Cathedral Pines

Cathedral Pines is a protected forest preserve in Cornwall covering about 42 acres of white pine and hemlock trees, with some reaching 120 to 140 feet tall. The forest shows multiple layers with fallen logs in various stages of decay, which create the complex ecosystem visitors observe on the trails.

The forest grew between 1770 and 1800 as part of Major Seth Pierce's large farm of about 1,000 acres, before John E. Calhoun purchased it in 1882. It was later protected by The Nature Conservancy and designated as a National Natural Landmark.

The Nature Conservancy manages this forest as a research area where fallen trees decay naturally, contributing to ecological understanding. Visitors walking through the woods can observe these natural processes and how they shape the forest over time.

The preserve is accessible from the Essex Hill Road parking area, with trails suitable for different skill levels through various forest sections. Visitors should expect wet ground and uneven paths, especially after rain, and wear appropriate footwear.

Three tornadoes struck the forest simultaneously in July 1989 and permanently altered its structure. This event accelerated the natural transition from pine-dominated to hemlock-dominated forest, making it an important location for understanding how forests naturally transform.