Knowlton Hill Preserve
Trail Information
Trail Map: Click here for the trail map. You will need Adobe Acrobat to view or print our trail maps.
Directions: From Mansfield Center, take Route 89 for 1.2m to Wormwood Hill Road on the left. Follow Wormwood past the intersection with Mount Hope Road, until Knowlton Hill Road branches to the left. Travel on Knowlton Hill Road about 0.4m to the preserve on the right, just before crossing the Ashford town line.
About the Property
C.C. Knowlton, a wealthy mill owner, built his copper roofed summer home at the top of Knowlton Hill in the style of Watch Hill. His granddaughter, Mildred Hammond-Knowlton and her niece, Evelyn Guymon, gave this tract to the Trust. The most distinctive feature is the hill itself, from which one can see the Mt. Hope River valley and as far as Pumpkin Hill in Chaplin. Trails on both sides of Knowlton Hill Road wind through 127 acres of woods and fields past Knowlton Pond and then to the crest of a glacial drumlin, which affords a commanding view of the Mount Hope River valley and the pond. Along one trail, two granite benches have been placed in memory of William S. Toubman. These present an irresistible stopping point to rest and take in the scenery.
The area is surrounded by working farms, many of which are preserved through agricultural trusts and easements.
A small off-road parking area is available at the edge of the hayfield. Nearby is a kiosk with a large map of the trails as well as a loose-leaf trail guide corresponding to 15 sign posts. This guide may be borrowed to take along on your walk. Click HERE to download a PDF copy of the Trail Guide.
Location: Mansfield and Ashford, Connecticut along Knowlton Hill Road
Donors: The Trust is thankful for this gift of Mildred Hammond-Knowlton and her niece, Evelyn Guyman.
Acreage: 127
Preserved: 1987, 1988, 1989 and 1996
Stewards: Greg and Mona Anderson
credit: Milton Levin
credit: Michael Hughes