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