Trails and Properties
The LLCT maintains an extensive network of trails that provide access to some of the most beautiful areas of Lyme. Descriptions of the trails and properties are listed below. Most of the trails have detailed maps that can be printed from the link by each property or printed copies are available at the Lyme Town Hall.
Beebe Preserve is located on Old Grassy Hill Road just before the East Lyme town line. An easy one mile loop trail leaves from the parking area and takes hikers past a network of old stone walls, to a wetland and past a mysterious old rock pile. A good hike for all ages.
Chestnut Hill Preserve is surrounded by the Nehantic State Forest and Land Trust easement properties. The trail head is located off Sterling Hill Road. The Land Trust red trail joins the Nehantic trail system to loop back to Sterling Hill Road for an easy to moderate hike.
Photo Credit: Humphrey Tyler
The trail was created in 2011 and passes a small waterfall, interesting geologic formations and ledges, crosses a stream, passes through an old stand of cedars and joins the Nehantic State Forest Trail system. Anyone who likes to geocache www.geocaching.com should be sure to check this one out.
Eno Preserve (LLCT), Mount Archer Woods (Town of Lyme) and Pickwick Preserve (LLCT). These abutting preserves are located at the top of Mount Archer on the southerly side of Mt. Archer Road. Together a total of 398 acres are managed jointly by the LLCT and the Town. There are well marked trails (about 3 miles) that traverse the properties and pass old foundations that may have archeological significance. Information and maps are available at a kiosk in the parking area on the Mount Archer Woods parcel. Trail map and brochure. Pickwick’s Preserve is an easement off Joshuatown Road that provides a trail link from Joshuatown Road to the Red trail on the Eno Preserve and Mount Archer Woods. Trail map and brochure.
Honey Hill Preserve is located on Clark Road approximately 200 yards from Route 82. This nearly 40-acre preserve has an approximately 1-mile long trail that winds through mature forest with a diversity of tree species. Trail map and brochure.
Photo courtesy of Lyman Allyn Museum
Grassy Hill Preserve on Grassy Hill Road next to the Grassy Hill Congregational Church. This open field and wetland area has a small mowed path around the edge of the field. Parking is available near the cemetery. The first Land Trust sponsored Paint Out was held here in 2011 inspired by the famous Guy Wiggins “Church on a Hill” painted in 1900 and on display at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London, CT.
Pattrell Preserve: This 42 acre parcel contains over 3000 feet of frontage on the Eightmile River. This property was purchased cooperatively by the Towns of East Haddam and Lyme, the State of Connecticut, and East Haddam and Lyme Land Conservation Trusts. Click here for a brief article describing the Preserve. Parking is available off Baker Lane. For a trail map click here.
Pleasant Valley Preserve (managed by the LLCT for The Nature Conservancy) on Macintosh Road, approximately 300 yards from Route 156. This 235-acre preserve provides trails through open fields and woodlands, with frontage on the Eightmile River. A descriptive brochure and map is available in the Lyme Town Hall and at the information kiosk. Click here for a trail map and brochure.
Plimpton Preserve on Sterling City Road is about a half mile from Route 156 (near the fairgrounds). This 80-acre preserve protects the view of the ridge line behind Tiffany Farms as you approach Hamburg from the south on Rt. 156. A steep trail provides access to spectacular seasonal views. Trail map and brochure here. For a pictorial newspaper review of the Plimpton Preserve in The Hartford Courant click here.
Ravine Trail is accessible from the easterly side of Joshuatown Road (across from the Selden Creek Preserve) or westerly side of Mitchell Hill Road. This 1-mile trail crosses several properties, scrambles over rocks and up ridges as it passes through a fascinating ravine and along a beaver pond. Trail map and brochure. For a pictorial newspaper review of the Ravine Trail and the nearby Selden Creek Preserve (maintained by The Nature Conservancy) in The Day of New London, click here. For a summary of what you’ll find on your hike click here.
River to Ridgetop Preserves: These five contiguous preserves extend from river to ridgetop and protect a rare diversity of habitats, including streams, fields, wetlands and several woodland forest types. The protected areas include more than a mile of high quality tributaries of the Connecticut River including parts of the Wild and Scenic Eightmile River, and spans over 1200 acres. Trail map and brochure. To read a feature newspaper article on the southern portion of the River to Ridgetop Trail, click here.
Roaring Brook Preserve on Day Hill Road. This diverse yet easily accessible preserve boasts the Rufus Barringer Interpretive Trail, designed to introduce youngsters to the natural world. Signs describe interesting features along a short loop trail with access to Roaring Brook. Trail map and brochure here. For a pictorial newspaper review of Roaring Brook Preserve in The Day of New London, click here.
Sterling City Preserve is located on the southerly side of Sterling City Road and west of Birch Mill Road. This 3-acre preserve provides a bench overlooking an expansive field; perfect for a picnic or serene contemplation. Brochure.
Other properties in Lyme open to the public
Hartman Park (Town of Lyme) on Gungy Road about 1 mile north of Beaver Brook Road. This 300-acre park has nearly 10 miles of trails developed and maintained by local volunteers. There are a number of archeological sites dating from the Revolution. Maps are available in the Lyme Town Hall and at information kiosks on the Park property. Hartman Park Heritage Trail map.
Jewett Preserve (Town of Lyme and The Nature Conservancy). Located at the top of Mount Archer with access from the northerly side of Mt. Archer Road and from Macintosh Road at Pleasant Valley Preserve. This property abuts the Pleasant Valley Preserve and is across from the Mount Archer Woods/Eno Preserve. It is managed jointly by the Town of Lyme and The Nature Conservancy. Trail map and brochure.
Nehantic State Forest (State of Connecticut) of Rt 156 between Sterling City Road and Keeney Road. The Nehantic was the first state forest in New London County. The forest takes its name from the Nehantic Indians. Recreation includes boating, hiking, picnicking, and swimming. For directions, more information, and a map.
Selden Creek Preserve (The Nature Conservancy) on Joshuatown Road. The overlooks offer striking views of the tidal wetlands. Trail map and brochure.
Selden Neck State Park (State of Connecticut) on the Connecticut River. This park offers four camp-sites with outdoor cooking and toilets. Access ONLY by boat. For directions, maps, and more information.
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Please use this form to report any observations or issues with the trails listed on this page.
Please Observe These Rules When Visiting
- Observe any posted signs at the properties that may describe closed trails or hunting activity. To learn more about the hunting program click here.
- Please bring out everything that you bring into these natural places, including all trash.
- Please respect the integrity of the natural systems and do not disturb plants, animals or habitats, and do not attempt to feed any animals.
- No fires are allowed unless otherwise posted.
- Be sure your dogs are under your control at all times. Remember to curb your dog to protect nesting birds or other wildlife that inhabit these preserves. Please pick up after your dog (so the next hiker doesn’t have to step in it!)
If you have any questions regarding these properties or activities, contact the Lyme Land Conservation Trust, info@lymelandtrust.org.
