James

ACREAGE: 9 • YEAR ACQUIRED: 1992

Location

The trail entrance and kiosk can be found on the right side of Metacom Drive just before mailbox # 30.

Distance

The trails through this property are short (0.5 miles) but lead to longer trails along the transmission line corridor and the New England Trail. This is not a loop trail.

Terrain

Short moderate climbs lead to level and undulating trails. In portions, the trail has rocky and uneven footing. A short steep climb on the unblazed trail leads to the Metacomet Trail.

Features

The 9-acre James property provides access via a short unblazed trail to the Metacomet Trail section of the New England Trail, the blue-blazed national scenic trail along the eastern traprock ridge line. Trails along the old dirt roads on the James property also connect to off- property trails in the transmission line corridor that runs parallel to the ridge line at a lower elevation.

The eastern traprock ridge creates an unusual variety of distinct habitats which support a number of state-listed uncommon, rare, or endangered plants and animals. They also provide exceptional hiking opportunities and spectacular views of the Farmington Valley. The trails through the transmission line corridor offer a more open hiking experience. Vegetation management in this corridor has created valuable thicket habitat used by many species of wildlife.