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Avery Preserve

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Avery Preserve, located in Ledyard, offers a diverse network of trails that pass by stream crossings and ponds.
Trail Activity
Hiking Walking
Length
2.6 miles, Network
Difficulty
Moderate
Town
Ledyard
Surface
Packed Earth/Dirt
Pets
Permitted on leash
Fees
No

Description

Avery Preserve encompasses an East Tract and West Tract. Avery Preserve West Tract has a network of interconnected trails that are well marked with orange, white, and yellow trail markers. Crossing Avery Hill Road leads to the trailhead, starting you on the Orange Trail. The Orange Trail borders the preserve and follows along stonewalls of various ages, creating a truly scenic hike. Throughout the Orange Trail are side paths that cross into the central portion of the preserve. These are marked with either yellow or white trail markers.

These connections allow for diverse routes while exploring all of the natural beauty of the preserve. The packed earth and dirt trails range from as narrow as 2-3 feet to wide open, with some stream crossings and vernal ponds along the way. Total trail distance is approximately 2.6 miles with 270 feet of elevation changes. Combining the hills with the occasional exposed rocks and roots creates a moderately challenging hike. It is common to see various types of birds and land animals. Also of note, the Billings Avery Brook is located on the southern portion of the preserve.

Other Information

Trail Sections

  • West Tract, 76.6 acres (1970): Open upland woods, Billings-Avery Brook and glacial boulder deposits.
  • East Tract, 22.5 acres (1977): Maple swamp and upland woodlands, giant rhododendron, Atlantic white cedar, orchid species.
  • Sheep Wash Tract, 0.5 acres (1995): Historic dry-wall sheep wash, south of Billings-Avery Brook.
  • Town of Ledyard Transfer, 0.5 acres (2014): Addition to the west tract.

Rules

  • Avery Preserve is open to foot traffic only.
  • Dogs must be leashed at all times.
  • The preserve is open dawn to dusk.
  • Please stay on the marked trails.

This property is part of Avalonia's Hike and Seek Program scavenger hunt program!

Trail Manager

Avalonia Land Conservancy
P.O. Box 49
Old Mystic, CT 06372
(860) 884-3500
http://www.avalonia.org

Trail Tips

Respect Wildlife
Avoid known animal mating or nesting areas during sensitive times.

Trailhead Information

From the west

Off of CT-12 South talk a right onto CT-214 East. Take a left onto Avery Hill Road and the parking lot will be on your right. 

From the east and south

Follow CT-2 West and CT-214 West to Avery Hill Road in Ledyard. Take a right onto Avery Hill Road, the parking lot will be on your right. 

The trailed portion of the preserve is within the West Tract of Avery Hill Road, 0.8 miles north of Route 214. Parking lot is on the East tract. 

Legend
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