Woodlawn Trail, Stafford Springs, Connecticut Woodlawn Trail is an easy hike covering 1.7 miles with an elevation gain of 308 feet, though some sources indicatethe trail is 2.3 miles long. This is a loop trail thattakes about 0.5–1 hour to complete. The trailhead is located near the old Witt School off Hyde Park Road with parking available. Wildlife is commonly seen, and the ridge-area overlooks feel surprisingly remote, even though the trail begins near the village center. Key scenery highlights include an overlook of the Willimantic River Valley with views to the east that are good for sunrise or moonrise, a short side trail to a vernal pool, andold stone walls bordered by huge maple trees throughout the woods. The trail is named in memory of Julius Converse, whose former hay field was transformed into the great lawn for the Converse mansion Woodlawn, now known as Hyde Park. Remnants of an old ski slope are visible along the trail.