Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area in Burlington, Connecticut, is a public nature area with interpretive trails, wetland habitat and sites that demonstrate wildlife management. You can follow gravel paths past a marsh, look for wildlife and learn about natural-resource management at the Conservation Education Center.
- Location: Route 69, 341 Milford Street, Burlington
- Trails and parking: open from sunrise to sunset
- Conservation Education Center: weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except holidays
What Sessions Woods Offers Visitors
Sessions Woods brings wildlife conservation, outdoor recreation and education together on one property. Managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Wildlife Division, it was established to support wildlife conservation and educate visitors about wildlife and natural-resource management. Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration funds helped make its purchase possible.
The Conservation Education Center has an exhibit area and a large meeting room. Outside, interpretive trails and habitat-management demonstration sites offer a way to see how wildlife habitat is managed. The property covers 771 acres and has a parking area, including a handicap parking area.
How do you get to Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area?
Sessions Woods is on Route 69 at 341 Milford Street in Burlington. It lies about three miles south of Route 4 and three miles north of Route 6, making Route 69 the direct approach to the entrance.
Parking is available at the property. The parking area is open to the public from sunrise to sunset, alongside the trails. If you’re planning to visit the Conservation Education Center, its weekday hours differ from the outdoor access hours.
Which trails and wildlife can you see at Sessions Woods?
The Beaver Pond Trail is a 2.6-mile gravel route beside a 38-acre marsh with multiple beaver dams. Separate paths lead to an observation tower, a wildlife viewing blind, a waterfall and a historic summer house. For a shorter walk, the Forest Meadow Trail is a 0.6-mile gravel path with wildlife-habitat demonstration sites.
The property map also labels the Crosscut Trail, Scoville Road, Firetower Trail, Tree ID Trail, Hunting Blind Trail, Short Cut North, Short Cut South, Waterfall Trail and Wildlife Viewing Blind Trail, as well as sections of the Tunxis Trail.
White-tailed deer, black bears, broad-winged hawks, pileated woodpeckers, wild turkeys and scarlet tanagers may be seen here. Canada geese, mallards, wood ducks, great blue herons and beavers are sometimes spotted in the wetland. In spring breeding season, wood frogs and spring peepers can be heard at the vernal pool.
Access, hours and visitor rules
The trails and parking area are open from sunrise to sunset. The Conservation Education Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except holidays. Check the official site before you go for current access details.
Keep dogs on a leash no longer than 7 feet, and carry out everything you bring in. Motorized vehicles, horses and horseback riding are prohibited. Do not collect plants or wildlife or feed animals. Fires and unauthorized camping are also prohibited; youth-group camping connected with Sessions Woods programs or activities is available by permit.
Black bears are commonly observed at Sessions Woods and along its trails, so DEEP advises visitors to follow BearWise practices. Watch for poison ivy and check yourself thoroughly for ticks after your walk.
Planning a visit from Terryville
To make the most of your time, choose a trail before setting out: the Forest Meadow Trail is 0.6 miles, while the Beaver Pond Trail is 2.6 miles and has several separate destination paths. You can pair a walk with a stop at the Conservation Education Center if your visit falls within its weekday hours.
Sessions Woods is about a 15-minute drive from PLYMOUTH MOTOR LODGE.
FAQs
Where is Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area?
It is at 341 Milford Street on Route 69 in Burlington, Connecticut, about three miles south of Route 4 and three miles north of Route 6.
How long is the Beaver Pond Trail?
The Beaver Pond Trail is 2.6 miles. Its separate paths lead to an observation tower, wildlife viewing blind, waterfall and historic summer house.
Are dogs allowed on the trails?
Yes. Dogs must stay on leashes no longer than 7 feet.
Can you camp at Sessions Woods?
Unauthorized camping is prohibited. Youth-group camping connected with Sessions Woods programs or activities is available by permit.