Snowshoe and Cross-Country Ski in South Windsor

Scenic trails can be found all throughout our town, all you have to do is seek out one of our many parks!  Wapping Park can be found on Clark Street near the South Windsor Post Office.  After leaving the parking lot, the adventure begins with a trek through a rolling meadow leading into the forest.  A fork in the path yields two options; the left trail travels southwest to smaller loop paths, past a marsh and bird blinds, while the north fork crosses a bridge over the Podunk River and loops through the huge trees with boardwalks over marshy areas.  The 2.5-mile trail system at Wapping Park is worth visiting to see the evergreens, the marsh and the Podunk River.

 The Frank Niederwerfer Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the opposite end of town between Barber Hill Road and Niederwerfer Road.  The wildlife park is situated on the highest point in town – 420 feet above sea level.  All trails here lead to a huge field, resting upon a hillside perfect for sledding, with panoramic views of Hartford’s skyline.  Several miles of easy trails meander through this beautiful 159-acre preserve.  Parking is available at both entrances.

Nevers Road Park can be found in the middle of South Windsor across from the Police Department.  To reach the trails, two parking lots are located on Chief Ryan Way.  The trails will take you by baseball & soccer fields, farmland, a dog park, a playground, and a ropes course.  The trails are mostly flat and wind in and out of wooded areas.  If you happen to live nearby, you can enter the park on foot via a trail from Carriage Drive to Andreis Trail or from the back end of the park at the corner of Windshire Road and Abbe Road Extension. 

 Enter the Major Michael Donnelly Land Preserve from the back end on West Road next to South Windsor’s newest fire department.  Here you will find picturesque meadows and a trail through a hardwood forest.  Visiting this part of the preserve will keep you clear of the many boardwalks and marshes found on the east side of the Podunk River, which flows through the very middle of the preserve.

 Rye Street Park doesn’t have trails but is just as wonderful as the other parks.  The park is ideal spot for cross-country skiing since there are many open fields.  Just as you enter the park, the Rye Street Cemetery is on your right, with stones dating back to 1837.  Lots of parking is available.

 Trail maps for each of these parks excluding Rye Street Park can be downloaded from the SW Walk & Wheel Ways website at www.swwww.org on the maps/resource page.  Next time it looks like winter wonderland outside, grab your family and visit a park near you or go to one you haven’t explored yet.  Each one is special no matter which one you choose.