The Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area, formerly the Walter G. Merritt County Park, is owned by Putnam County, and is located on Havilland Hollow Rd. near Connecticut Route 37. There is a small parking area at this entrance. A second entrance is on Stagecoach Rd. south of N. Birch Hill Rd. Roadside parking is very limited at this entrance. The park is over 600 acres in size, and features a network of hiking trails offering views of mountain laurel and spectacular gorges and waterfalls. The trails are mostly flat, but some portions climb a moderate grade. Merritt Park is a popular hiking area for Patterson residents and visitors.
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| Trailside views of gorges and waterfalls | |
Trail view 
One of Merritt's permanent residents |
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