Barn Island Wildlife Management Area

Town: Stonington

Directions: From I-95, take Exit 91 to 234E/Pequot Trail onto North Main St. towards Stonington Borough; right onto Farmholme Road, right onto Route 1 South; first left onto Greenhaven Road; first right onto Palmer Neck Road; road ends at Barn Island.

Where to Park: There are parking spaces for a few cars at entrance to main loop trail; there is also a large paved parking lot at the boat launch.

Description: Barn Island contains more than 1,000 acres of saltmarshes and freshwater marshes, hardwood forests, old fields traversed by stone walls and grasslands. Mostly flat, wide three-mile main loop trail and side trails are suitable for hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing.

Regulations: Dogs on a leash; hunting allowed in season.

Amenities: Large boat launch with paved lot; port-o-johns at boat launch; interpretive signs along main loop trail.

Natural Features: Beautiful views of Little Narragansett Bay along main loop trail; designated an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society.

Fees: Free.

Things to note: Paved parking lot at the boat launch may not be plowed in the winter, but a few spaces are available at main trail entrance.

Owned by: State Department of Environmental Protection

More information: http://www.ct.gov/dep/lib/dep/wildlife/pdf_files/maps/maps_hunting_area/map23a.pdf