The Blue Loop Trail winds through mixed hardwood forest to points that overlook the Connecticut River. The trail also winds through mountain laurel groves, side slopes and over knobs of ledge and moss. There are some steep sections on the trail and a crossing of a small stream.
The Red Trail can be accessed from the Blue Trail. The Red Trail has some short, steep sections and can also be accessed from Hem Street.
Find more information about Duncan Preserve from East Haddam Land Trust. Further details and color-coded trail maps are available on the East Haddam Trails Interactive Map.
The history of this property goes back to the earliest settlement of East Haddam - around 1670 - when settlers of Haddam looked east for better land. A few settlers moved to the area along Creek Row, the first road in town. Family names synonymous with East Haddam's past and present - Ackley, Arnold, Bailey, Brainerd, Brooks, Clarke, Cone, Gates, Shayler, two Spencers, two Smiths, Ventres, and Wells among others - settled here.
About the time of the Revolutionary War, William Gelston built the first Episcopal church, the predecessor of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church currently located on Main Street. The outline of the original church foundation is still visible along one of the trails and there is evidence that the cut granite foundation stones were quarried nearby.
From Route 82 about 1/4 mile east of East Haddam Village, turn left onto Porges Road. Park off the road on the left, in front of the East Haddam Land Trust Duncan Preserve sign.
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