Helen Altschul Preserve
The Helen Altschul Preserve is 164 acres located in North Stamford. The Altschul family donated the property back in 1977 to the Nature Conservancy, which the Stamford Land Conservation Trust (SLCT) acquired in 2010. The goal is to preserve open space to benefit the public and preserve the environmental benefits. Walking is limited to the trails shown in blue for hiking, photography, horseback riding, and scientific research. All dogs must be leashed. Fires, bikes, and motorized vehicles are prohibited.
The featured walk in the video consists of accessing the trails from the end of Mill Stream Road. This walk encompasses woodlands, ridges, a meadow, and a pond. This trail is very isolated; while you are likely to see plenty of wildlife, you are less likely to see other hikers. It provides a peaceful escape. I recommend to bring a few friends or family with you.
Helen Altschul Preserve: https://www.stamford-land.org
Parking, Stamford: 216 Dundee Road, or End of Mill Stream Road.
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens
The Bartlett Arboretum is a 93 acre park that resides in North Stamford. It has many different trails to explore, along with additional gardens. Bartlett Arboretum also houses many community events that help bring nature lovers together. South of the Arboretum, you can connect to the Stamford Museum & Nature Center, West leads you out to Scofield Magnet School and town park.
The featured walk in the video consists of each of these trails: Brook, Black Birch, and Red Maple. The walk starts from the parking area facing East or High Ridge Road. This walk shows the expansiveness of the woods. This is a flat, short, and beautiful route for a first hike in the Bartlett Arboretum. It is a bit rocky in parts. This trail is quite quiet, but you will stumble across the occasional walker. Be sure to bring bug spray. Expect to see many enjoying the wisps of the trees on a weekend afternoon.
Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens: https://www.bartlettarboretum.org
Parking, Stamford: 151 Brookdale Road, Stamford, CT
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Mianus River Park
Mianus River Park is on the Stamford-Greenwich border in Connecticut. It is 391 acres owned by each town and the state. You can choose from 2 main trails, Green or Yellow, and approximately 15 side trails that interconnect with the main trails.
The featured trail, MRP Starter, is approximately a 2 mile loop trail that keeps you mainly on the Mianus River's edge. It is flat, well-traveled, scenic, and a great route to start. On this trail, you will encounter walkers with families, solo, or with dogs. Dogs must always be leashed, and most visitors abide by this rule. Parking is available in both Stamford and Greenwich but is limited. You may need to wait for a spot on a beautiful weekend day.
Mianus River Park: https://www.friendsofmianusriverpark.org
Parking, Stamford: 71 Merriebrook Lane, Stamford, CT Parking, Greenwich: 450 Cognewaugh Road, Greenwich, CT
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset