Palmer Taylor Preserve

Middlesex Land Trust

90 acres in Portland, CT

Parking: In front of the Erinmore Barn at 258 Middle Haddam Road, Portland, CT

Trail Map        Trails: 2.3 miles      Rating: ★★☆☆☆

On my last visit in 2017, the trails in the Palmer Taylor Preserve required some careful navigation and bushwacking.  Peter Marteka had a similar experience in 2012 so it’s likely you will too.  I attempted to start on the Barn Loop trail to the left of the barn.  The trail seemed to be deliberately abandoned, but I attempted it anyway.  I made it about to where the trail map shows a connector to Breezy Corner Rd before thick thorns turned me around.

The real trails start across Middle Haddam Rd.  Again after pushing through some thorny growth I reached Snow Drop Hill a tiny hill that at one point must have been a peaceful rise above the garden pond.  Carefully rock-lined steps curve down the slope to the pond.  Unfortunately, the pond too is overgrown and would require some dredging to renew.  If it were, this spot would feel like the grand ruins of a storied past and to a certain point they are.  The trail winds past a large stone staircase at the back of an estate before splitting left to the Air Line Trail and right Palmer Trail.

The Palmer Trail has named points like Philosopher’s Knob and Half-Quarried Rock which I support but didn’t give much weight to while hiking.  What is impressive is the massive tunnel under the Air Line Trail (labeled railroad tunnel on the map).  It is a work of rugged and rough-hewn craftsmanship standing 30 feet tall and a hundred feet long.  I walked to the other end of the tunnel, but there wasn’t much to admire other than the handiwork.  The trail continues past the tunnel the high point overlook.  I wasn’t able to see much at all so I’ll have to guess this is a season overlook.

I made my way back to the yellow-blazed Taylor Brook trail and could not find where it re-entered even though it should be just across Air Line Trail.  Instead, I walked down the Airline Trail and made a quick stop at the Okumsett Preserve within view of Glen Falls.  From there I found the Taylor Brook trailhead and walked back.  This had some great views along the brook and a nice bridge or two but it was unmaintained as well.

It wasn’t easy but I eventually made my way back to just below the Air Line Trail.  A thick screen of thorny weedy prevented easy passage and since it covered the entire length I had to push my way through.  This should be a fantastic hike.  It has all the elements of history, natural beauty, and variety but ultimately its disuse or lack of maintenance makes an enjoyable but unsatisfying hike.  It is possible the trails are clearer now but be forearmed in case they aren’t.

History:

Preserved in parcels over the years thanks to the Palmer family.

Links:

Peter Marteka – In Portland, A Reminder Of Railroads’ Heyday (2012)

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Last updated Jan. 21, 2019