Hiking Trails and Maps

Take a hike on Flanders' trails! To learn more, click here.

The 200-acre Van Vleck Farm and Nature Sanctuary and the 686-acre Whittemore Sanctuary, both in Woodbury, Connecticut offer a network of well-marked and well-maintained pedestrian-only trails for year-round passive recreation, including walking, hiking, wildlife observation, photo treks, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The diversity of terrain, plant life and habitat areas that can be experienced at the Van Vleck Farm Sanctuary are reflected in such trail names as the “Botany Trail,” “Wildlife Vegetation Trail,” “Wilderness Trail,” “Farm Trail,” “Old Orchard Trail” and others. Similarly, trails at the Whittemore Sanctuary wind through expansive, natural vistas and are identified by color. Trails at both Sanctuaries are open every day from dawn to dusk.
Trail maps can be downloaded below. They are also available at the Studio/Welcome Center at the Van Vleck Farm Sanctuary at the corner of Church Hill and Flanders Roads in Woodbury.

Botany Trail

The award-winning Botany Trail at the Van Vleck Farm and Nature Sanctuary was developed in 1965 by members of the Pomperaug Valley Garden Club of Woodbury, who continue to maintain and improve it. More than 100 species of wildflowers and plants are represented on the trail, as it winds through woodlands, wetlands and close to streams and a pond. Garden Club members salvaged many of the species, which are now replanted and flourishing on the trail, before they were destroyed at area construction sites. Each spring, the Pomperaug Valley Garden Club, in conjunction with Flanders, leads weekend public hikes to observe the variety of wildflowers blooming on the Trail. The views are particularly impressive in early May, when the blossoms are at their peak.

Download Van Vleck Farm Sanctuary Trail Map
Download Whittemore Sanctuary Trail Map
Download Hetzel Property and Trails


flandershomenav Home About Flanders Mission History Inspiration & Legacy > Natalie Van Vleck Natalie Van Vleck Collection Programs & Events Calendar Seasonal > Maple Celebration Farm Day Community Garden Autumn Festival Winter Holiday Children > Preschool After School Summer Series School Vacations Birthday Parties Adults Special Events > Auction Annual Meeting School > At Flanders For Teachers Land Trust Flanders Trust Acquisition > History Holdings Donate > Open Space Monetary Funds Volunteer Stewardship > How to Donate Volunteer Flanders Places Sanctuaries & Preserves < Buildings & Facilities Welcome Center/Studio Trail House Sugar House North Barn Buz Russell Farm Museum Farm/Community Garden Hiking Trails & Maps Become Involved < Membership General Info Benefits/Opportunities Join Annual Meeting Volunteer Donate Contact Contact Info Board & Staff Directions < For the Media Fact Sheet News Releases Photos Hiking Trails and Maps Take a hike on Flanders' trails! To learn more, click here. The 200-acre Van Vleck Farm and Nature Sanctuary and the 686-acre Whittemore Sanctuary, both in Woodbury, Connecticut offer a network of well-marked and well-maintained pedestrian-only trails for year-round passive recreation, including walking, hiking, wildlife observation, photo treks, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The diversity of terrain, plant life and habitat areas that can be experienced at the Van Vleck Farm Sanctuary are reflected in such trail names as the “Botany Trail,” “Wildlife Vegetation Trail,” “Wilderness Trail,” “Farm Trail,” “Old Orchard Trail” and others. Similarly, trails at the Whittemore Sanctuary wind through expansive, natural vistas and are identified by color. Trails at both Sanctuaries are open every day from dawn to dusk. Trail maps can be downloaded below. They are also available at the Studio/Welcome Center at the Van Vleck Farm Sanctuary at the corner of Church Hill and Flanders Roads in Woodbury. Botany Trail The award-winning Botany Trail at the Van Vleck Farm and Nature Sanctuary was developed in 1965 by members of the Pomperaug Valley Garden Club of Woodbury, who continue to maintain and improve it. More than 100 species of wildflowers and plants are represented on the trail, as it winds through woodlands, wetlands and close to streams and a pond. Garden Club members salvaged many of the species, which are now replanted and flourishing on the trail, before they were destroyed at area construction sites. Each spring, the Pomperaug Valley Garden Club, in conjunction with Flanders, leads weekend public hikes to observe the variety of wildflowers blooming on the Trail. The views are particularly impressive in early May, when the blossoms are at their peak. *Download Van Vleck Farm Sanctuary Trail Map* *Download Whittemore Sanctuary Trail Map* *Download Hetzel Property and Trails*		Join. Volunteer. Donate. Calendar ________________ Special Events ________________ Vistas Newsletter ________________ E-News—Sign up ________________ Related Links ________________ Sponsors
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S WELCOME \| MISSION \| MAPS \| CONTACT \| DIRECTIONS \| PHOTOS