{"product_id":"glct-westwoods-loop-3-guilford-land-conservation-trust-map","title":"GLCT Westwoods Loop 3","description":"Part of a collection of trail walks around Westwoods that are of 2 to 3 miles in length, looping to allow hikers to return to the trailhead they started from.  Westwoods Loop 3 is a short and moderate hike with some rocky climbs and descents.  Loop access is from the Trailhead on Three Corners Road, Guilford, CT.   The property crossed is owned by the Guilford Land Conservation Trust and the State of Connecticut, with public access allowed from dawn to dusk for passive recreational purposes.  Motorized vehicles of any type are not allowed.  For comprehensive listing of Land Use Policies see: \u0026lt;\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/guilfordlandtrust.org\/about\/land-use\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehttps:\/\/guilfordlandtrust.org\/about\/land-use\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u0026gt;\r\n=============================================================================================\r\nHiking Narrative:\r\n\r\nTo access Loop 3, begin at the cul-de-sac at the end of Three Corners Road. Parking is available on the road, please be courteous and do not block the driveways. The trailhead is located down the driveway of 494 Three Corner’s Road about 50 yards on the right. The trail is marked with a Trail Post and you will begin the hike by taking the Red Triangle.\r\n\r\nRed Triangle will join the Orange Circle trail for a short distance. Stay on Red Triangle at the bottom of the hill.\r\n\r\n•\tContinue along the Red Triangle trail. At about ½ mile there are a few large and flourishing Hemlock trees (POI –1). These Hemlocks have survived the Woolley Adelgid insect and fungus infestation that arrived in Connecticut by way of Hurricane Gloria in 1985. Prior to that, Westwoods was a thriving hemlock forest, now part of the past.\r\n•\tAt two points along this loop trail you will cross a section that is suspiciously lacking the typical trees in the area. Until 2022 the powerlines to Guilford ran along this corridor. The first clearing is on the Red Triangle. You’ll then take a right onto the Blue Rectangle and after a few hundred feet take a right onto the Orange Circle where you will cross a stream before reaching the second clearing (POI-2) The Westwoods trails committee has maintained this clearing that was once kept clear by the power company for over 100 years. During this time a new ecosystem developed, attracting birds, animals and plants that live in woodland and field transitional zones. The Land Trust is committed to maintaining this as a welcome space for the species that call this area home.\r\n\r\n•\tAs you continue along on the Orange circle you’ll see a large, natural cave on your left (POI – 3). It is believed to have been a temporary living space for Native Americans who spent their summer’s shell fishing in the area. Don’t be surprised to unearth broken seashells in the ground near the cave although you are miles from the shore. \r\n\r\nAs you leave the cave on the Orange Circle you will discover a short scramble up the rocky path. Once at the top make a right turn.\r\n\r\nAfter coming down a steep slope, affectionately known as “the cheese grater”, you’ll find another, more narrow, cave on your right (POI – 4). Look carefully because this one isn’t so obvious. \r\n\r\nSoon the Orange Trail splits, with the Orange Square heading left.  Loop 3 follows the Orange Circle to your right and climbs down a cliff.  You’ll be on the Orange Circle for about ¼ mile.\r\n\r\nPay attention at the intersection with the Red\/Orange cross trail!  Do not take the right, but continue straight. This will bring you back to the Red Triangle, where you will take a left to return to the trail head and driveway on Three Corner’s Road.","brand":"Guilford Land Conservation Trust","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44877223493788,"sku":"1701897","price":1.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0441\/7850\/5884\/files\/guilford-land-conservation-trust-glct-westwoods-loop-3-map-1701897-preview-0.jpg?v=1746644102","url":"https:\/\/store.avenza.com\/products\/glct-westwoods-loop-3-guilford-land-conservation-trust-map","provider":"Avenza Maps","version":"1.0","type":"link"}