The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Burnham Brook Preserve © Rick Newton

Open to the Public

Yes

Things To Do

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Plan Your Visit

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• With your help, the Conservancy has protected this remarkable oasis for birds, wildlife and people in East Haddam.
• We've worked with landowners and donors like you to expand this critical habitat to its current 1,122 acres.
• Burnham Brook Preserve protects a classic Atlantic salmon habitat in nearly pristine condition.

Why You Should Visit
This is an upland site that protects the watersheds of Burnham Brook, Strong Brook, and the Eightmile River. It is close to 1,000-acre Devil's Hopyard State Park.

Location
East Haddam

Size
1,122 acres

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
This preserve's section of the Eightmile River is a classic Atlantic salmon habitat in nearly pristine condition.

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
Because of its location in the watershed of the Eightmile River, one of the most important conservation areas of the Tidelands of the Connecticut River region, Burnham Brook has remained a high conservation priority in recent years, to which the Conservancy has added wherever possible with acquisitions and conservation easements. Will you help us continue this vital conservation work?

Conditions
Trails provide easy access; trail map available at entrance. 

Hours
Open year-round, dawn to dusk

Things To Do

What to See: Plants
This large and varied preserve includes a wide variety of oaks, hickory, beech, birch, maple, and conifers, as well as a mountain laurel and other shrubs, and many herbs and wildflowers.

What to See: Animals
More than 180 bird species have been sighted on the preserve.

Plan Your Visit

Please enjoy your visit to this preserve.  The Nature Conservancy welcomes passive recreation, including hiking, birding, canoeing, nature study and cross-country skiing.  

To ensure those who visit after you are able to enjoy the same experience you have, please remember to stay on designated trails, pack out everything you brought in, and contact our office at: 203 568 6270 or ct@tnc.org if you notice any problems.  

To maintain the ecological integrity of the preserve, the following activities are not allowed:  collection of plant or animal specimens, camping, fires, fishing, hunting, bicycling, and use of motorized vehicles.  Pets are not allowed on Nature Conservancy preserves.

Directions

From the north:
Follow Route 2 and then Route 11.
Take exit 5, "Witch Meadow Road", turn right and go 0.5 mile, then turn left onto West Road.
Continue 3 miles to Dolbia Hill Road (second right).

From the west:
Take Interstate 95 to exit 70 in Old Lyme.
Turn left on Route 156 and drive about 9 miles to its end.
Turn right onto Route 82 and continue about 2.5 miles, then turn left onto Woodbridge Road.
Drive one mile, then turn left onto Dolbia Hill Road.

From the east:
Follow Interstate 95 to exit 77; turn right onto Route 85 and drive about ten miles to the Route 82 intersection.
Turn left onto Route 82 and go 2.3 miles.
Turn right onto Woodbridge Road.
Drive one mile, then turn left onto Dolbia Hill Road.
Preserve entrance is 0.5 miles up Dolbia Hill Road on the right.

Discussion

Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.

Add Your Comments

Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!

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