Many features of the preserve still clearly reflect Wilton's agricultural past. A short access trail connects to the blue blazed loop trail. Turning north, downhill, the loop trail passes through a wetland system. An impressive group of "wolf" trees, large broad-crowned, excessively branchy trees provides abundant cover. Following the loop trail counter-clockwise, rolling open woodlands dominate. The trail passes through former fields experiencing different stages of forest succession.
Eastern red cedar, hickory, sassafras, and other sun-tolerant trees are filling in the former fields. Woodland grasses carpet much of the sunny forest floor. Grey and black birch, red maple and oak trees occur throughout the more established woodlands. The southwest corner of the preserve provides a dramatic westward view of the Mayapple Brook valley and beyond into Gregg Preserve.
Continuing on the loop trail, the woodlands brighten into areas that are still maintained as open fields. The tall grasses provide habitat for insects and bird species that prefer open meadows. The fields gently slope down to a wetland system at the eastern boundary of the property.
A small stream runs through the wetland and connects to Mayapple Brook south of the property. At the base of the slope, before you reach the stream, the trail turns into a wooded wetland and heads north and up a rocky ridge. From high on the ridge, especially in the spring and early summer, frogs can be heard from the pond below. Stonewalls dominate the property. Here, there are additional connecting trails within Gregg Preserve.
The 92-acre preserve is composed mainly of open, mature deciduous woods, along with two large stands of evergreens, open meadows, ponds, creeks, rocky crags, stone walls, and swamps, giving the preserve a diversity of ecosystems that attract wildlife and make it delightful to walk on a sunny day. For horseback riders, permission to ride on designated trails is available but must be approved by the Wilton Land Trust.
Gregg Preserve is closed for hunting from November 1 through January 31. During hunting season, wear bright colored clothing, even on properties that don’t allow hunting. A fluorescent orange vest or hat is recommended. Please review Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection's Outdoor Safety Tips.
Belknap Preserve is managed by the Town of Wilton. To report an issue on the trails of Belknap Preserve, please use SeeClickFix (select Trails under Submit a Request).
Gregg Preserve is managed by Wilton Land Trust.
Take route 7 north for 2.6 miles to Honey Hill Road on the right (east). Follow Honey Hill Road 0.7 miles to Wampum Hill Road. Turn right (south) and the parking is in 200 feet on the right.
Follow US-7 South/Sugar Hollow Road south toward Norwalk. At School Street in Georgetown, turn left and then right onto Redding Road after the railroad crossing. Turn right onto CT-57 South/Georgetown Road and follow for 2.3 miles. Then turn right onto Cannondale Road. In 0.4 miles, turn right onto Wampum Hill Road. Follow for 0.3 miles to the parking on the left.
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