The Pequot Trail is a 7.6 mile CFPA Blue Blaze Trail near Preston in CT. There are plans to extend the trail so that it links up with the nearby Narrangansett Trail again in the future. It has winding woodland paths, stone walls and views across farm fields. The southern section is well worth a visit but the northern half isn’t really worth the effort.

In Depth Guide

So lets get something clear from the start. If you are looking for a trail that is unlikely to be crowded then this one is for you. The southern section has about 3 miles of winding forest trail that is a perfectly pleasant place to wander but the northern half isn’t really worth the effort.

The Southern Half

There are other trails nearby that are nicer than this trail. The nearby Narrangansett, Nehantic and Pachaug are all nicer, but the Pequot gives you the chance to avoid the crowds which these days is something to consider during the COVID-19 restrictions.

Stone Walls and Farm Field Views

After a tricky start due to parking ( explained at the bottom of the blog) you will spend a bit of time on tarmac roads but eventually settle into a winding path through the woods with a few muddy wet crossings, mixed in with wonderful views across farm fields and the old stone walls of farmsteads from 100 years ago.. These 2 to 3 miles are really lovely without any real ‘focus’, view or stopping point. Its just 3 miles of easy lovely woodland.

The Northern Half – Powerlines and Scrubland

The northern section of the trail is very uninspiring. After crossing the road at Milton Green memorial Field its poorly marked in a number of places and spends a major part of its time running apologetically along a power line. The last 3 miles are open scrubland with the power lines overhead and the trail meanders in and out of the woods all the way along.

Eventually the northern terminus joins the road where a ‘no parking’ sign has been placed on the two parking spaces that are allowed for this trail. I’ve dropped an email to the CFPA to let them know.

Verdict

Do the southern half and you’ll get a woodland trail that’s easy underfoot and guaranteed to be quiet. Avoid the northern section and thank me later.

Parking Info

Southern Terminus – starts literally on the road at the junction so just park up on the side of the road.

Northern Terminus – The two allocated spaces currently have a ‘no parking’ sign on them that is probably not allowed to be there. You can park on the side of the road 200 yds opposite.