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Lions Memorial Park/Dorwart Preserve

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Lion’s Memorial Park, Dorwart Preserve, and adjacent properties, offer a nine-mile hike through over 1300 acres. 
Trail Activity
Hiking Walking Cross-country skiing
Length
2.8 miles, Network
Difficulty
Moderate
Surface
Packed Earth/Dirt, Rock/Ledge, Boardwalk
Pets
Permitted on leash
Fees
No

Description

Lion's Memorial Park

Lions Memorial Park contains 4 full-sized soccer fields, a pavilion, a concession stand with restrooms, and parking areas. There is a 0.5-mile loop trail around the perimeter of the Park. A 1.3-mile trail connects from the soccer fields through the Dorwart Preserve to Mulberry Road.

Where the entrance road meets the soccer field area, the Loop Trail turns left and goes along the south side of the fields, then downhill to a turn- around area. Park by the soccer field and walk along this road to the turn-around. From here you can either continue downhill into Mansfield Hollow State Park to explore its trails or follow the white-blazed loop trail as it heads north.

The loop trail follows a small brook then travels uphill to a ravine. If you go left you will come to a bridge that will take you into Dorwart Preserve. If you go right you will complete the loop back to the soccer fields.

Dorwart Preserve

There is a one-mile loop trail in Dorwart Preserve. The Preserve entrance on Mulberry Road passes a scenic brook that drops over many cascades. The white-blazed trail begins on an old road bed leading to a former bridge crossing. The trail uphill and along the stream leads to valley past large oaks, evergreen hemlocks and mossy boulders. The trail turns left onto an old road by a cellar hole and an abandoned car from over 70 years ago. As the road goes east, it climbs along the side of a steep hill. (A trail downhill to the right leads to a footbridge and trails in Lion’s Memorial Park.)

The properties connect to Mansfield Hollow State Park, Coney Rock Preserve, and Fifty-Foot Cliff Preserve.

Other Information

Rules

  • Enjoy the park from dawn to dusk.
  • Mountain biking and swimming are not permitted.
  • Keep pets on a leash and clean up after them.
  • Respect private property rights.
  • Stay on the trails. Pack out what you pack in.
  • Consumption of alcohol is prohibited.
  • Do not light fires.
  • Hunting is prohibited.
  • Riding horses is prohibited.
  • Motorized vehicles are prohibited.
  • Removal of any plants is prohibited.

For more information, see Mansfield’s Parks Rules and Regulations.

Trail Manager

Town of Mansfield
4 South Eagleville Road
Storrs, CT
860-429-3335
http://www.MansfieldCT.gov/ParksandPreserves

Trail Tips

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Be prepared for emergencies. Pack extra clothing, food, and water and also a flashlight, first aid and repair kit, matches/fire starters, whistle, signaling mirror, and pocket knife.

Trailhead Information

To Lion’s Memorial Park

From Route 195 turn onto Route 89/Warrenville Road in Mansfield Center. Travel 1 mile, turn left, and follow the signs to the park. Park along the road at the edge of the soccer field.

To the Dorwart Preserve entrance

Continue past the entrance of Lions Memorial Park on Route 89 and take the next left onto Wormwood Hill Road. Travel one mile and take a left onto Mulberry Road. Travel 0.4 miles and park on the left before the bridge

Legend
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