Sprague Land Preserve — Attraction in Franklin

One of the largest land preserves in SE, Connecticut with many surprises.

The Sprague Land Preserve (also known as the Mukluk Preserve) was an incredible surprise. Whether it's hiking, fishing, or horseback riding it's a beautiful spot for anyone that can get there at sunrise and out before sunset when the gates close. You can easily get there by Google Mapping the name, but when "you reach your destination", just continue to drive on Holton Rd and you'll reach an entrance before a dead end. The drive to the parking lot is narrow and slow driving is recommended, especially on wet days! Funny thing is, this preserve was once a rifle range and sports club in the 60s, now being cleaned for a natural preserve for all! (With some restricted spots during this cleaning process.) The preserve rests on the Shetucket River with multiple trails that connects into a loop. Here's a...

Huge and beautiful place to get a REAL HIKE. You got everything, creeks, hills, rock formations, 100ft above sea level views, about 4 or 5 waterfalls (dry right now due to the horrible drought). There's even a waterfall power damn near by, you can venture out to see. You got down trees to walk over creeks. Miles of trails to explore. It may take you several visits to check the entire area. And it is close to Bailey's Ravine trail as well (also no water due to the drought, and recently burned due to a forest fire). You got hidden rock formation ruins, power cable line trails, it is really country up there. I recommend it if you really like to go out there and explore l nature. Each season gives you a different feeling, so your visits you can multiply...

I visit Sprague Land Preserve several times a year. The trails are extensive, and the acreage is plentiful. The only problem I have with this beautiful place is that a couple of the trails are not well marked with tree blazes. Many of the blazes are very faded, some are too far apart, and there are stretches of trail in the middle without any indicators. The waterfalls are beautiful and flow well most of the time. This winter there is quite a bit of tree fall from past storms blocking the trails, especially the blue and the green. Please do more trail maintenance to keep this place as awsome as it has been...