The Holcomb Tree Trail
What is the Holcomb Tree Trail?
Comprised of both mature and newly-planted trees, the Holcomb Tree Trail is located on the east side of Simsbury Road across from the main Holcomb Farm complex . This trail is administered by the Friends of Holcomb Farm through its Stewardship Committee and maintained with help of many additional volunteers.
The trail goes along the hedgerows of what had once been agricultural fields when the farm was active, as well as into mature forest land.
The Friends of Holcomb Farm maintain additional trails as well – more than 10 miles in total – some of which directly link to neighboring trails administered by the Granby Land Trust and McLean Game Refuge.
To learn more about the planting and design of the Tree Trail, click here.
Read about the origins of the Holcomb Tree Trail in this article by Tree Trail Founder Eric Lukingbeal, which appeared in the Spring 2023 issue of the Connecticut Forest & Park Association's "Connecticut Woodlands" magazine.
Support the Holcomb Tree Trail
The Holcomb Tree Trail is managed by the nonprofit Friends of Holcomb Farm -- separate from the Town of Granby -- and is maintained entirely by volunteers. If you would like to assist with the cost of planting and maintaining the Tree Trail, we welcome your support. Thank you!
Self-Guided Tree Trail Hike
Click HERE to access directions to a guided hike of the Holcomb Tree Trail. Enjoy!
How did the Holcomb Tree Trail Come About?
Like their ancestors and others, siblings Laura and Tudor Holcomb had farmed this land for decades. They gave the farm to the University of Connecticut in 1976 and suggested several possible uses, including the creation of an arboretum. In 1991, after Connecticut decided it no longer wished to keep the property, it was passed on to the Town of Granby. The Town now runs the farm in collaboration with the not-for-profit Friends of Holcomb Farm.
Several town residents, including some Friends of Holcomb Farm board members, were interested in establishing a tree trail, in keeping with the Holcombs' wishes for the land. With the endorsement from the Friends of Holcomb Farm and the approval of the Granby Board of Selectmen, the Holcomb Tree Trail was formally established in 2018.
How is the Tree Trail Financed?
Our trees, tree labels, interpretive signs, mulch, tree stakes, and deer/rodent protection are paid for by a combination of grants from foundations, individual donations, and the Friends of Holcomb Farm stewardship budget funds. The expense of the annual mowing of about 40 acres of fields to keep them open, and now planted with trees in some areas, has been borne by Friends of Holcomb Farm. Though the Town owns the Farm, no taxpayer funds have been spent on the Tree Trail.