Pigeon Swamp Preserve

Pigeon Swamp Preserve

Joshua’s Trust

135 acres in Lebanon, CT

Parking:

• Shoulder parking near 181 Babcock Hill Rd Lebanon, CT
• Small lot near 75 Pigeon Swamp Rd Lebanon, CT

Trail Map             Trails: 2.6 miles           Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Pigeon Swamp Preserve is named for the passenger pigeons who once roosted among the thick beech trees along small swamp at the western edge of the property.  It is a great short walk that highlights Great Pond, marsh views, and the cellar holes and mill ruins from its past.

Hiking

Yellow Loop – 2 miles

The yellow loop is the main trail within the preserve and passes through a number of diverse habitats from former pastures and farm road to narrow path between pines and ferns.  A 350ft spur trail at the southern tip of the property provides two marsh views which are often brimming with life.

Pond View and Babcock Hill Connector – 0.6 miles

I usually start my hikes from the Babcock Hill Road and hike the narrow ‘Old Mill Path’ between farm fields and private property down to Big Pond.  Here you can explore a stretch of the shore before turning to cross the ruins of a grist mill run by Elijah Babcock in the late 18th century.  Heading up the hill a bit is the second red blazed connector trail to the cellar hole of his homestead.  The cellar hole which was completely overgrown on my last visit was cleared around New Year 2021 and is much more impressive now that you can see the whole thing.

History:

Preserved in 1996 when it was donated by Dr. Mervyn H. Little and his wife, Dr. Olga A. G. Little.

Links:

• Dodd, Samuel G. Joshua’s Tract Walk Book 4th Edition. 2005. pg. 188.
• Peter Marteka – Passenger Pigeon, Now Gone, Once Filled Preserve (2001)

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Last updated Jan. 23, 2019