A short distance from the Visitor Center is trail which is 7/10's of a mile and follows Wilde Brook through Chesterfield Gorge. The beginning of the trail is within a plant community dominated by sun-loving oak and pine trees. Different types of plants need various amounts of sunlight, moisture, and heat to grow. Take note of these changes as you travel through the gorge.

Wilde Brook originates in two ponds uphill from the park. After its waters rush through the gorge, the brook flows into the more gentle waters of Partridge Brook. This stream continues on to merge with the Connecticut River ten miles downstream.

You may see clumps of brownish suds floating on the stream. This is not pollution from somebody's washing machine, but is more likely to be evidence of minerals in the water from decomposing wood and roots. It is a natural product of the stream and is not harmful.