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Bogus Brook Preserve

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Overview

Bogus Brook Preserve, formerly known as the Gibson Tract, was purchased with state and federal assistance in 1975. The preserve takes its name from Bogus Mountain Brook, which flows from Danbury into Redding, through the preserve, and is a tributary of the Saugatuck River. The Metro-North/Danbury-Norwalk rail line traces the preserve’s southern boundary. The trails system was designed in 1984 by James Ellsworth.

As the visitor soon discovers, the principal feature of this preserve is an extensive swamp distinguished by sedge and cattail and the standing relics of drowned trees. Over the years, beavers have taken the blame for highwater here, as though their dams were somehow higher and less porous than Metro-North’s. A bum rap, we say. Let’s hear it for beavers! And hope they’ll be back before many a day. Meantime, the best place to view trailside evidence of their past activity here is along the Beaver Point Trail and the Bogus Trail where it skirts the swamp.

Bird-watching at Bogus Swamp can get pretty lively at certain times of the year. Pick a spot with a view and hunker down with a pair of binoculars. You just might add an entry or two to your life-list.

As for the uplands, they harbor the typical mixed hardwood fare: oaks, hickories, maples, tulip poplars. "A stroller’s woods," someone has called it.

Bogus Brook Preserve Hiking

  • 4 Miles 6 Kilometers of Trail
  • 0 Recommended Routes
  • 3 Easy Trails Easy Trails
  • 3 Intermediate Trails Intermediate Trails
  • 0 Difficult Trails Difficult Trails
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Trails in Bogus Brook Preserve - 6

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0.4 mi 0.7 km #1Sidecut Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Bethel, CT
Intermediate Intermediate
Bethel, CT
2.4 mi 3.8 km #2Ives Trail: Top Rock to Long Ridge Road
Intermediate Intermediate
Bethel, CT
Intermediate Intermediate
Bethel, CT
0.4 mi 0.7 km #3Bogus Trail - North Loop
Easy Easy
Bethel, CT
Easy Easy
Bethel, CT
0.3 mi 0.5 km #4Top Rock Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Redding, CT
Intermediate Intermediate
Redding, CT
0.2 mi 0.4 km #5Bogus Trail - South Loop
Easy Easy
Redding, CT
Easy Easy
Redding, CT
0.1 mi 0.2 km #6Beaver Trail
Easy Easy
Redding, CT
Easy Easy
Redding, CT

Photos of Bogus Brook Preserve - 2

Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Add Your Photos

Southern view over the marsh
Jan 14, 2019 near Bethel, CT
End of South Loop
Mar 13, 2020 near Bethel, CT

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