Benton Hill offers a loop trail through an ecosystem that’s home to many rare and protected plant and animal species. From the parking area, visitors are greeted with an incredible view of the southern half of Indian Mountain. This parcel is part of the larger Benton Hill Fen, which is the habitat of many birds including the American bald eagle, and it’s also one of only three Connecticut calcareous fens that support the endangered bog turtle. The preserve also contains sun-dappled fields that have been designated as Farmland of Statewide Importance. Don’t miss the loop trail around a small hidden pond—it is, in fact, an old cattle pond from when the land was a farm, over a century ago. A spur trail at the intersection of Route 343 connects with the main loop, offering hikers the chance to hike to Paley’s Farm Market nearby.
