A 0.9-mile loop and an 18.7-mile trail that ends in Ashford illustrate the range of trails available. There are also river access points, a winter view of the valley, and historic farm grounds. You can tailor your trip to whether you’re most interested in observing nature, experiencing the landscape, or discovering local history.
Forest Trails and Views
The Yellow Trail at Josias Byles Sanctuary is 0.9 miles long and forms a loop. It runs through the woods along Byles Brook to a viewpoint overlooking beaver dams, then returns to the starting point. Its length, loop route, and viewpoint provide a concrete guide if you’re looking for a short hiking option.
At 18.7 miles, the Natchaug Trail is considerably longer and ends in Ashford. The route passes through forest and aquatic habitats where hikers can observe turtles, beavers, and various birds, among other wildlife. The different trail lengths make it possible to compare the two routes without assuming walking times or difficulty levels. Trail conditions and parking availability can change; check them before planning your visit.
Tinkerville Brook has four hiking trails covering a total of 3 miles. At Church Farm, the Ledges Trail runs through a mix of deciduous and coniferous forest. Another scenic spot on the farm is on rocky ledges and offers a view across the valley in winter.
There are two public access points along Bigelow Brook. The heavily used access point to the Mount Hope River is behind the Ashford Fire Station. A gravel driveway leads from the parking lot to the river; tree roots serve as steps down to the water.
Farm Grounds and Local History
Both the 18th-century house and the barn built in 1895 at Church Farm are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The buildings offer two distinct historical points of interest on the same farm grounds, while the Ledges Trail there also showcases the forest.
Tinkerville Brook also combines nature trails with traces of the area’s past: the grounds include a former mill site and a massive stone bridge abutment. Josias Byles Sanctuary was part of the original Byles Farm. Josias Byles bought this 200-acre farm in 1718. The grounds of June Norcross Webster Scout Reservation were the historic country estate of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Knowlton, a hero of the Revolutionary War.
Horizon Wings is a wildlife rehabilitation center based in Ashford that specializes in birds of prey. Raptors that cannot be released into the wild are used there in educational programs under a special permit.
Getting Around and Planning Your Trip
For travel by car, Interstate 84 Exit 72 is a specific point of reference: Ashford has this exit. At Ashford Memorial Park, the trails start at the second gate near the picnic pavilion, where the park road ends.
The different sites offer a variety of highlights rather than one set itinerary: a loop with views of beaver dams, longer trails, historic buildings, and river access points. If you’re looking for a hotel in Ashford, first decide which of these themes matter most to your trip. Compare hotel location information with the destinations that interest you most, and choose based on your own plans.
In the wider surrounding region, Westford Hill Distillers offers guided tours with product tastings by appointment. Plan a visit only with an advance appointment; appointments may change.
Discover more destinations: Brooklyn, Pomfret, Woodstock, Putnam, Killingly, Plainfield, Chaplin.
For the regional travel overview: Windham.
