The blue loop trail is 0.6 miles long. The 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 is 0.3 miles long and is accessed from the blue trail. The red trail has some short, steep sections and can also be accessed from Hem Street.
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.
East Haddam Land Trust preserves and protects land in perpetuity for the public benefit. Since 1979, your donations have helped East Haddam Land Trust, a volunteer, non-profit land conservation corporation, preserve unique woodlands, fields, lakes, rivers and open spaces for the public benefit. East Haddam Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Please note, hunting is not permitted on East Haddam Land Trust preserves.
As a safety precaution, please wear orange during hunting season when hiking through or adjacent to any wooded or open space areas.
For more information, visit the East Haddam Land Trust's website or contact:
From Route 82 about 1/4 mile east of East Haddam Village, turn onto Porges Road. Stay left on Porges Road. (The road forks to the right, which is Creek Row.) Park off the road on the left, in front of the EHLT, Duncan Preserve sign.
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