Upper Three Mile River Preserve White, Red, and Green Trails

Parking for the preserve is available at a commuter lot. From there, you'll have a short walk along Four Mile River Road to reach the entrance, which is located across from the Transfer Station.

The trails offer varied difficulty. While the komoot tour for the combined White, Red, and Green Trails is rated easy, the preserve itself is known for moderate to challenging sections. The White Trail, in particular, features steep areas and stream crossings, making it more suitable for experienced hikers. The Green Trail offers a shorter and generally easier option.

You'll hike through a diverse landscape featuring high, craggy ledges and broad hilltops. The preserve showcases a 'forgotten landscape' of abandoned farmland and woodlots, with an abundance of mountain laurel. Seasonal brooks wind through the area, especially prominent in late winter and spring.

Late winter and spring can be particularly scenic with rushing stream crossings. However, the preserve offers beauty year-round, with mountain laurel blooming in spring and varied foliage in autumn. Be prepared for potentially wet conditions during wetter seasons.

The provided information does not specify a dog policy. It's always best to check the official Old Lyme Land Trust website or local signage for current regulations regarding dogs, including leash requirements.

The Upper Three Mile River Preserve is managed by the Old Lyme Land Trust. There is no mention of permits or entrance fees required for access to the preserve. It is generally open to the public for hiking.

Some sections of the preserve, particularly the White Trail, can be moderate to challenging with steep areas. However, the Green Trail offers a shorter and easier option, which might be more suitable for families with younger children or beginners looking for a less strenuous hike.

The preserve features distinct White, Red, and Green Trails. The White Trail is noted for being moderate to challenging, with steep sections and stream crossings. The Green Trail provides an easier and shorter hiking experience. The Red Trail likely connects these or offers its own unique path, contributing to the varied terrain of the preserve.

Yes, especially during late winter and spring, you can expect several rushing stream crossings. These contribute to the moderate to challenging difficulty of some sections, particularly on the White Trail.

The preserve itself is a notable feature, protecting nearly 157 acres and offering a sense of seclusion and wildness. You'll encounter historical remnants of abandoned farmland, an abundance of mountain laurel, and seasonal brooks. While specific viewpoints aren't highlighted, the high, craggy ledges and broad hilltops offer elevated perspectives of the wild woodland.

The preserve offers a network of trails (White, Red, Green) that can be combined to form various loop options. A specific 2.5-mile loop is frequently highlighted, suggesting that you can complete a circular route without retracing your steps entirely.