Evans Family Meadows Trail

Rating/Terrain: Easy/generally level
Distance: Two 3/4 mile one-way trails
Parking: On grassy area between 240 and 236 Tunxis Ave
Trail Access: Strip of vacant land between 240 and 236 Tunxis Ave
Feature: Floating bridge over Wash Brook

Location
This long, rectangular 23-acre parcel located between homes fronting on Tunxis Ave and the railroad tracks is a combination of meadow, stream and an urban forest. Access the wooded paths and meadow trails at the northern end of the property and head south. This preserve and trails are located just southeast of Reservoir #3, so it’s easy to stop by if you are in the area.

Description
The Wash Brook runs through the center of the parcel and large oaks and cottonwoods can be seen from the path. Trails exist on either side of Wash Brook heading south and ending at Dorothy Drive. One trail to the east side of the meadow will require crossing Wash Brook. The other trail is at the south edge of the meadow. The Town of Bloomfield is working with its neighbors to extend northern Bloomfield’s multiuse trail (to Tariffville) southward, connecting with trail systems in Hartford and Windsor. One possible path or spur path would connect through the property and into the center of town.

History
This land was purchased with the help of a DEEP Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition (OSWA) grant in August 2017. There are stories stating the land may have been used by the Underground Railroad.