Welcome to Our Pine Hill Recreation Area

Hike, jog or cross country ski our trails near Peat Swamp Reservoir in Seymour and Woodbridge. You will find varied terrain and features: seasonally wet to rocky and steep to relatively flat. You will traverse through mixed age forests ranging from wetland species to dry ridge species. There is evidence of past agricultural use and timber and fuel harvesting. An interpretive trail guide is available from the Recreation Department that matches the numbers on the numbered metal plates you will see along the trail.

Please note: The driveway and parking lot are shared with someone’s home. Please respect their privacy and do not go near the dogs. Dogs are not allowed on the trails.

Please stay within the boundaries of the recreation area at Pine Hill. Your safety and the safety of our drinking water are our primary concerns. Please abide by our rules and regulations and encourage others to do the same.

A Guide to the Trails at Pine Hill

Here is a brief description of the trails at Pine Hill.

Remember: Permit holders receive easy-to-read trail maps with detailed descriptions. As a permit holder, you can also enjoy the convenience of free parking and a system-wide trail guide as well as invitations to guided nature walks, our annual kids fishing derby and other special events which are only open to our permit holders.

Peat Swamp Spur Trail

0.3 Mile

This spur trail connects you to the Peat Swamp Loop from the parking lot off Rimmon Road (Route 313). You will pass an old Christmas tree plantation on your right as you enter. The plantation contains white spruce, blue spruce and black spruce. It is a good spot for observing birds, as the blueberry bushes at the far end provide food for many species. There is a brook which runs under the bridge on your way to the main trail loop.

Peat Swamp Loop

2.0 Miles

Access the main loop by taking the Peat Swamp Spur Trail from the parking area on Rimmon Road (Route 313), or choose the longer route by parking at the end of Hemlock Hollow Road and taking the Hemlock Hollow Loop. Either way, you will have the opportunity to explore previous land use and a variety of forest types along the trail. In the early 1900's most of the land was cleared for agriculture. The trails you will be walking on were probably old farm roads.

There are a number of stone walls that hint at previous farm land use. Our guided trail booklet can assist you in identifying specific tree species and pointing out areas that show previous land use. Other features you will see along this trail include streams and vernal pools; you will be able to catch a glimpse of Peat Swamp Reservoir from the northwest leg of the trail, especially in the winter and early spring. Notice the rocky outcrops and be on the lookout for large boulders deposited by receding glaciers.

Hemlock Hollow Loop

1.0 Miles

Access this trail by parking at the end of Hemlock Hollow Road and taking the short Hemlock Hollow Spur trail right to the loop. You will cross several small streams and walk through varied hardwood tree stands, including sugar maple, sassafras, tulip tree, and oak. You will see more rocky outcrops, erratic boulders and many stone walls along the way.

Hemlock Hollow Spur

0.1 Mile

This very short spur trail connects you from the trailhead off Hemlock Hollow Road to the Hemlock Hollow Loop trail.

For more information, please call the Regional Water Authority Recreation Department at 203.401.2654.