Posted on October 22, 2018 and last updated on October 22, 2018

Jay Recreational Trails, Jay

QUICK TRAIL FACTS

  • Preserve Size: 300 acres
  • Trail Mileage: ~ 3 miles in network
  • Pets: yes
  • Difficulty: easy to moderate
  • Sights: fields, views, woods, old apple orchard

The best part of this town-owned trail system is the vista at the trailhead and parking area at the end of Watertower Lane. You begin your walk here at the top of a field, with views of the western mountains, and descend along the gently sloping meadow into the woods. The rest of the system is wooded, but includes an old apple orchard being lost to the forest. Many of the trails are well signed, and appear to be frequently used by student sports teams. There are a few peripheral trails that are not maintained during the summer; they’re for winter use only.

Just a quick note: the middle trail that connects the trail system’s two sides, the one that extends beyond an area that is used for adventure challenges by the students, is also grown over surprisingly. After you go over the bridge, head up the short hill to your right and you’ll eventually come out to the Apple Blossom trail again.

Directions: Park at the end of Watertower Lane, in the lot near the cell phone tower. To reach this lane, head east on Jewell Street, turn left onto Belleview Drive, follow it to the end and turn right onto Watertower Lane, which becomes a dirt access road.

Let me know if you have any trail updates or corrections!