hunting area in season.

History:

From the Willimantic River Alliance site, “The Nipmucks and other tribes camped by this brook, which they called Owwaenunggannunck, “where people go to catch salmon.” During annual spring gatherings, they caught salmon and shad that came up the river to spawn. (Dams now prevent these fish from migrating this far up the river.) The tribes also traveled upstream to visit the mineral springs in Stafford Springs.”

Kollar Wildlife Management Area