Belton Copp Preserve
LOCATION
14 Smith Neck Rd. The entrance is marked by a large cedar tree and small granite bench.
PARKING
Limited parking along the property at is allowed, with plenty of additional parking at the nearby state launch ramp.
HIKE DIFFICULTY
Easy & Brief
4 acres
This preserve offers expansive marshland views; the State of CT has protected 32 acres of the adjacent wetlands. The trail is a short, very easy walk and feels a bit like a maze through high thickets. A multitude of birds of many varieties can be seen here, including osprey which nest in the adjacent tidal marsh.
History: This four-acre parcel was donated by Belton Copp, a cofounder of OLLT who was also a lawyer, World War II veteran and conservationist. He served as trustee for The Conservation and Research Foundation which helped develop techniques for non-governmental entities to preserve land.
Note: Be careful to stay on the trail as the thicket does contain poison ivy.
Sunset from Belton Copp preserve
Bench towards view