The Heron Pond preserve consists of two distinct topographical features: high ground runs north-south along the western portion, while a low-lying wetland area forms the eastern portion. The high ground is part of a ridge, with some exposed bedrock, running generally parallel to Route 9.
A small east-flowing stream cuts through the elevated ground near the northern extent of the property. This stream, which originates west of Route 9, drains into Heron Pond, a small pond with a fountain, located immediately to the east of the preserve next to the parking lot.
Five interconnected trails within the preserve provide a variety of routes. The yellow trail originating at the parking lot forms the spine of the preserve providing access to the other trails. There is one steep section on the white trail, and the bridges indicated on the map are narrow and rustic.
The 29 acres of Heron Pond were, in the 1780s, part of the Lieutenant John Clark Pratt homestead. Stonewalls on the ridgeline suggest that much of the property was at one time cleared for agricultural use. Old roadbeds hint at the land’s early uses, which included logging and the pasturing of farm animals.
Heron Pond Road is south of Essex Village on Route 154. The trail head is a two-car parking lot on the right at the first bend in Heron Pond Road immediately adjacent the pond.
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