The trail system at the Harry C. Barnes Memorial Nature Center (owned by Environmental Learning Centers of Connecticut) located at 175 Shrub Road, Bristol, begins and ends at the forest's edge behind the nature center building. The 0.5 mile loop trail named Elmer's Way (red blazes) provides an excellent example of what the forest at Barnes has to offer. Elmer's Way leads you through the old mixed forests to the shaded wetlands around Freeman Hill Brook, over the brook, and under tall Mountain Laurel groves. This trail is not steep but does contain roots and rocky sections and is occasionally muddy.
For those looking for a more challenging hike, the yellow blazed trail will take you to the top of a glacial esker which is a narrow ridge created by ancient glacial rivers. From here you can overlook the wetlands below and find the rare Pitch Pine.
The white blazed trail will lead you back down to the densely vegetated wetlands of aromatic Spicebush and Skunk Cabbage where many species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians can be found hiding amongst the leaves.
Additionally, a section of the blue blazed Tunxis Trail runs the length of the preserve and, if followed, will connect to the trails at the Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area to the northwest.
Environmental Learning Centers of Connecticut's mission is to "Inspire the appreciation and enjoyment of nature, through education and conservation, fostering a healthy environment and an improved quality of life”.
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https://elcct.org/facilities/the-wallace-barnes-nature-trail/