The Red Trail winds through a meadow and then through a wooded section along an apparent glacial esker, past a glacial kettle, a vernal pool, and then along the border of a wetland. Eventually, the trail follows an old forest road that once led to a portable sawmill. It then loops around, returning to the parking area.
Traveling counterclockwise around the Blue Trail Loop, the trail leads along another old farm road to former pastures and hay lots. Leaving the meadows, the trail skirts another wetland before crossing an old drainage ditch plunging into a sandy area of mixed pines and hardwoods.
In 2025, a 110’ viewing platform was constructed in a wetlands area along the blue trail and can be enjoyed by hikers now. EHLT has applied for state grant funds to create a connector trail from the platform to the East Haddam Senior Center. If the application is approved, a new trailhead will be created directly across the street from the Senior Center.
Find more information about Golet Farm Preserve from East Haddam Land Trust. Further details and color-coded trail maps are available on the East Haddam Trails Interactive Map.
East Haddam Land Trust (EHLT) acquired the 32-acre Golet Farm Preserve in July 2015. Charles Golet had acquired the property in 1911 and for most of the next 45 years maintained a 32-head milking herd, chickens and a small orchard. The livestock supplied milk, cream, butter and eggs to the Moodus community.
Over several years small parcels were split off to provide home sites for some of Mr. Golet's children. Tom Smith, who is one of Mr. Golet's grandchildren, wanted to keep some of the land from being developed. Eventually, he and several of his cousins agreed to sell the remaining undeveloped property to EHLT. However, Mr. Smith, with a spirit of tremendous generosity, decided to donate his 78% interest in the property, valued at $95,000.
Take Route 151 north toward Moodus Center. Take a right onto Route 149. Take the first right after the Post Office onto Great Hillwood Road. The dirt driveway to the preserve will be on your right, about 100 yards past the Senior Center.
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