Summary

The Cotton Hollow Preserve in Glastonbury consists of 80 acres of pristine woodlands traversed by the Roaring Brook. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the area was home to several grist mills, saw mills, iron foundries and a cotton mill. The imposing ruins of the cotton mill built in 1814 are still visible today. Today, the preserve features "passive" recreation opportunities for hiking and fishing.

The short 3/4 mile hike winds through the understory of trees and leads to a series of natural pools frequently used by residents as swimming holes.  There are also more pools deeper into the preserve that is a bit more difficult to get to.  The area can be a bit buggy with mosquitoes, so be sure to bring some repellent.

Since this is a short hike, for those interested, we can decide as a group what other nearby hikes or activities we would want to do.

Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot

The address is: 493 Hopewell Road, Glastonbury, CT 06033

Directions
Route 2 East to Exit 7. Route 2 splits here and Exit 7 is a left hand exit. You will then be on Route 17. Stay on Route 17 until the light at the intersection with Hopewell Road. Take a left onto Hopewell Road. Follow Hopewell Road for a couple of miles and Cotton Hollow will be on your right.

Route 2 West to Exit 10. Take a left onto Manchester Road. Go to stop sign and take a right onto New London Turnpike. At the next light take a left onto Chestnut Hill Road. Follow Chestnut Hill Road until the next stop sign and take a left onto Hopewell Road. Stay on Hopewell Road for a few miles. Go through you first stop sign. At the next stop sign, bear right. Cotton Hollow will be on your left next to Grange Pool. 

Click on the following link to get directions using Google Maps:  Cotton Hollow Preserve

We will meet in the small parking lot at the signed entrance.