River to Ridgetop Preserves

Town: Lyme

Directions: From I-95, take Exit 70. Straight off exit ramp to Route 156 west (north) about 5.75 miles. Left onto Mt. Archer Road; at fork bear left to stay on Mt. Archer Road (or to get to Pleasant Valley/Jewett entrance, bear right onto MacIntosh.) If staying on Mt. Archer, straight about 1/4 mile to entrance to Mt. Archer woods at stone pillar on the right, or continue about 1/4 mile more to Eno Preserve entrance on the right.Across the street is second entrance to Jewett Preserve where equestrian users can park.Entrance to Pickwick's Preserve is off Joshuatown Road (left off 156N about 5 miles north of exit 70.) Turn right at #183 Joshuatown Road and to about .4 miles up driveway and park at the gate on the right.

Where to Park: There are spaces for 1-3 cars at each of the entrances.

Description: Five contiguous preserves totaling more than 1,200 acres. More than 12 miles of interconnecting trails can be accessed by starting at any one of the entrances to Mount Archer Woods, Eno Preserve, Pickwick's Preserve, Jewett Preserve and Pleasant Valley Preserve. Most trails easy to moderate, some uphill portions especially in Jewett and Mount Archer.

Regulations: Horseback riding and mountain biking allowed on the white trails in Mount Archer Woods and Eno and Jewett preserves; Dogs allowed but must be leashed at all times except in Pickwick's Preserve. No motorized vehicles. Hunting allowed in season with permission on Pickwick's, Jewett, Eno and portion of Mount Archer. Closed at sunset.

Amenities: Information kiosks at Pleasant Valley/Jewett entrance off MacIntosh Road and at Jewett entrance off Mt. Archer Road; also at Mount Archer Woods entrance near stone pillar. Overlook off green trail in Pleasant Valley; overlook with bench off white trail in Jewett.

Natural Features: Trail network traverses a variety of habitats, including wetlands, fields, rivers and streams and different types of woodlands. Joshua Creek, portion of the Eightmile River and other tributaries of the Connecticut River can be found here.

Fees: No fees.

Good to know: Northern section of the green trail in Pleasant Valley is closed to hikers in May, November and December.

Owned by: Town of Lyme; Lyme Land Conservation Trust; The Nature Conservancy

More information:

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www.lymelandtrust.org (PDF)[/naviga:li][naviga:li]

www.nature.org[/naviga:li][/naviga:ul]