Rockland Preserve In Madison Becoming Quite Popular

By Jack Kramer, Correspondent

MADISON, CT – Bikers and hikers are flocking to the Rockland Preserve in large numbers. At the most recent Board of Selectmen meeting, Selectman Bruce Wilson said as much as 1,000 visitors a week are using the trail.

He called the number “extraordinary.”

“It is getting terrific use,” Wilson said, stating the Route 79 parking lot is filled on a daily basis.

Wilson said the high volume of use is getting the attention of local merchants.

Wilson said town officials have been talking about “what type of limits” it might want to put on any agreement it reaches with a business which, might for instance, might put some money for signage into the area.

He said the goal would be to not “destroy the character” of what makes Rockland Preserve so attractive.

Located in North Madison, west of Route and just south of the Madison/Durham border, Rockland Preserve is an area of rounded, rocky hills, steep gray cliffs, ledges, and lovely wooded areas.

Long abandoned ancients roads offer easy access for the walker and hiker.

The centerpiece of Rockland is Coan Pond. Crooked Hill Road and Dead Hill Road invite people to walk among the oaks, huge glacial boulders and laurel thickets.

Images via Jack Kramer