Please Note: VELCO arrived at Brookmead on January 02, 2024, to begin work on the power lines/poles. They’re going to be on-site intermittently between now and June/July. On the days they are on site, the trail/road through the power line at Brookmead will be closed. Please respect the trail closures for your safety and for the safety of the VELCO workers. When VELCO workers aren’t on site, the trail/road through the power line will be open. UVLT staff are putting up signs today at either end of the trail that will be closed when they’re working. We’ll also put up a sign at the Brookmead trailhead and Parcel 5 so folks have fair warning of the possible closure ahead.
Trailhead parking has been relocated and expanded! The previous parking lot and access point have been closed. The new parking area has direct access from Turnpike Road. There is a new trail segment. Brookmead trail maps have been updated. See the link below.
The rainy summer and fall of 2023 have created very wet soils continuing into 2024. Please exercise care in using trails and choose activities that are safe for you based on site conditions. All use is at the users’ risk.
Brookmead Conservation Area has five miles of wooded trails suitable for hiking, mountain biking, trail running, and snowshoeing. The trail starts from the parking lot on Turnpike Road in Norwich and heads west uphill through the farm fields and across the powerline right of way into the woods. The trail network boasts many vernal pools, forest types, and a remote cabin with a working outhouse.
Trail users please be aware that Brookmead Conservation Area includes land that may be in active farm use. Stay away from and do not touch fences and do not enter pastures. If you visit Brookmead with your dog, please keep it leashed until you are above the powerline right of way and beyond any farm fields.