The Hemphill Preserve rests on both sides of Old Canterbury Road in Hampton. Located in the Burnham Brook drainage basin, the Preserve consists of two parcels that once formed an 18th-century farmstead. The original homestead still stands on the east parcel, facing the stone ruins of an outbuilding on the west parcel. The center of the Preserve is dominated by wetland soils.
In the 9.25-acre west parcel, stonewalls are lined by large oaks and Shagbark Hickories with young oaks and hickories covering the interior. A writer’s cabin sits on the north edge near mature Big Tooth Aspen, and the western edge boasts a dense understory of Burning Bush. The shrubby undergrowth and wetlands provide a good shelter for wildlife and a nice migrant trap for birds. There is a blazed hiking trail on the east parcel about 1.25 miles in length.
In the 34.5-acre east parcel, wetland areas are dense with shrubbery home to the Ovenbird and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. This parcel’s outer edges are covered with an oak and hickory forest, while the wetter inner areas contain Yellow Birch and Red Maple. The northeastern part of this parcel is rockier with a number of glacial erratics.
Joshua's Trust preserves natural habitats and heritage sites in northeastern Connecticut. To learn more contact:
Go 4.3 miles east on Route 6. Turn right onto Route 97 South. The next turns come quickly! After just 0.1 mile take a left onto Cemetery Road. Continue for 0.3 miles and take a slight right onto South Bigelow Road. After a short 0.1 mile, take a left onto Sand Hill Road. Travel for 1.2 miles and then continue straight onto Old Canterbury Road. Follow Old Canterbury Road about 0.25 miles. Look for Trust signs on your left and park in the pull-off area on the left.
Success! A new password has been emailed to you.
