Cotton Hollow Preserve

The short hike to the swimming hole is absolutely beautiful. The dense canopy of trees provided some much needed shade on our way to the water. After less than 10 minutes along some winding, & rather difficult, trails we came to the area where the stream pools. There was maybe 30 people, everyone was very polite & the place is SO CLEAN. The water was cool & refreshing with quite a few spots to swim. I recommend the hike & the swimming but make sure you're up for the hike. Some parts are a bit dangerous. I watched a kid around the age of 10 hike it without any issues but it does have some steep spots. Please be responsible & respectful if you decide to visit. It's a wonderful place & it deserves our best behavior!

It’s locations, peaceful, beautiful amazing place to come in and meditate. Take time for yourself away from anyone and everyone. You can also bring your babies. Beautiful place to sightsee. You have to bring your own snacks and make sure you pick up your mess.

Wonderful place to hike and explore. I wouldn't take small children, there are dangerous spots for them, but my 13 and 15 yr old grandchildren love the "adventure" feel of it. It's quite beautiful.

One of the most beautiful places around, Sometimes I come here every single day. Easy hiking, clean water, great for mushroom hunting, different spots to jump off the rocks into the river, a decent swim spot with a small beach.

To the teenagers who smash bottles on the rocks on the trails & on the sand at the beach and those who litter: you’re disrespectful and not cool at all, grow the f up. Me and other people clean up your garbage because your parents raised you so terribly that you can’t respect a public nature trail or beach area. It’s actually pathetic how some of you treat this place and many other parking lots in Glastonbury.

This was a great place to take photos at. It had rained the night before, so perfect for a waterfall shot.

Very beautiful! Definitely bring bug spray and good shoes with you! Sat by the water while we here and enjoyed the scenery.

Definitely a beautiful hike to see the stone ruins. Followed an out and back trail on the app. Definitely work checking out the old ruins.

This hiking trail along what is an oftentimes steep ravine, and stream that pools deep in several areas, borders on being magical.

Several sections of the stream where the water pools make for excellent swimming and (very low height) cliff jumping.

Picturesque rock formations are abundant, and the water is quite warm during the summer months.

Due to the beauty and very easy access, there can be a crowd on a nice day, and litter is worse than any other hiking location I have been to in CT.

In recent trips there was a park ranger posted near the entrance asking visitors to not leave anything behind during their visit.

End of March 2024 the spring waters make for excellent photo opportunities. From the parking area it's a short hike down the hill to the water.

Such a beautiful place to hike! To be hiking aside this roaring brook was so peaceful. The scenery is stunning from the variations of stones along the way to hearing the brook flow along the way. It does get steep along the way but the views are just stunning!

Good place for hiking, right next to the river with many good views and boulders. Some are pretty challenging, good shoes for hiking definitely recommended.

It's one of the most beautiful places I've seen in CT. Please please wear appropriate shoes and watch your step as I had a bad fall here. Also keep an eye on your kids if they come along. There are no official paths or railings, so it can be treacherous. I still 100% recommend it if you take the necessary precautions.

I remember one day playing a beat and looking up and feeling like I could imagine Mr Garcia sitting with a little dancing bear and listening and I’m pretty sure they were both grooving and smiling.

Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all

Amazing shortish hike, just blew me away!!!

The trail is so beautiful you might have more distractions from taking more pictures than hiking. On my list to definitely return totally inlove with all the little treasures I discover.

A very quiet peaceful place. I highly recommend checking it out! You do not need to hike very far at all to see some very beautiful rock formations, waterfalls, and tons of different mushrooms 🙃

This place is amazing , there is strange hematite or some kind of metal , check it out , also very beautiful

I have lived in CT my entire life. Never know about this beautiful spot in Glastonbury. I hope it will open back up soon.

What a fun place. Not only can you hike but there ar multiple areas to swim and hang out. Easy trails and pretty scenery around.

What a wonderful place to explore. For all this place offers activities for all and a pool great for the kids!