New Fairfield/Rock Ridge Road
Location: 13 Rock Ridge Road
Donor: Gary Mead, 1/2001
Size: 14.8 acres
Dominant Habitat: Forestland & wetland
Hydrologic Character: Wetland
Recreational Access: Hiking and biking trails
Gary Mead donated this nearly 15 acre parcel to the Land Trust in 2001. The preserve lies near the top of Dick Finn Road and was chosen as dedicated Open Space during the subdivision of Rock Ridge Road. Most of the area had been owned by the Finn family for many generations. The property abuts CL&P lands, Pootatuck State Forest, and a large undeveloped estate designated for conservation. Half of this densely forested area is a wetland with vernal pools and a stream. The surrounding area is dry and had old existing trail cutting through it. Eagle Scout Dan Schosser along with friends and family rebuilt and refurbished the old trail and added a new loop that crosses the stream as well. Access to the trails is over an easement on the left side of the cul de sac at the end of Rock Ridge. The access is clearly marked with one of Dan’s signs. The easement area runs down hill with a few small switch backs and a couple of intermittent brook crossings in the Spring. The beginning of Finn’s Land Preserve is designated by another one of Dan’s signs. From here the trail bends gently to the right and is fairly flat to the end of our property where the trail crosses on to CL&P land. Look for the loop on the left where you can cross the stream. When visiting any of our preserves we ask that you respect our neighbor’s property boundaries and stay on our trails.
Directions & Parking: Take Route 39 north past Candlewood Corners. Take a left on to Dick Finn Road. Follow Dick Finn up hill to just shy of its end. At .8 miles take a right on to Rock Ridge Road. Go .3 miles to the cul de sac where you can park in between driveways. The easement to the trail is marked by a sign just to the right of the mailbox at # 15
Unique site attributes: We have created a trail from the Rock Ridge subdivision. This was done by Boy Scout, Dan Schosser and crew.