Enjoy a Walk Through the Neilmann Parcel
There are about two miles of trails in the 145-acre Neilmann Parcel, which is part of the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park. The terrain is flat, consists of wetlands and vernal pools, and the trail surfaces are forest floor and boardwalks.
Take a Two-Mile Hike
The trails are divided into two loops, the Forest Loop and the Swamp Loop, the latter of which borders Miller Swamp, the largest wetland in the Town of Wilton. There are old logging roads and stumps in the woods that speak to the history of the area. Because of the swamp, you'll likely encounter frogs and toads (or at least hear them) during the springtime.
The Town of Wilton owns the Neilmann Parcel, which was protected in 1999 through use of local funds and state grant money.
See a map of the trails »
What to Know Before You Go
There have been many reports from hikers saying to bring bug spray - you'll need it when near the swamp! The other aspect of the parcel to be aware of is that high water may cover the trail depending on the season and weather.
The Neilmann Parcel is open to the public from dawn to dusk. Unleashed dogs, dumping, unauthorized vehicles, fires, camping, hunting, fishing, and trapping are all prohibited.
How to Get There
From the north: Take I-87 south to exit 16. Take a left onto Ballard Road and follow until it becomes Taylor Road, then take a right onto Ruggles Road. The trailhead will be on your right.
From the south: Take I-87 north to exit 15. Take a right onto Route 50 and continue to follow for about four miles, then take a right onto King Road. Take a right onto Ruggles Road and the trailhead will be on your right.
You can also put "Neilmann Parcel" in Google Maps and the trailhead will come up.