Hours
Dawn to dusk

Conditions
The three-mile loop trail has options for shorter hikes leading through mature oak forest, open fields, and along the clear-flowing Little River. Trails lead past glacial kettle ponds to an impressive overlook of the Little River Valley.

Things To Do
What to See: Plants
A variety of oak, hickory, red and sugar maple, red cedar, poplar, gray birch, little bluestem and clubmosses, as well as numerous other species, can be seen here.

What to See: Animals
Look for hawks overhead and beaver activity along the banks of Little River.

Plan Your Visit
Please enjoy your visit to this preserve. The Nature Conservancy welcomes passive recreation, including hiking, birding, canoeing, nature study and cross-country skiing.

To ensure those who visit after you are able to enjoy the same experience you have, please remember to stay on designated trails, pack out everything you brought in, and contact our office at: 203 568 6270 or [email protected] if you notice any problems.

To maintain the ecological integrity of the preserve, the following activities are not allowed: collection of plant or animal specimens, camping, fires, fishing, hunting, bicycling, and use of motorized vehicles. Pets are not allowed on Nature Conservancy preserves.

Directions

From the west:

-Take Route 66 east to Route 6 in Columbia.

-Continue straight, onto Route 6 east for 13.6 miles.
At the junction of Route 6 and Route 97 in Hampton, turn right (south) onto Route 97.

-Continue south on Route 97 for 3.4 miles

-Preserve and small parking area are on the left.

From the south:

-Take I-95 to I-395

-On I-395, take exit 83 for Route 97.

-Proceed north on Route 97, in Scotland, take a right on Route14 (Palmer Road) for 0.5 mile, then take a left back onto Route 97 for 1.4 miles.

-After passing James V. Spignesi Jr. Wildlife Management Area, Rock Spring preserve and parking area are on the right.