Posted By auntie on July 12, 2019

2.1 miles; New London, CT

This was supposed to have been a lighthouse cruise with my friends Ernie and Jenn, but the cruise got cancelled due to “mechanical difficulties,” so we went hiking instead. This is such a special place, and I was so happy I could finally show it to someone!

Mamacoke is part of the 750-acre Connecticut College Arboretum, and is managed as a “natural area.” According to their “About” page:

More than 200 acres are dedicated as Natural Area, lands kept as free as possible from human disturbance, and specifically available for observational research, teaching and recreation. Another 200 acres are available for manipulative projects, such as controlled burning experiments and vegetation management demonstrations. These lands have a rich tradition of long- and short-term ecological research by faculty and students.

There are more areas devoted to gardens, wildflowers, and lawns and a beautiful pond where the Flock Theater holds performances.

Butterfly Weed

Mamacoke is, while technically an island, connected to the mainland via a tidal salt marsh. Before you get to that you walk through grassland that has been seeded with bright orange butterfly weed. This is a relative of common wild milkweed, the main food for Monarch caterpillars. We did see Monarch butterflies, too, so I guess it’s working.

Rock Fern, Polypodium virginianum

The white-blazed trail at Mamacoke circumnavigates the little island, which is dominated in its center by a monstrous rock outcropping. At one point the trail travels along the very foot of these cliffs, and they tower over you imposingly.

Train Tracks

Oh, did I mention that you have to cross some train tracks to get to Mamacoke? You do. It’s not Amtrak or anything, but I am told it’s still an active rail line.

Track (click for details)

See the above-linked Arboretum page for details about this hike, including a very nice interactive map of the entire college campus and arboretum which shows the whole trail system. As always, click the image above for details about this hike and to download the gps track.

Categories: Connecticut, Walks and Hikes
Tags: 2–5 miles, CT, New London CT