
Heaven Hill Trails is a 5 mile (plus) trail system owned and maintained by the Henry Uihlein II and Mildred A. Uihlein Foundation for the benefit of area residents and visitors. The system was officially opened and dedicated on September 30, 2015 (Trustees John D. Leekley, Jr., Eleonore Wotherspoon, and James B. McKenna). The trails are open to walking, skiing, mountain biking, and snowshoes, but not motorized or equestrian use.
This shared trail system is a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts of any age. We invite the public to use the trails responsibly and follow Leave No Trace principles at all times.
Heaven Hill Trails — trail map for the east side trails. Download map here.
Heaven Hill Trails — trail map for the west side trails. Download map here.
Big Field Loop: This 0.9-mile loop begins from the trailhead kiosk. To make a clockwise loop, turn left at the kiosk and head west. The trail passes through a black ash swamp, where wetland-dwelling plants (such as Spotted Touch-Me-Not) can be found. The trail curves northwest, passing through a late successional forest. Look for Blue Cohosh and spring ephemerals growing under Sugar Maple. The trail then crosses a small stream and opens onto a large field, where you may see Bobolinks (who nest in the field), White-tailed Deer, and Woodchucks, as well as butterflies that nectar on the wildflowers in the meadow. Walkers are also treated to views of the High Peaks. The loop turns southward, intersecting with the Bear Cub Loop near the trailhead kiosk.
Old Orchard Loop: This trail is 1.5 miles long and can be accessed from the Big Field Loop via the Orchard Connector. The Old Orchard Loop weaves through an old field once used to pasture cows. This trail provides opportunities to see birds, plants, and butterflies that flourish in old fields. The open terrain features stunning views of the High Peaks. Upper Orchard, a new trail providing a short side trip a bit further up the hill, was added in 2017.
Bear Cub Loop: The basic outer loop is 1.5 miles long, with three inner loops you can take along the way to add or subtract from the length of the walk. From the trailhead kiosk, turn right and head east through woodland terrain, including hardwood forest and balsam fir-spruce swampland. On the northern half of the loop, the trail parallels the edge of the Big Field, offering views of the High Peaks to the north. There is also an excellent view of the High Peaks on the southern half of the loop at the intersection of Bear Cub Loop and Bear Cub 2.
Sugar Maple: This trail was added in 2017. It can be accessed from the Big Field Loop. From the Big Field Loop (walking in a clockwise direction), take a left at the intersection just after you leave the woods and enter the field. This trail leads you up a hill on the western edge of the field, affording panoramic views of the High Peaks to your east. The trail leads upward and enters a stand of Sugar Maples, providing opportunities to see birds, wildflowers, and ferns that prefer a hardwood forest habitat. The western side of Sugar Maple connects with Upper Orchard, just before you leave the woods and enter the open area of the Old Orchard.
Short Drop: This trail was added in 2017. It can be accessed from the Big Field Connector. Walking northeast on the Big Field Connector, take a left at the intersection and climb up a hill with mainly deciduous trees. Short Drop connects with Sugar Maple farther up the hill.
Maple Drop: This trail was added in 2017. It can be accessed from the Big Field Loop. Walking in a clockwise direction around the Big Field Loop, take a left at the intersection and climb up a hill through a hardwood forest, dominated by Sugar Maples. Maple Drop connects with Sugar Maple farther up the hill.
Sugar Side: This trail was added in 2017. It can be accessed from the Big Field Loop. Walking in a clockwise direction around the Big Field Loop, take a left at the intersection and climb up a hill. This short trail curves to the west and intersects with Maple Drop.
Beech Drop: This trail, along with Big Rock and Beech Cut, was added in the spring of 2018.
Want to add to this gallery? Send your Heaven Hill pictures to info@uihleinfoundation.org.
Please respect the following policies:
The trails are intended for pedestrian users. Motorized vehicles, horseback riding and camping are prohibited.
Mountain bikes are permitted provided pedestrians have right of way and trail conditions are not affected.
No fires are permitted.
Pack out your trash.
Please do not disturb or remove plants, animals, rocks or firewood from the Preserve.
Do not feed or leave food for animals.
Do not smoke or drink alcohol in the Preserve.
Be respectful of all other trail users.
Keep pets under control at all times.
Stay on the Preserve’s trails and do not trespass on adjoining properties.
Hunting and trapping are not permitted.
Trails are open from dawn to dusk.
Use trails at your own risk and stay within your own abilities.
Stay alert to trail and weather conditions.
Call 911 for emergencies.