Priscilla Otte Preserve

This peaceful preserve, locally known by many as the Fowler Farm, includes 16 acres that came to GLCT as part of a subdivision in 1999 and another 16 acres purchased in 2005 from Priscilla Fowler Otte well under market price. Priscilla, inspired by memories of generations of her family working on the farm, came to GLCT with a vision to protect the land permanently. The property contains hayfields, wet meadows, woodlands, a cave-like structure, and a running stream.

Difficulty: easy with a few moderate hills with challenging footing on the yellow loop section.

Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

Location: The Priscilla Otte Preserve can be accessed using a GLCT-owned right of way along the back driveway for 405 Great Hill Road. To get there, turn off of Great Hill Road onto Saw Mill Hill Road and take the first driveway on the right. Follow the drive until it bends to the left facing the field and park at the top of the field. We remind users that unleashed dogs are not permitted as the area is managed for wildlife. 

Hike Directions: From the parking area at the top of the field, proceed to the right of the kiosk and along the side of the field in front of you, following the blue trail into the woods. Shortly after the first stream crossing, take the yellow circle to the right. After a second stream crossing, stay to the right on yellow. You will come across a large stone outcrop which includes cave-like spaces and a nice view of the brook. After crossing the brook, take a sharp left and look for split in the yellow trail. Travel either direction on the loop back to the starting point and follow the yellow trail back across the brook, the cave structure will be on your right. After crossing a stream again, you will encounter the blue trail, take a right on blue toward Saw Mill Hill Road, circling around a second meadow. When you reach the road, walk along it to the left and return to the main preserve entrance.