Torrey Preserve

Mansfield Town Park

29.5 acres in Mansfield, CT

Parking: Small lot near 266 Gurleyville Rd Mansfield, CT

Trail Map       Trails: 1 mile     Rating: ★★☆☆☆


The Torrey Preserve has just under one mile of trails. While short it’s a pretty little spot for a quick walk and the steep hill spur offers just a touch of challenge.

Hiking

This hike starts out along the blue-blaze Nipmuck Trail for a few hundred feet before an arrow directs you west.  The trail quickly comes into view of a 3 acre agricultural field surrounded by towering pines. 

The trail crosses an access road to the field as is slowly climbs uphill.  At the backside of the field the trail turns uphill at a shagbark hickory quickly gaining elevation now until rounding a small knob of rock.  The trail is cut into the slope here and descends next to a fern glade and its unseen water source.  Much of the property is hemlock grove. 

After leaving the field the trails heads into a gully before rejoining the Nipmuck Trail to return to the parking area.

Nipmuck Trail

This half mile section of the blue blaze Nipmuck Trail starts at its southern end crossing the Fenton River next to the Gurleyville Gristmill then cuts into the woods alongside a private driveway and a small pond with a stone bridge to a mini island.  The terrain is follows the hills alongside the Fenton River until reaching the entrance to the the Torrey Preserve.

Previous Section: Chaffeeville Silk Mill — 1.4 miles

Next Section: Fenton Tract — 2 miles

History

The property became a town park in 1996 when it was purchased for $90,000.  It is the site of the former Bundy Homestead, the ruins of which can be found in the eastern corner of the property.  The property was owned by James Bundy Jr who had 70 acres in the area as early as 1751.  The property was in the Torrey family for 74 years before its purchase by the town.


The information shown here is for general reference purposes only. exploreCT.org gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or reliability of this data. Parking in all areas, whether designated here or not, is at your own risk. exploreCT.org is not responsible for any damage or loss to vehicles or contents.
Last updated March 16th, 2024

Visited 2195 times, 2 Visits today

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