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. There is plenty of parking in the lot located on the east side of Avery Hill Road (Avery Preserve–East Tract). 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 2.56 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.
Please adhere to the following guidelines when visiting the preserve:
This property is part of Avalonia's Hike & Seek Program scavenger hunt program, start your adventure here!
Avalonia Land Conservancy preserves natural habitats in southeastern Connecticut by acquiring and protecting lands, and communicating the value of these irreplaceable resources. Learn more on their website or contact info@avalonialc.org.
The trailed portion of the preserve is within the West Tract of Avery Hill Road, 0.75 miles north of Route 214. Parking lot on East tract.
From the west: Off of CT-12 S talk a right onto CT-214E. Take a left onto Avery Hill Rd. and the parking lot will be on your right.
From the east and south: Follow CT-2 W and CT-214 W to Avery Hill Rd in Ledyard. Take a right onto Avery Hill Road, the parking lot will be on your right.
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Also, the little off shoot trail to Mill Pond Damn was a little confusing. We followed it expecting to find a damned pond and the end of the trail but the path continued and there was no clear pond. We didn’t realize that by following the trail we left the preserve entirely and couldn’t find our way back without backtracking. It wasn’t a problem and once we returned we saw the sign saying we were now entering the preserve but it was briefly a bit confusing.