OCP Walks: Ashford, Connecticut

5. Nipmuck & Natchaug Loop

LOOP 1 (counter clockwise)The Nipmuck & Natchaug Loop follows Eastford Road from the access to Natchaug Trail near Axe factory Road for a short distance to the Nipmuck Trail. The Old Connecticut Path parallels Eastford Road approximately 100 yards up hill (north) of the modern road before crossing Eastford Road to head downhill to Boston Hollow Brook. Follow the Nipmuck Trail (blue blaze) down hill (south) from Eastford Road. The trail hooks southeast and uphill for a short distance before turning south again. You are now walking directly on a portion of the Old Connecticut Path. A short distance downhill leads to the junction of the Nipmuck & Natchuag Trails. Option: You can continue downhill along the Nipmuck Trail/Old Connecticut Path to Boston Hollow Brook where the Path crossed. Retrace your steps uphill to return to the intersection of the Nipmuck & Natchaug Trails.

Return from the intersection of the Nipmuck & Natchaug Trails to the start on Eatsford Road by the Natchaug Trail (left) that leads down to North Chism Brook and then heads northeast back towards the starting point. When the Natchuag trail turns sharply south, continue north along the old cart path to Eastford Road.

LOOP 2 (clockwise)

M "The Trail Monument"

Access locations of Nipmuck Trail from Iron Mine Lane and Eastford Road, and Natchaug Trail from Eastford Road in Ashford shown at Nipmuck Trail & Natchaug Trail access, Ashford, CT. The reference map (left) displays the Nipmuck Trail and Natchaug Trail in Natchaug State Forest on the left side. The right side adds the route of the Old Connecticut Path. IMPORTANT NOTE: Only the Nipmuck and Natchaug Trails are marked with BLUE blazes. Stay on the marked trails.The Nipmuck Trail from Iron Mine Lane provides access to Pixi Falls and a portion of the Old Connecticut Path crossing Boston Hollow Brook. The Nipmuck Trail is one of Connecticut's "Blue-blazed" hiking trails maintained by the ConnecticutForest and Park Association. A detailed guide to the trail available from Connecticut Forests and Parks.Topographical maps of the Nipmuck Trail is available at Nipmuck Trail topographic maps. The "Hillside Road to RT 171" map includes the area starting at Iron Mine Lane.

More information about this area and video can be found at 2.67 Natchaug Forest Crossing– Ashford, Connecticut

Iron Mine Valley Preserve: Joshua's Trust - Iron Mine Lane, Ashford, CT

Preserve location shown at Iron Mine Valley Preserve, Ashford, CT

The "Iron Mine Valley Preserve" owned by Joshua's Trust provides additional access on woodland trails located off of Iron Mine Lane. The Preserve provides important protection for the east branch of the Mount Hope River which flows parallel to its eastern edge. In Revolutionary War times, bog iron was mined from the wetlands associated with the river. Today, the mix of swamp, marsh, and upland forest provide both scenic vistas and important wildlife habitat. Beaver, otter, and wading birds are some of the wildlife that may be observed.

For more information on the Iron Mine Preserve, visit the Joshua's Trust website. The following link will direct you to a description of the Iron Mine Preserve. Iron Mine Preserve or get the trail map here Iron Mine Valley Map

Fliegel Farm Woods: Joshua's Trust - East Howey Road, Ashford, CT

6. Fliegel Farm Woods

Fliegel Farm Woods is a 5.5-acre parcel that was set aside as open space when the Fliegel Farm was made into a subdivision in 1991. It was donated by Patrick and Joanne Clark. The trailhead is reached from the parking area by walking for 350' along a dirt road. A sign and yellow blazes on the left mark the entrance to the Fern Glade Trail which takes the visitor on a gently sloping path to a maidenhair fern glade and along Knowlton Brook. The walk is very pleasant with views over marvelous broad farm fields on the right. The trail passes by Knowlton Brook, farm fields, ferns and mountain laurel.

The Fern Glade walk at Fliegel Farm Woods follows a portion of the Old Connecticut Path. Click on the map (above left) to enlarge. A sample of views along the walk is shown above right (click to enlarge). Check back for updates as this walk will be recorded with GPS and posted on EveryTrail.com by September 2013.

A collection of photos displaying the variety of plants and flowers found at Fliegel Farm is provided by Gwen Haaland, steward for Fliegel Farm Woods. Dr. Haaland shares her botanical expertise through the well labeled photos found in her collection that can be viewed at Fliegel Farm Woods photos