QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: 450 acres
- Trail Mileage: ~5 miles in network
- Pets: no
- Difficulty: easy to moderate
- Sights: meadow, woods, stone memorials
The Stanton Bird Club protects this 450-acre preserve in the city. The preserve includes a wide meadow, which I’m sure is a great place to spot birds. To protect wildlife, dogs and mountain biking aren’t allowed. The preserve includes several stone memorials: The most striking is a large stone hearth set in a clearing surrounded by stone benches (Anthony Fireplace). Walkers, runners, and x-c skiers can enjoy the almost 5 miles of trails, much of it through beautiful mature forest. There is a fairly good climb here — the sanctuary encompasses the highest point in the city. The perimeter loop, on the green trail, is roughly 2.7 miles.
Many of the trails here are wide and smooth, making portions of it passable for wheelchairs, I think. Certainly, the trails are gentle enough for every kind of walker.
Directions: The large main parking lot is off Montello Street, 100 feet or so from the intersection with Highland Spring road. Additional parking is possible at the gate at the end of East Avenues.
