| Address: 55 Great Hill Road Bequested to the NFA by the estate of Josephine H. Holcombe (September 18, 1997) Total Acres Preserved: 86 Acres Owned by NFA: 86 Parking and access: 55 Great Hill Road Trails: Yes, trail maps available at the upper kiosk (walk up the hill towards the benches). Alternative Trail Map. This 86 acre parcel is situated on the southerly side of Great Hill Road and was donated to NFA in 1997 through the estate of Josephine Holcombe. The property boasts an elevation of 830 ft above sea level, it is the highest point in town, and affords spectacular views of three counties from the 30 acres of hay fields on the property. The buildings on the property are now occupied by NFA offices, maintenance equipment and a caretaker. Mr. and Mrs. Holcombe moved to Newtown in 1934. In that year they purchased land on Great Hill Road in 1938 where she resided until her death in 1997. During WWII the Holcombe’s engaged in farming in the course of which Mrs. Holcombe operated a crawler tractor and raised livestock. Her husband served as First Selectman of Newtown in the 1940’s and was a member of the first Council. For many years Mrs. Holcombe volunteered as an aide and receptionist in the Emergency Room at Danbury Hospital. Mrs. Holcombe maintained over a mile of trails on her property where she walked her beloved dogs. In addition to this parcel she donated 14 acres on Birch Hill Road and an additional 64 acre parcel on Birch Hill Road with an antique barn know as the Holcombe Preserve Memorial Trail. DIRECTIONS: From flag pole on RT 25, turn on to West Street. At bottom of hill turn Right onto Castle Hill Road & follow to 2nd stop sign. Go Left onto Great Hill Road. Follow to 55 Great Hill Road and park. DO NOT STOP at the Holcombe Memorial Trail Property with the red barn, you need to continue past this to the Holcombe Wildlife Preserve just a 1/4 mile beyond this property. This will be @ the forth NFA property sign you come to coming from the Flag Pole. BACK> |
Holcombe Hill Wildlife Preserve
Newtown Forest Association
Connecticut's Oldest Private Land Trust
Connecticut's Oldest Private Land Trust
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November 2004 from
summit facing South
summit facing South
| Dedication placard from our benefactor |
