Cadwell Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · River/Creek · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Kamuda's Country Market is just at the end of Elm Street, so if you are feeling hungry after your hike they have a large selection of food in the aisles as well as great sandwiches at the deli.

This description assumes you are beginning from the parking area at Cooley Bridge on Elm Street taking the northwest entrance to the trail. Although this trail can be taken in reverse by taking the southeastern entrance just on the other side of the street. This trail also has another junction further up Elm Street, where you can also begin your hike. The trail stays predominantly flat so difficulty does not change in regards to the approach of the trail.

From the entrance, the trail starts in open woods and transitions quickly into open fields with marshland on your right and the Otter Creek on your left. At around 0.3 miles the trail meets up with the bank of the Otter Creek. The trail continues to follow the creek, passing under large old-growth trees, through marshland, and past new growth Maple forests. At 1 mile the trail diverts from the Otter Creek and begins a gradual climb next to a large grassy field with a white barn at the top of the hill. The trail follows the tree line until 1.3 miles where it turns left heading toward Elm Street.

Once you reach the Elm Street junction cross the road with caution and continue down the field and follow the cut grass path. The trail will climb back up around mile 1.7 to a bench at the top of the hill. Beyond the bench, the trail continues back into the woods where it meets up with the bank of the Furnace Brook. The trail will continue following the brook until it meets up with the Cooley Covered Bridge and you have arrived back at the start of the trail.

This trail is full of different kinds of flora and fauna. This trail is a great place to spot birds, frogs, turtles, deer, and if you're lucky both beaver and otter live in the Otter Creek and can be seen on occasion. Also due to the varied ecosystems on the trail, there are many different kinds of trees, plants, and flowers.