There are two main trails, a blue blazed loop and red blazed loop. The trail is marked by diamond shaped trail markers that are color-coded (blue, red, and yellow markers, respectively).
The packed earth and dirt trails are wide, ranging from 3 feet to wide open. Historic stonewalls and other rock features create a fascinating scene amongst the dense forest. The trails offer views of blue jays and other birds, in addition to squirrels and white tail deer.
The Atkinson Family Preserve/Thompson Brook Preserve consists of two acquisitions on opposite sides of Long Cove Road in the Gales Ferry section of Ledyard, for a combined size of 228 acres. The preserve significantly expands the 2018 State recognized Great Oak Greenway, contributing over five miles of wide, compacted woods roads and additional single-track trails to create one of the largest trail systems in southeastern Connecticut.
These properties contribute significantly to the Great Brook and Long Island Sound watersheds given the large streams that flow directly through the properties into Thompson Brook, onto Great Brook, then Groton Reservoir and beyond into Long Island Sound. This project was awarded a CT Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition grant, covering approximately 65% of the cost to acquire these vital properties. The Thompson Brook Preserve was formed in memory of Nancy Dirlam, who treasured the pristine beauty of this land.
Parking is available on the east side of 757 Long Cove Road or along a roped off gravel road along power lines. Alternative parking is available at Nathan Lester House historic site (153 Vinegar Hill Road, Gales Ferry, CT).
Access to the trail system is through a newly established trail parallel to a gravel road along near the powerline.
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