Lilly
Preserve in Roxbury was
donated as a place to commune with
nature.
Its sole purpose is to
encourage people to get out and
experience nature, uninterrupted
by humankind.
And it does indeed serve a
good purpose.
This is a great trail for
those looking to start hiking or
exercising again.
Though the trail system at
Lilly isn't very extensive, it is
very nice.
It's a peaceful place for
hiking and/or bird watching.
The preserve is right off
Route 317 and is easily accessed.
The trail meanders through
interesting woodlands and near a
wetlands area that usually
produces a lot of bird activity.
This is a tranquil hike with
relatively flat terrain that loops
around to meet route Route 317
again just a few hundred feet up
the road from your car at the main
trail entrance.
You'll start your hike by stepping
in some thick brush right off the
main road and immediately you'll
begin to feel like you've entered
another world.
This is classic Connecticut
woodlands with views of the
wetlands through the trees.
Look up at the spectacular
trees and stop along the way to
listen to the birds sing their
song and bounce around from branch
to branch.
The main section of the
trail loops to the left as you
proceed (there is a section of
trail going off to the right into
the woods about ¼ mile into the
hike and towards open farmland).
Eventually you can take a
short side trail to a memorial
plaque with a nice footbridge over
a cascading stream.
The memorial is in memory of
Thomas Robert Lilly who donated
128 acres in 1975.
It's a nice, peaceful scene
here and he would be very happy to
know that this bit of land is
still going strong and serving the
purpose that he intended. Take a
short walk over to the small
parking area with the posted signs
while you're here.
Read about the Highland
steer and then make your way back
onto the main trail and head down
to where the Highland graze and
get a close-up look at these
unique animals.
The trail ends at 317 and you
should see your car a few hundred
feet down the road.
Walk along the grass to your car
as this road is a main road and
traffic really breezes along here.
All in all this is a
straightforward hike.
It's easy to do the whole
loop and if you want additional
hiking there are side trails.
Unfortunately these side
trails are not hiked often and as
a result the side trails are not
easily clear so be careful if you
venture off.
Just pay attention to the
trail or you could be standing in
the middle of the woods going
"where am I."
Directions: To
get to Lilly Preserve it's best to
take the Southbury exit off I-84
and head on Route 6 (east) towards
Woodbury.
Go all the way to the center
of Woodbury to the intersection of
Rt. 317 and Rt 6.
Take a left onto 317. (The
Woodbury Library is on your right
at this intersection..before you
take the left turn onto 317)
4.5 miles later you'll come
to Lilly Preserve with roadside
parking on the grass (there is no
parking lot here).
If you're familiar with the
area and coming from
Brookfield/New Milford region take
Route 67 to Roxbury center.
Rt. 67 meets Rt. 317 (also
called Good Hill Rd.).
Take 317 (Good Hill Rd.)
east for 1.5 miles and Lilly
Preserve is on your left hand
side.
The trailhead on the left
side of the road is a little
tricky to see.
Printable
version of the Lilly
Preserve page
If you have any trail updates to
share or have feedback/questions
please click
here to send email or call
203.788.7665
|
