Knowlton Hill Preserve

Trail Information

There are a total of 2.2 miles of blazed hiking trails within this area. Please do not stray from the paint-blazed woodland trails, as hunting does occur on adjacent private land. The trails are for pedestrians only; no horses, bikes or motor vehicles. Pets must be kept on leash. No hunting, camping or fires.
 
Yellow Loop – This 1.4 mile loop begins at the parking area on the east side of Knowlton Hill Road and enters the hay field that covers the top of Knowlton Hill. Follow the mowed path to the large silver maple then bear right down the hill into the woods. (Look for the large stump in the middle of the field. It will have a yellow blaze on it.)  A wooden bridge crosses a seasonal stream above a vernal pool. The trail turns west and crosses Knowlton Hill Road to enter the woods again 50 yards south.  (When you come to Knowlton Rd. turn left then look for the entrance on the right side of the road). The trail will then pass a small pond, cross over a stream and emerge onto the road again near the parking area.
 
Orange – This 0.2 mile trail, with a short steep portion, enters the woods off the yellow loop and affords a closer view of privately owned Knowlton Pond. This trail joins the yellow loop as it turns north.
 
Red – This 0.6 mile trail leaves the Yellow Loop near a small stream and follows this stream through the woods passing through a stand of beech trees. It goes near a privately owned marsh where one can see pileated woodpeckers, then turns east and north through an old rock wall and joins the yellow loop again.
 

Trail Map: Click here for the trail map. You will need Adobe Acrobat to view or print our trail maps.

Directions: From Mansfield Center, take Route 89 for 1.2m to Wormwood Hill Road on the left. Follow Wormwood past the intersection with Mount Hope Road, until Knowlton Hill Road branches to the left. Travel on Knowlton Hill Road about 0.4m to the preserve on the right, just before crossing the Ashford town line.

About the Property

C.C. Knowlton, a wealthy mill owner, built his copper roofed summer home at the top of Knowlton Hill in the style of Watch Hill. His granddaughter, Mildred Hammond-Knowlton and her niece, Evelyn Guymon, gave this tract to the Trust. The most distinctive feature is the hill itself, from which one can see the Mt. Hope River valley and as far as Pumpkin Hill in Chaplin. Trails on both sides of Knowlton Hill Road wind through 127 acres of woods and fields past Knowlton Pond and then to the crest of a glacial drumlin, which affords a commanding view of the Mount Hope River valley and the pond. Along one trail, two granite benches have been placed in memory of William S. Toubman. These present an irresistible stopping point to rest and take in the scenery.

The area is surrounded by working farms, many of which are preserved through agricultural trusts and easements.

A small off-road parking area is available at the edge of the hayfield. Nearby is a kiosk with a large map of the trails as well as a loose-leaf trail guide corresponding to 15 sign posts.  This guide may be borrowed to take along on your walk. Click HERE to download a PDF copy of the Trail Guide.

Location: Mansfield and Ashford, Connecticut along Knowlton Hill Road
Donors: The Trust is thankful for this gift of Mildred Hammond-Knowlton and her niece, Evelyn Guyman.
Acreage: 127
Preserved: 1987, 1988, 1989 and 1996
Stewards: Greg and Mona Anderson

                       credit: Milton Levin

Knowlton Hill aerial

credit: Michael Hughes