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Glenda Farrell-Henry Ross Preserve

History:

This plot of 36.5 acres was part of the farm of the Gage family, some of the earliest settlers in the area. Elihu Gage came from Cape Cod and was among the ten pioneers who developed farms in the Oblong, the strip of territory in the eastern part of Putnam County which was the disputed area between the boundaries of the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam and the English Connecticut. The grave of Selah Gage, Elihu's grandson, is the oldest one in the little Gage Burial ground, which lies just outside the boundary of the Preserve. He died in 1846 at the age of 70.

Exploring The Preserve:

This preserve contains seasonal streams and wetlands, upland woods, impressive rocky outcroppings, stone walls and a wide variety of birds, plants and animals attracted to the varying habitats and terrain. Trees include Yellow Birch , Butternut, Mockernut Hickory, Black Oak, Red Oak and Red Cedar. Two large rocky outcroppings are visible from the path. One features a splayed Hickory. Jack-in-the-Pulpit and masses of skunk cabbage and ferns flourish in the wetlands. There are many varieties of fern and woodland wild flowers including Club-mosses, Indian Pipes, Wintergreen, Christmas Fern and Spotted Pipsissiwa. Birds include Ruffed Grouse, Phoebes, Thrushes and Warblers in season.

About the Trail:

Two trails serve this preserve.   Both provide easy hiking and are a great day spent in a woodland environment. The preserve has undergone some recent changes which include some boardwalking over some of the wet areas and improved trail markings. 

Access: 

From Route 22, take Milltown Road for 2.2 miles. Preserve is on the left. Parking is limited.
Markers on trees serve as trail guides. There are two trails - red and yellow.   

GPS Coordinates
N 41 degrees 25.26'
W 73 degrees 32.79'

Rock Formations at Ross Preserve	Old Campsite

Trail Regulations:

Please sign in before beginning your hike. Help us protect and preserve the plant and animal life found on this property by not disturbing the area, staying on the paths, and by observing the trail regulations posted at the entrance.