LAUREL MARSH TRAIL

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Trail Highlights
The Laurel Marsh Hiking Trail is one of nine hiking trails that makes up Manchester’s section of the Hockanum Linear River Park. Small orange blazes on trees or rocks indicate the Hockanum River trails. Two blazes indicate that there’s a turn or intersection ahead. Three blazes indicate a side trail or alternate route. The side trail is marked with an orange blaze and white dot in the middle. There are three other towns with trails along the Hockanum River - Ellington, Vernon, and East Hartford.

There is a large scenic marsh with a large variety of birds and observation platform. There is a mature forest with mountain laurel. There was a large pond before the dam lowered in the 1960’s. The phragmites were controlled and the small ponds were excavated for varied habitat by DEP for fish, water fowl and frogs.

Parking and Accessibility
Take I-384 to I-84 to eastbound exit 60, right off ramp onto Routes 6 and 44, after 200 feet take a right into the stone dust parking lot. Only the 3/4 mile stone dust loop is
wheelchair accessible.

Trail Head: south side of routes 6 and 44 just east of exit 60 off I-84. across from Cheney Tech School
Hours: dawn to dusk
Length: 3.5 miles, 3/4 mile loop within long loop
Surface: rough ground grass, steps, boardwalks
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Bike Lockers: No
Contact: Town of Manchester Customer Service Center, 41 Center St., Manchester, CT 06040, 860-647-5235. www.townofmanchester.org/leisure/hiking.cfm