Iron Mountain Preserve

Hours
Dawn to dusk

Conditions
There is a 1.5-mile trail through an old apple orchard, across a charcoal pit and over the summit of Ore Hill.

Things To Do
What to See: Plants
The preserve's well-drained uplands are dominated by large sugar maple, ash, red oak and black birch trees. The understory is largely filled with young hardwoods, maple-leaved viburnum and witch hazel. The hike uphill goes through a stand of striped maple, named for its green-and-white-striped trunks. This species has enormous leaves, sometimes eight inches across, that some say resemble the webbed foot of a goose.  In summer, the greenish light that filters through these leaves is especially pretty.  Violets and Canada mayflowers cover the trail in early spring, and shadbushes blossom in the increased light at the trail edge.

What to See: Animals
Some 27 bird species have been sighted at Iron Mountain.

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 ct@tnc.org 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 south and east:

-Take Interstate 84 to exit 7 for Routes 7 north and 202 east.

-11.8 miles later, the two routes divide in New Milford; stay on 7 north toward Kent.

-Take Route 7 north to the junction of Routes 7 and 341 in Kent

-Drive 13.5 miles, then take Route 341 east for 3 miles; turn right on South Road and proceed as below.

From the north:

-Take Route 7 to Cornwall Bridge; continue south on 7 one mile to Route 45.

-Turn left on Route 45 and drive 4.7 miles to Route 341; turn right (west).

-Drive 5 miles to South Road; turn left.

From South Road:

-Take South Road 0.6 mile and turn east (left) to Treasure Hill Road for 0.5 mile.

-The parking lot and entrance sign are on the west (right) side of the road.