Great Cedars (West) Conservation Area

September 16, 2010 12:00 am • Last Updated: August 16, 2018 2:07 pm

By Day Staff

The morning sun filters through tall oaks and maples at the Great Cedars Conservation Area.

Great Cedars (West) Conservation Area

Town: Old Saybrook

Directions: From Interstate 95, take Exit 67, turn right to go north on Elm St./Ingham Hill Road for 1.3 miles, turn left at sign for preserve.

Where to Park: There is a gravel parking area at entrance.

Description: Great Cedars is a 320-acre property with about 1.5 miles of trails through woodlands and along the shores of Lake Rockview and a cedar swamp. It is located a short distance off I-95, which is visible from the trail across Lake Rockview.

Regulations: Dogs must be on leashes; closes at dusk.

Amenities: None.

Natural Features: The preserve contains the largest stand of great Atlantic white cedars in the state.

Fees: Free.

Things to note: Trail passes by the Hay House, an organic farm. One of the trails connects to Clark Community Park.

Owned by: Old Saybrook Land Trust, Town of Old Saybrook

More information:

http://www.oslt.org/great_cedars.htm

http://oldsaybrookct.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/OldSaybrookCT_CC/CC_trail_maps/great%20cedars%202.pdf

The 1.5-mile trail leads past Lake Rockview.

Large ferns grown in the understory throughout the woodlands at Great Cedars.

The trail also passes a cedar swamp.