Central Princeton Trails Hike

Quick Facts

• Distance: 5.0 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 440 feet
• Restrictions:  No motorized vehicles allowed, horses are not permitted on Hall Field, Dogs must be leashed

Trailhead

• Park at Princeton Center Google Maps link
• Alternate starts: Krashes Field or other parking areas shown on the map

Description

This loop explores Princeton Land Trust properties east of Princeton Center. Highlights include:

• Gregory Spring (historic water source)
• Krashes Field esker (glacial ridge with overlook)
• Beaver Pond
• Hall Field (active hay field with scenic views)

Step-by-Step Route

1. Start at Princeton Town Center
   • Walk down Prospect Street to the Gregory-Alexander Trail kiosk (blue blazes).
   • Optional spur: Visit Gregory Spring, the town’s first water supply.
2. Gregory Loop to Alexander Trail
   • Follow the loop to Alexander Trail.
   • Continue to East Princeton Road (Route 31) — may be wet at times.
3. Route 31 to Merriam Road to Cary Trail
   • Turn left on Route 31, then right on Merriam Road.
   • About 200 yards uphill, turn left onto Cary Trail.
   • Follow around horse field into the woods and out to theMcElroy Field.
4. Bullock-McElroy Loop
   • At the bench junction, turn left.
   • Pass Krashes Field and climb the esker (glacial ridge).
   • Enjoy the overlook and bench at the top.
   • Continue through mixed forest through the open fields to Bullock Lane.
5. Bullock Lane to Route 62 to Russell Corner Trails
   • Exit onto Bullock Lane, turn right and follow to Route 62.
   • Turn left or router 62 to reach Russell Corner Trail Area (PLT sign).
   • Loop trail passes kiosk to new-growth forest to Beaver Pond.
   • Optional spur: Visit dam and bench and return.
   • Continue along rock wall to Hall Field Trail.
6. Hall Field to Return to Town Center
   • Walk along the border of Hall Field (active hay field).
   • Exit onto Route 62, cross to Route 31.
   • Rejoin Gregory-Alexander Trail to Prospect Street to Princeton Common.

Shorter Options

• Skip the esker loop in Bullock-McElroy.
• Take the back side of Russell Corner loop or Poor Family Trail to Hall Field.
• After Hall Field, return via Route 62 path instead of looping back.

Historical Notes

• Gregory Spring: Original water source for Princeton Center. Pipe remnants still visible.
• Beaver Ponds (Peabody Metcalf property): Large stone wall believed to be built by Revolutionary War soldiers after the Battle of Fort Ticonderoga.