The Day - Take a hike or a paddle at Westbrook's Messerschmidt properties

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Take a hike or a paddle at Westbrook's Messerschmidt properties

Publication: The Day

Published 05/20/2012 12:00 AM

Updated 05/16/2012 04:28 PM

it the trail or see what's biting at two related properties in Westbrook. Messerschmidt Pond offers more than 70 acres of fishing and kayaking space, and its associated wildlife management area takes hikers down a part sun, part shade path lined with mountain laurel, a babbling brook and plenty of hardwood forest. Check out the dam across the road from the trailhead parking area and see how the Falls River created the pond.

An afternoon on the pond presents ample exploration for non-fishermen. Quiet coves offer the chance to inspect the many tree and plant species native to the area, and if you're quiet enough, birds and fish will flit right on by your vessel.

Name Of Property: Messerschmidt Pond Boat Launch, 390 Stevenstown Road, Westbrook; and Messerschmidt Wildlife Management Area, Westbrook Road, Westbrook

Town: Westbrook near Deep River border

Directions from I-95: For boat launch, take Exit 64 off I-95 in both directions. Head north on Route 145 at end of exit ramp. Boat launch area will be on the right after 3 miles.

For wildlife management area trails, take Route 9 to Exit 5; head west about three miles on Route 80; just past the Winthrop Cemetery on right, take a left at the traffic light onto to Westbrook Road. Follow Westbrook road about 2 miles to Messerschmidt Wildlife Management Area parking lot (dam will be on the right).

Where to Park: At boat launch, designated gravel parking area that accommodates up to 10 cars. At wildlife management area, designated parking lot.

Description: 73 acres of fresh water surrounded by mixed hardwood forest; features car-top, carry-in boat launch for fishing, kayaking or leisurely paddling.

According to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the pond is an artificial impoundment of the Falls River, fed by several small streams with a maximum depth of 16 feet near a dam at the eastern end.

The area includes the millpond and the former site of the Deep River Manufacturing Company, which preserved a variety of historic manufacturing machinery until its demolition in 1987.

Short hiking trails at Messerschmidt Wildlife Management Area take hikers past a sunny brook and equal parts sunny and shady forest.

Regulations: State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection boating regulations apply. No swimming, water-skiing or gas motors. Use of electric motors permitted.

Amenities: None

Natural Features: Numerous coves and wooded islands make for fun exploration by small boat. Nearly two dozen plant species identified in DEEP's last survey in 2005.

Fees: None

Things to note: Fishermen will encounter large-mouth bass, pickerel, sunfish and perch.

Owner: State of Connecticut

Links/More Information: http://ct.gov/dep