Preston Nature Preserve is located on the south side of Krug Road. Pulling in through the gate, you are welcomed to a grassy area that has ample parking. The blue trail portions are mainly grass meadows with occasional packed earth and dirt paths along the wooded areas. The red trail is packed earth and dirt trails that go through dense forests and offers a small loop at the southern edge of the preserve. The red and blue trails connect often with each other, making for a diverse hike through various terrains. Bird boxes and benches are strategically located throughout the preserve, allowing for areas of rest for taking in the beauty of nature. Stonewalls are interspersed throughout the preserve, adding historical aesthetics. Note that there is barbwire along the stonewalls. Also included on this preserve are wetlands and marshes. Do not be surprised if portions of the trail are wet at times of heavy rain or snow. There are board and bog walks that help; have a good pair of boots for these portions during the wet weather. The trail can be as narrow as 2 feet at times or wide open in the grass meadows. Total trail distance is approximately 2 miles with elevation changes of 102 feet. The trails are pet friendly for dogs on a leash.
South side of Krug Road 0.6 miles west of Jewett City Road.
Two trails featuring varied land features and vegetation, including two hills, a valley, hardwood and cedar forest, brushland, meadows, pastures, swamps and ponds. Well-established 0.5 mile trail system with bridges.
The preserve was a mixed-use farm in the late 1800’s and 1900’s. Started by Frank Krug, whose descendants continued the farm, sold eggs and butter locally, and planted watermelons beside the corn, so that when they harvested the corn in the late summer, they would have something refreshing to sustain them through the hot, hard work. There is an ice pond which provided block ice for extended cold food storage into the late spring.
This property is part of Avalonia's Hike & Seek Program scavenger hunt program, start your adventure here!
Avalonia Land Conservancy preserves natural habitats in southeastern Connecticut by acquiring and protecting lands and communicating the value of these irreplaceable resources. Learn more on their website or contact:
Rt 395: Take Exit 22 for CT-164 toward CT-138/Preston City/Pachaug. Take CT-164S. Turn right onto Krug Rd.
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