The Cotton Hollow Preserve consists of 80 acres of pristine woodlands traversed by the Roaring Brook. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the area was home to several grist mills, saw mills, iron foundries, and a cotton mill. The imposing ruins of the cotton mill built in 1814 are still visible today. Today, the preserve features "passive" recreation opportunities for hiking and fishing. The preserve is open to all guests - both Glastonbury residents and non-residents - from sunrise to one hour before sunset. The Town is currently working with local organizations to preserve and restore the historic mill walls at this iconic site. Click here to learn more or support this cause.

The western entrance to the preserve, located off Main Street, features a tree trail. CLICK HERE to view the Cotton Hollow Trail Map.  

Regulations for Site Visitors

To ensure an enjoyable visit while protecting the Preserve’s natural state, the following regulations have been adopted for all visitors.

The Preserve is open to all guests - both Glastonbury residents and non-residents - from sunrise to one hour before sunset.

The following activities are NOT permitted:

• Drinking alcoholic beverages
• Smoking or substance use of any kind
• Picnicking, cookouts
• Vehicles, camping, and burning of open fires
• Playing music that is audible to others
• Carry-in items– e.g. backpacks, coolers, radios
• Climbing on/up boulders, cliffs, or trees (prohibited for citizen safety)
• Jumping into any stream or pond within the Preserve (prohibited for citizen safety) 
• Acts causing injury to plants or wildlife
• Littering – all items, including pet waste, must be removed before leaving the Preserve
• Pets may not roam freely and must be leashed or tethered at all times

Any person swimming, bathing, or wading in any stream in the Cotton Hollow Preserve shall do so at their own risk, and the town shall neither sponsor any swimming activity nor assume any responsibility whatsoever for any such activity which may be carried on.

The Preserve is a natural environment and conditions may change without notice including, but not limited to, steep slopes, slippery conditions, ROCKY CLIFFS, and challenging terrain. Visitors should be aware of their capabilities as it relates to these conditions. Your cooperation will help us to protect the Preserve’s natural beauty.

Parking

During the summer months (Memorial Day through Labor Day), please use the Cotton Hollow parking lot only.  Gates will be open when the park is staffed. Parking is prohibited at the Grange Pool parking lot and on the road.  When Grange Pool closes for the season, there are 10-12 parking spaces available at the upper lot near the pool that can be used for Cotton Hollow visitors.  Please observe parking and other signage as posted.

Directions

Route 2 East to Exit 5. Route 2 splits here and Exit 5 is a left hand exit. You will then be on Route 17. Stay on Route 17 until the light at the intersection with Hopewell Road. Take a left onto Hopewell Road. Follow Hopewell Road for a couple of miles and Cotton Hollow will be on your right. Route 2 West to Exit 10. Take a left onto Manchester Road. Go to stop sign and take a right onto New London Turnpike. At the next light take a left onto Chestnut Hill Road. Follow Chestnut Hill Road until the next stop sign and take a left onto Hopewell Road. Stay on Hopewell Road for a few miles. Go through you first stop sign. At the next stop sign, bear right. Cotton Hollow will be on your left next to Grange Pool.

Click on the following link to get directions using Google Maps:  Cotton Hollow Preserve