Timberlands

Date: March 22, 2012
Report Type: TA Report:
Trail Name: Timberlands
Town: Guilford
Trail Conditions: Ready to ride
Observations/Information: I hiked Timberlands earlier this year and decided that it was one of the more scenic places to hike in the area with interesting rock formations, twisty trails, and the occasional water view. I spent two hours riding there after work today.

To summarize: Timberlands represents what I most and least like about mountain biking. Keep in mind that I am writing this from the perspective of someone riding a hard tail with 26-inch wheels and gears that are low, but not low enough. Portions of the White Rectangle and Red Rectangle Trail were terrific, as was most of the Green Rectangle Trail. They were mountain biking at its best. I could maintain a steady flow, tracing a line around the rocks that dotted, but didn't clog up the trail.

Other parts of the White Rectangle Trail, the Blue Rectangle Trail, The Orange Rectangle Trail, and the various crossover trails were an exercise in frustration. Due to the sharp climbs and descents, which included endless roots and rocks, I took my bike for a hike on these trails, walking far more than I rode. There were two places where I could have really used a rope to lower my bike off a rock formation. Stay off the Orange Trail. It's not rideable and if you try, you risk damaging a delicate area.

The trails were generally dry and hard packed with occasional mud fields in low lying areas. Bridges and boardwalks generally need to be walked across as they are not designed for bikes.

Be sure to check for ticks as you ride. I found a deer tick on my sock as I was riding. That was far preferrable to having to rip one out of me when I got home.

I recommend starting at Guilford Lakes School. The trailhead is just up the road from the school on Maupas Road. If you start at the parking area on Rt. 80, you will have a steep climb near the end of the ride, a time you probably don't want to have to grind up a long hill.

Guilford Lakes School, 40 Maupas Road, Guilford. Directions: I-95 Exit 58 to Rt. 77 North for 1.8 miles, then right at light onto Stepstone Hill Rd. for 1 mile, then left onto Maupas Rd., and left into the school. From the north, take Rt. 9 to Exit 13 to Rt. 17 South for 7 miles to Durham, then Rt. 77 South 11 miles, then left on Stepstone Hill Rd. for 1 mile, then left onto Maupas Rd., and left into the school.

Map available at http://www.ci.guilford.ct.us/board-commissions/pdf/conservation-timberlandmap.pdf.
Trail Ambassador Name: Tom Ebersold

TA Report Timberlands Preserve

Date of Activity: June 7, 2009

Condition of Trail(s): Good

Trail Ambassador Name: Glenn Vernes

Trail Ambassador Email: glennvernes33athotmaildotcom

Town: Guilford

Location: Timberlands Preserve

Trail(s) Ridden: White, red, violet, blue, misc unmarked trails

How did you use the trail?: Mountain Bike

What was the time of day?: Afternoon

Duration (Hours): 3.5

Distance (Miles): 10

Observations & Encounters: The Guilford Land Conservation Trust not only allows mountain biking here, but for a long time actually encouraged it, in an effort to reduce pressure on another one of their preserves, heavily used Westwoods. Riding never caught on here, though, because most of the trails do not make for a satisfying riding experience. They're either too easy or too hard for the average rider- easy double track or single track that goes straight through the rock fields, bogs, and boulder slopes that dot the area. Some are underused and overgrown. All of the trails go through a lot of wet areas, and many of the bridges were clearly not designed with biking in mind. It's a large area that abuts an even larger one and it has potential, but not until new, more bike friendly trails are built.

Encountered a lot of hiking groups, it being National Trails Day weekend. They did not seem offended by my presence.

Work Performed: Cleared one fallen tree blocking the white trail.

Before

After