Spiderweed Preserve Ruins (Middleton, CT)

Hidden deep within the Spiderweed Preserve in Middletown, Connecticut, lie the remarkable ruins of a long-forgotten 18th-century farmhouse. This crumbling two-story structure, surrounded by forest and stone walls, is one of Connecticut’s most enchanting abandoned landmarks — a peaceful and haunting reminder of the region’s rural past.

A Hidden Gem in the Woods

The journey to the Spiderweed Preserve Ruins begins at the trailhead along Dripps Road, where a small parking area offers easy access to the preserve. The hike to the ruins is short — just a quarter mile one way — but it feels like a step back in time.

The trail follows the property’s original driveway, which once led directly to the historic home. It’s well-marked, well-maintained, and surrounded by tall trees and stone walls that evoke the area’s farming heritage.

As you walk up the gentle incline, you’ll notice the sound of the forest grows quieter, and soon, through the trees, the silhouette of the old house emerges — an unexpected sight that stops most visitors in their tracks.

History of the Spiderweed Preserve

The farmhouse that now stands in ruins was originally part of the Solomon Hubbard Farm, established in the mid-18th century. Like many early Connecticut homesteads, it was built from local stone and timber, designed to withstand the elements and the test of time.

Over the centuries, the property changed ownership several times, eventually coming under the care of Helen Lohman, who maintained the land until 1967, when she generously donated it to the town of Middletown.

After the donation, the home was left abandoned, and the forest slowly began to reclaim it. Despite decades of weathering and neglect, three outer walls and the central chimney still remain standing. The structure’s endurance is a testament to the craftsmanship of the 1700s — and the power of nature to reshape what’s left behind.

Exploring the Ruins

The Spiderweed Preserve Ruins are among the most photogenic abandoned structures in Connecticut. Visitors who reach the site are greeted by:

• 🧱 Two full stories of stone walls still standing tall
• 🏚 Three outer walls nearly intact, with visible door and window frames
• 🔥 A towering central chimney, remarkably straight after more than 200 years
• 🪟 Bits of window trim and glass still clinging to the frames
• 🌿 Thick ivy and moss creeping along the stonework, blending human history with nature’s touch

The atmosphere is serene and otherworldly — the kind of quiet beauty that invites reflection. In autumn, the ruins are framed by fiery leaves; in winter, they stand stark and ghostly against the snow.

While the structure remains sturdy in parts, visitors should avoid climbing or touching the walls, as the home is slowly collapsing and fragile in areas.

Visiting the Spiderweed Preserve

• 📍 Address: Dripps Road, Middletown, Connecticut
• 🌐 GPS Coordinates: 41.519320, -72.595399
• 🅿️ Parking: Free parking available directly at the trailhead on Dripps Road
• 🚶 Trail Length: 0.25 miles one way (0.5 miles round trip)
• ⏱ Hike Time: 10–15 minutes
• 🌳 Difficulty: Easy, with a gentle incline
• 🕰 Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk

The preserve is open to the public year-round and is particularly beautiful in spring and fall. Dogs are allowed on leash.

Quick Facts

• 🏗 Built: Mid-18th century
• 👨‍🌾 Original Owner: Solomon Hubbard
• 🏡 Donated to Town: 1967 by Helen Lohman
• 🏚 Abandoned: 1967
• 🧱 Architecture: Two-story fieldstone farmhouse
• 🌳 Current Use: Public hiking preserve
• 📍 Location: Spiderweed Preserve, Middletown, Connecticut

Final Thoughts

The Spiderweed Preserve Ruins are a hidden gem for anyone who loves history, hiking, or photography. This quiet corner of Middletown offers a glimpse into Connecticut’s colonial past — a place where time stands still and nature gently reclaims what was once a proud homestead.

Whether you’re an urban explorer, a weekend hiker, or a lover of forgotten places, the ruins at Spiderweed Preserve are a must-visit destination — one of the most hauntingly beautiful remnants of New England’s rural history.