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Mine Hill Preserve: A Glimpse into Connecticut's Industrial Past

Explore historic iron mines and scenic trails at Mine Hill Preserve, a unique blend of nature and industrial history in Roxbury, CT.

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Explore the remnants of a 19th-century iron-making complex at Mine Hill Preserve in Roxbury, CT. This 360-acre nature preserve features hiking trails, historic structures, and interpretive signs detailing the area's mining history and impact on the region.

A brief summary to Mine Hill Preserve

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy hiking boots, as the trails can be rocky and uneven.
  • Download a trail map from the Roxbury Land Trust website before your visit.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the main loop trail and historic sites.
  • Visit during daylight hours, as the preserve is open from dawn to dusk.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Mine Hill Preserve is located off Mine Hill Road in Roxbury, CT. From Roxbury town center, follow Route 67 south. Turn onto Mine Hill Road and follow the signs to the parking area. Parking is free. Note that parking can be limited.

  • Walking

    From the center of Roxbury, it is approximately a 2-mile walk to Mine Hill Preserve. Follow Route 67 south and then turn onto Mine Hill Road. Be aware that portions of this route lack sidewalks, so exercise caution.

Unlock the Best of Mine Hill Preserve

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Discover more about Mine Hill Preserve

Mine Hill Preserve, located in Roxbury, Connecticut, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and industrial history. This 360-acre preserve, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was once a bustling iron mining and production site in the 19th century. From 1865 to 1872, the Shepaug Spathic Iron and Steel Company extracted iron ore here, processed it in roaring furnaces, and even attempted steel production. Visitors can explore the well-preserved remains of this industrial endeavor, including a massive cold blast furnace, roasting ovens, and quarry sites. Interpretive signs are placed throughout the preserve, detailing the history of Mine Hill, the iron-making process, and its impact on the surrounding region. The signs also highlight the granite quarries that prospered here, providing stone for notable structures from New York City to New Britain. The preserve features over six miles of hillside hiking trails that wind through scenic woodlands and rocky terrain. The main loop trail, marked with blue blazes, is 3.5 miles long and passes by mine tunnels, grated air shafts (now bat habitats), and abandoned quarries. Another trail leads to a reservoir. Mine Hill Preserve provides a fascinating glimpse into Connecticut's industrial past, set amidst a landscape of natural beauty. It's a place where you can hike through history, explore remnants of a bygone era, and appreciate the natural resources that shaped the region.

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