The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Cathedral Pines Preserve. © Robert Perron

Open to the Public

Yes

Things To Do

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Plan Your Visit

How to Prepare for Your Visit View All

Get Directions

Why You Should Visit
New England's largest stand of old-growth white pine and hemlock trees was devastated by three tornadoes in July 1989. The existing trail at Cathedral Pines traverses the remaining intact portion of the stand.

Location
Cornwall

Size
42 acres

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
The preserve was donated to the Conservancy in 1967 by three members of the Calhoun family: Jean C. Bacon, and John and Frank Calhoun. The family originally bought the property in 1883 to prevent its being logged.

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
Ecologists seek out this site to better understand the dynamics of forest succession—the slow process of a forest's regrowth and rejuvenation.

Hours
Dawn to dusk
Conditions
A short trail begins at the parking area.

Things To Do

What to See: Plants

White pine and hemlock trees

What to See: Animals

Keep an eye and ear out for woodpeckers among the fallen trees.

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 Eastern Connecticut:
Take Interstate 84 to Route 8 north in Waterbury. Proceed north to Route 4, in Torrington. 

• Go west on Route 4 to the junction of Route 125 in Cornwall. 
• At the junction go left on Pine Street. 
• At the "T" intersection (0.3 mile), turn left on Valley Road. 
• After the immediate sharp right bend in the road, take the next left onto Essex Hill Road, continue for 0.2 miles. 
• On the left is a large boulder and a small parking lot. The trail leaves from the lot.

From Southwestern Connecticut:
Take Route 7 north to Route 4 in Cornwall Bridge. 

• Turn east on Route 4, go 3.3 miles to Route 125, turn right, and proceed as above.

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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