Mallory Preserve Trail

Parking for the Mallory Preserve Trail is conveniently located near the Sherman Town Center, specifically close to the Sherman Wine and Liquor store. This provides easy access to the trailhead.

Yes, dogs are welcome on the trails within Mallory Preserve. However, for the safety and enjoyment of all visitors and wildlife, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.

No, there are no entrance fees or permits required to access the Mallory Preserve Trail. It is open to the public for enjoyment.

The Mallory Preserve Trail offers unique experiences throughout the year. Spring and summer are ideal for experiencing the lush wetlands and diverse plant life. For seasonal views, particularly to the east from higher elevations near Turner Mountain, autumn is spectacular with fall foliage, and winter can offer serene, stark beauty.

The difficulty varies significantly. You'll find sections suitable for easy strolls, such as the Mallory Loop Trail (White Circle Trail) which is rated easy with minimal elevation gain. However, the preserve also features more strenuous options like the Mallory Light Blue Circle Trail, which has an average grade of 12% and a notable elevation gain, making it a challenging hike.

The trail offers diverse terrain and scenery. You'll traverse a long boardwalk through a wooded wetland dominated by red and sugar maples. Beyond the boardwalk, the path transitions to rolling loop trails that follow Sawmill Brook. For more challenging sections, you can cross a bridge to ascend the steep eastern slope of Turner Mountain. Expect to see numerous historic stone walls throughout the preserve.

Yes, the Mallory Preserve features several loop trails, including the Mallory Loop Trail (White Circle Trail). These loops allow hikers to experience different sections of the preserve without retracing their steps.

A prominent feature is the extensive boardwalk that guides you through the wooded wetland. You'll also encounter Sawmill Brook, stone walls, and, near the summit of Turner Mountain, seasonal views to the east. The preserve's connection to the Schneckenburger Preserve also offers potential for longer excursions.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Historical Society Trail.

Mallory Preserve is part of a larger forested area with diverse upland and lowland wildlife habitats. This supports a wide array of plant and animal species, so keep an eye out for various birds, small mammals, and other local wildlife, especially in the wetland areas and along Sawmill Brook.

The main Mallory Preserve Trail, which is about 1.5 km (0.96 miles) long, typically takes around 25 minutes to complete. However, with the varying difficulty levels and interconnected trails, you can easily extend your hike to explore more of the preserve, which could take an hour or more depending on your chosen route and pace.