Prince Hill Park
Creamery Brook Trail / Carol Randall Memorial Nature Trail / Donald Francis Recreation Park Trail
103 acres in Brooklyn, CT
Parking: Large lot at 95 Prince Hill Rd, Brooklyn, CT
Trail Map Trails: 3.5 miles Rating: ★★☆☆☆
I’ve collected all three of these trails under the name Prince Hill mostly since I accessed them through Prince Hill Park. The trails can be accessed from a number of different points, but Prince Hill Park seemed like the easiest. Also, note the orientation on the trail map above compared with the GPS tracked hike below.
After passing between the walking track and the basketball courts the trail starts behind the far soccer field. You’d have to know it was there or stumble across it because even as you get close there are no signs indicate the trail. It passes through wetlands before crossing the ball field by Brooklyn Middle School.
In this section, I saw an owl swoop low before landing high in the canopy to watch as I passed. I re-entered the woods and followed the dilapidated info signs along the driveway to the entrance to the Carol Randall Memorial Trail. I followed it south passing a small amphitheater likely used when the school brings kids out here and a bird blind. The trail then heads downhill until reaching the Creamery Brook Trail.
Creamery Brook is a long straight trail lined with lined with what I guess are old scarlet maples. Right next to the trail are retirement homes that may occasionally use it for a stroll. Aside from the beautiful old trees lining the way the trail is uneventful.
Turning around I made it back to the Carol Randall trail which was also pretty uneventful. Next, I rejoined the Donald Francis Recreation trail heading west. There isn’t much to note here either other than some massive pines and a long stretch of trail bordered by nothing but poison ivy. A connector trail led to the tennis courts just off Rt 6. A sign noted the “blue” trail though I don’t remember seeing a single blaze. The trail passed a marsh before rejoining Prince Hill Park behind a baseball field.
History:
Much of the property was purchased by the town from the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception for $625,000 in 1990. An additional 11 acres were added by the town in 2009.
Links:
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Last updated August 6th, 2018
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