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Samp Mortar Open Space

The Samp Mortar Open Space is named for the prominent rock formations, offering both historical and natural exploration opportunities.
Trail Activity
Hiking Walking
Length
0.9 miles, Network
Difficulty
Advanced, Strenuous
Town
Fairfield
Surface
Rock/Ledge, Packed Earth/Dirt
Pets
Permitted on leash
Fees
No

Description

Visitors can explore the area via two maintained trails: the Red Trail, a short loop of approximately ½ mile leading to the historic rock formation, and the Yellow Trail, which traverses steep and rocky terrain to a southeastern promontory overlooking Samp Mortar Lake. Both trails have steep and rocky surfaces.

The area is also called the Samp Mortar Rock Historical Site because of its unique history involving Native Americans and the Town’s Colonial-era inhabitants. There are many interesting legends associated with the huge rock formations in the center of the open space area. In one flat rock you can see the round depression in the form of a mortar in which Native Americans would grind corn (“samp”).

Trail Manager

Town of Fairfield
Town of Fairfield
725 Old Post Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
(203) 256-3071
View website

Trail Tips

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Trailhead Information

The area can only be accessed via Springer Road, where limited roadside parking is available.

From Route 15

From Route 15, take Exit 44 and head south on Route 58/Black Rock Turnpike. Continue south, cross the Samp Mortar Reservoir, then turn right onto Samp Mortar Road. Take the first right onto Springer Road and head north. The trailhead is across from 535 Springer Road.

From I-95S

From I-95S, take Exit 22 and turn right onto North Benson Road. Continue north for about 1.8 miles, then stay left to stay on North Benson Road (Route 135 turns right). Continue on North Benson Road until it makes a right bend. Take a left onto Brookside Drive, then a short left to stay on Brookside Drive, and an immediate right onto Springer Road. The trailhead is across from 535 Springer Road.

From I-95N

From I-95 northbound, take Exit 22 and follow the exit to go around the Service Plaza. Continue on Walls Drive and turn left onto North Benson Road. Continue north for about 1.8 miles, then stay left to stay on North Benson Road (Route 135 turns right). Continue on North Benson Road until it makes a right bend. Take a left onto Brookside Drive, then a short left to stay on Brookside Drive, and an immediate right onto Springer Road. The trailhead is across from 535 Springer Road.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
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