The Blue Trail loop is 3 miles and begins just beyond the parking area and after a short walk, the trail splits. Staying straight is the shorter way to the pond and camping area. The description below is in the order of going right, although it is a loop and can be travelled in either direction. After turning right on the Blue Trail loop, the trail meanders through scenic forests featuring abundant ferns, mountain laurel, and a scenic view of the creek (note: the chairs overlooking the northern creek & waterfall are on private property).
The trail crosses several streams, some of which have small waterfalls. The crossing near the camping area has a bridge while the others require simple rock hopping. A portion of the trail parallels Chapman Pond where multiple overlooks afford views of the pond and wildlife, including hawks, herons, and bald eagles.
After paralleling Chapman Pond, the trails passes a camping area featuring two raised tent platforms, which can accommodate up to 10-12 people or four tents, and one privy. Campsites are open to visitors, especially those who are travelling the Connecticut River Paddlers Trail, and are first come, first serve. From the camp area, the trail heads inland and crosses multiple streams before ending back to the parking area. Enjoy the preserve, and please remember to stay on the trail.
Chapman Pond is a large tidal pond connected to the Connecticut River by two tidal creeks. During East Haddam's development, small strip lots of meadow belonged to individual farm families. Every year, farmers harvested hay from the wet meadows that spanned the pond and the river. Periodic flooding damaged the hay meadows until The Great Flood of 1936, followed by the 1938 hurricane, buried the hay meadows under debris making reclamation impractical. As a result, a floodplain forest and marsh became established.
Follow Route 82 south for 1 mile. Turn right onto River Road. The preserve entrance is just in front of the yellow road sign where the road takes a sharp turn to the left. There is a new access road and large gravel parking lot.
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