The Preserve - Old Saybrook, CT
The Preserve Dog-Friendly Trails in Old Saybrook, Connecticut
Discover The Preserve, a network of scenic, pet-friendly trails located at 241 Ingham Hill Rd in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. This unique outdoor destination spans the borders of Old Saybrook, Essex, and Westbrook, offering a variety of easy to moderate trails ideal for dog-friendly hiking and outdoor adventures. With historic landmarks like the foundation of the Ingham Home and Pequot Swamp Pond, The Preserve combines local history with natural beauty, making it a wonderful area for exploration with your canine companion.
Dog owners love the well-marked, mostly flat and wide trails which make for easy and enjoyable walks with dogs. The grounds cover diverse terrains—some areas can be muddy after rainfall, and there are streams and ponds along the way, so come prepared. Multiple parking lots are available in different towns, including ample parking and handicapped spots in Westbrook. Whether you’re a local or visiting, The Preserve is a hidden gem for pet owners looking for peaceful, dog-friendly trails in Connecticut.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, The Preserve features a large network of well-marked pet-friendly hiking trails.
- Where is the best place to park? Each town offers its own parking lots, and the Westbrook lot is noted to be large with handicapped spaces.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Some parts of the trail, especially near Westbrook, can be muddy after heavy rainfall.
- Is there shade or shelter available? The trails run through wooded areas, providing plenty of natural shade.
Reviews
Some of the trails marks are different to see because of this I am always having trouble to get back in my car.
Nice sized network of trails with a couple cool pieces of history. The trails run through Essex, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook. Each town has its own parking areas, with Westbrook having two, and the other towns having one. While on the trails you can find the foundation of the Ingham Home, a stone dam, and the Pequot Swamp Pond. According to CT Insider, the home was built in the early 1760s, and was dismantled in the 1880s. The trails are mostly on the easier side with flat and wide trails, but some areas got to more of a moderate difficulty in steeper sections. There were a few small streams that ran throughout the trails, and the pond was only partially full even after heavy rainfall. Some parts of the trail closer to the Westbrook area were pretty muddy with some decently deep mud. I parked in the Westbrook parking lot and it was pretty big and featured two handicapped spots. There’s also a geocache not too far into the trail from the Westbrook parking lot.
Lovely hike with my dog. Took the red trail which is clearly marked. Nobody else on the trail. No bugs, and anyone with even a modest level of fitness can do this.
Trails are well marked. Photo that was posted of trail map was helpful. Great rustic scene.
First time here. Ran 3 miles and didn’t get lost. Be careful of loose rocks and pay attention to your foot placement.
Enjoy!
Beautiful area to walk around and explore!