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Connecticut
Rock Spring Preserve
Open to the Public
Yes
Things To Do
Plan Your Visit
How to Prepare for Your Visit View All
Get Directions
Why You Should Visit
This preserve includes a three-mile trail loop, from which—on a still day—a hiker can hear the Little River from the valley below. Indian Spring, which gives the preserve its name, is hidden by a stone structure, but a spring bubbles in the sand just downstream.
Location
Scotland
Size
450 acres
Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
David and Vanda Shoemaker donated land for this preserve, which was later augmented by a purchase from a neighbor.
What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
The chapter monitors this site on a regular basis.
Hours
Dawn to dusk
Conditions
The three-mile loop trail has options for shorter hikes leading through mature oak forest, open fields, and along the clear-flowing Little River. Trails lead past glacial kettle ponds to an impressive overlook of the Little River Valley.
Things To Do
What to See: Plants
A variety of oak, hickory, red and sugar maple, red cedar, poplar, gray birch, little bluestem and clubmosses, as well as numerous other species, can be seen here.
What to See: Animals
Look for hawks overhead and beaver activity along the banks of Little River.
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 west:
- Take Route 66 east to Route 6 in Columbia.
- Continue straight, onto Route 6 east for 13.6 miles.
- At the junction of Route 6 and Route 97 in Hampton, turn right (south) onto Route 97.
- Continue south on Route 97 for 3.4 miles
- Preserve and small parking area are on the left.
From the south:
- Take I-95 to I-395
- On I-395, take exit 83 for Route 97.
- Proceed north on Route 97, in Scotland, take a right on Route14 (Palmer Road) for 0.5 mile, then take a left back onto Route 97 for 1.4 miles.
- After passing James V. Spignesi Jr. Wildlife Management Area, Rock Spring preserve and parking area are 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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