ALERT: A section of the Green Trail is closed due to damage from the recent wildfire. The Friends of Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve Stewardship Committee will reroute the impacted trail section. Please visit their website for updates.
The Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve is open sunrise to sunset and free to use year-round. It contains two major rock ridges running north to south between the Niantic River and Route 161. Between these ridges is the lowland, which holds Clark Pond, the stream, and the wetlands. Therefore, most level trails run north to south, whereas most east-to-west trails are hilly as they travel between lowlands and ridges.
The sections between the ridges can be steep with challenging terrain. A route that is recommended as easier by the Friends of Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve is the first section of the Blue Trail going north, accessed by going over the Clark Pond bridge at the Memorial Park Drive main entrance. Stop at the overlook of Clark Pond and then return when the incline increases beyond your limits.
Always check for ticks after your visit!
There are six trailheads on the perimeter of the preserve. The main entrance to the trail system is located on Memorial Park Drive (off Route 161 - Pennsylvania Ave), for which parking is available next to Veterans Memorial Field.
Take Exit 74 toward CT-161/Niantic. Turn right onto CT-161 south and follow for 2.3 miles. Turn left onto Oswegatchie Hills Road and another left onto Memorial Park Drive. The entrance is on the left.
Take Exit 73 for Society Road and turn left onto Society Road. Follow for about one mile, and then turn right onto CT-161 S/Flanders Road. After 1.3 miles, turn left onto Oswegatchie Hills Road and then another left onto Memorial Park Drive. The entrance is on the left.
An additional trailhead with adjacent parking space is located at the north end of Quarry Dock Road on the east side of the preserve.
Trails are currently impacted and potentially closed due to fires. Check the details tab for more information.
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