Princeton Land Trust Gregory-Alexander Hike

Main Trailhead: East Princeton Road (Route 31), between Merriam Road and Gregory Hill Road (Route 62). Look for the kiosk and small parking area.
Alternative Parking: Town common. From there, walk down Prospect Street to a smaller kiosk at the top of the property.
Google Maps link

The Princeton Land Trust owns two connected properties in central Princeton. Trails link Prospect Street (near the common) with East Princeton Road (Route 31). Connections extend to the Cary Trail, Bullock McElroy, and Russell Corner trail areas. Together, these form a 5‑mile central Princeton hike with only a short stretch of road walking.
- Gregory Loop: A short half‑mile loop around the Gregory Property.
- Alexander Spur: Extends through the Alexander Property and back to Prospect Street.
- Gregory Spring Spur: Leads downhill to the spring and cistern.
Trails are rocky but short. Even with modest elevation, hikers starting from East Princeton Road will feel a bit of effort.

- At the East Princeton Road kiosk.
- Follow the Alexander Trail into the woods. Step over the stone wall break and walk through mountain laurel.
- Cross a wet section with steppingstones, then head uphill to meet the Gregory Loop.

- Turn left to circle the top of the loop.
- This high‑side trail connects with the Prospect Street trail (option to walk up to the town common).

- Turn right at the intersection.
- Follow the trail downhill through the woods until you reach the Gregory Spring Spur.

- Turn left to explore the spring and cistern.
- Return uphill to the main loop.

- Bear left to follow the lower part of the loop back to the Gregory Trail.
- Take a left on the Alexander Trail to return to the trailhead.

Map

The ‘Central Princeton Loop’ is a five mile trail that visits all three of the Princeton Land Trust properties in the area using the connections to PLT Peabody and PLT Bullock-McElroy from the trailhead on East Princeton Road.
When hiking up from East Princeton Road, consider taking the spur trail up to Prospect Street and walking up to the common. There are some places to buy food on the other side of the common.. Then enjoy the downhill hike back to the trailhead.
This hike can also be done from the trailhead on Prospect Street, starting at Princeton Common (where parking is plentiful!)

Gregory Spring is the original water source for the center of Princeton. The spring is still flowing, and pipes from the spring can be found while walking down the trail from Prospect Street.