Parmelee Farm
Description
Parmelee Farm offers a wide variety of trails across open fields, shady forests, and quiet wetlands, making it one of Killingworth’s best spots for easy, scenic walking. The well-marked trails range from short loops to longer wooded routes, with some connecting to nearby properties and nature preserves. Along the way, hikers pass stone walls, gentle hills, streams, and even a wetland boardwalk. Wildlife is common—especially birds, deer, and frogs in wetter sections—and the changing landscape makes each trail feel different from the last. Some trails are smooth and flat, while others include hills or rocky ground, giving you options depending on the day. The whole area is peaceful, family-friendly, and dog-friendly (on leash), with plenty of space to explore without ever feeling far from town.
Trail Map
Map Credit: Killingworth Land Conservation Trust
Difficulty
Easy
Moderate
This trail complex is mostly flat with a few smaller steep stretches. Lots of the trails are pretty clear from rocks and roots, with them all keeping a moderate trail width.
History
The heart of the property is the Horace Parmelee House, built in 1847 by Horace and Eunice Parmelee. The home, designed in the late Federal style, was part of a working farm that supported generations of Killingworth residents. Stone walls and field patterns across the land still reflect how the farm was used in the 1800s. The Parmelee family remained connected to the land for over a century, shaping both its layout and its legacy. Today, the restored farmhouse serves as a reminder of Killingworth’s deep agricultural roots.
Photographed in 1899
Image Credit: parmeleefarm.org
Image Credit: parmeleefarm.org
In the mid-1900s, the property took on new roles that gave it a modern twist. In the 1950s, it operated as a small inn called Farm in the Dell, welcoming visitors to experience country life. Later, during the 1960s and ‘70s, it became known as Bosco’s Turkey Farm, producing poultry for the region. Old farm equipment and outbuildings from this period still exist on the land, offering a glimpse into its more recent farming past. These decades added new layers to the property’s evolving identity.
The Town of Killingworth purchased the Parmelee Farm property in 2000 to preserve it as open space and a community hub. Since then, volunteers and local groups have restored the house, barns, and land to support public use and events. The farm now hosts everything from concerts and festivals to educational programs and community gardening. With its network of trails and historical buildings, Parmelee has become a space where history and nature come together. Its revival reflects the town’s commitment to both preservation and connection.
Image Credit: parmeleefarm.org
Photographed in 1961
Image Credit: parmeleefarm.org
Image Credit: parmeleefarm.org
Recommended Routes
Map Credit: Killingworth Land Conservation Trust
This loop takes you through the scenic woods of Parmelee farm. You'll pass by a nice small pond in the beginning, a few small historic buildings, and Patric's Overlook which features a nice small overlook into the woods. Lots of the route is flat, but there are a few inclines in the blue areas, and a few slightly rocky narrow spots aswell.
Easy
Moderate
Recommended By
Trevor Cash
Pictures
