Steep Rock Preserve
Steep Rock Preserve
5
08:30 - 17:00
Monday
08:30 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:30 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:30 - 17:00
Thursday
08:30 - 17:00
Friday
08:30 - 17:00
Full view
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5.0
36 reviews
Excellent
27
Very good
9
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Nancy J
Tirana, Albania29 contributions
Jul 2022
I've been here many times for over 40 years. Great short hikes of varying lengths and difficulty, beautiful overlook. A couple horse trails. Spots for camping and fishing. Finish with pizza, lunch and/or ice cream in Washington Depot. Check out the little Washington Museum to learn about the history of the town.
Written 1 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mgwis
Connecticut762 contributions
Feb 2021 • Family
This place is truly a hidden jam. If you’re looking to get some fresh air especially with kids and during COVID this place checks all the boxes. Beautiful ride getting here, parking is limited depending on time of the year. If this is your first time save a picture of the map. The signal is very weak. The trails vary in difficulty but all very manageable. Wear comfy hiking shoes, bring your camera and enjoy the nature.
Written 14 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave B
Durham, CT33 contributions
Sept 2020
A real nice, low stress hiking area with a lot of trail options. We chose the Blue Trail to start out, which is an old RR bed. It is level and smooth (we started out on the Yellow Trail/Road, but too many pebble and rocks). This trail continues into the slightly curved (and rather dark) tunnel that was built in the 1870's(?). Nice experience. We turned around and went back on the Blue until we intersected with White Diamond which would link us to the Yellow Trail again and over the well-built suspension bridge. This section of trail rises continually and travels through a tall pine forest. We continued up this to reach the Steep Rock Summit cut off trail and took it to the top. Excellent view from on top - it's worth the small climb. To finish up we stayed on the Yellow Trail back to the parking lot. This place is a hidden gem, but appears to be quite popular. We went mid-week and were surprised at how many cars were in the lot. Washington is a very nice small town. Beautiful area.
Written 28 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dennis g
Connecticut9 contributions
Aug 2020
Went here on a Thursday morning. Parked a few yards north of the horse riding ring and took the green trail to the right of the river going south. Mostly flat fire roads. Well marked and maintained trails, beautiful forest scenery. Just past the sr2 campsite I took a bridge and bore right on the white diamond trail and caught the yellow circle trail up the almost 800 foot climb to the scenic overlook. Again mostly fire road and was just a little winded to the top. Tremendous views. Had to go back since the trail effectively doesn’t go much further than here. Then stayed on green towards the tunnel. Eventually crossed over this bouncy suspension bridge onto the blue square trail and then on to the tunnel. Very cool! There is a small parking lot practically next to the tunnel but is only open Monday to Thursdays. Then took the flat blue trail north to the northern flat yellow circle trail with the river to your left. Including stopping for photos, probably took me 1.5 hours. Print the trail map at the steep rock association before u go since cell reception is spotty/non existent. Didn’t see any toilets so bring a camp toilet if u want. I went in late August, so the river was pretty low. U can combine this with a trip to the Native American museum and Kent falls nearby to make a nice day trip. Awesome trails.
Written 27 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian C.
Watertown, CT256 contributions
Apr 2020 • Family
Great trails and scenery. I do most of my trail running here. The main trails can get a little crowded but not too bad. Do yourself a favor and head uphill on the smaller trails for some R&R.
Written 2 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BloggableFamily
Venice, FL66 contributions
Apr 2020
Very nice trails, mostly easy and relaxing, but you can find one medium hard parts of it. Good place to spend 3-5 hours away from every day life and enjoy the nature. You can meet a bears there also :))
Look pictures below to get better idea what you'll get!
Look pictures below to get better idea what you'll get!
Written 1 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janet R
Hamden, CT44 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
I googled “Hikes with a view in Litchfield” and this came up. This hike had everything I like, a decent climb, a beautiful view, well marked trails! There is a long flat path for people who just want to walk along the river. There is a cool tunnel that had icicles hanging from it. Highly recommend.
Written 18 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob C
San Antonio, TX6 contributions
Oct 2017 • Solo
I've been to this park many times over the years.
It is a very peaceful and beautiful place to spend a day hiking,fishing or just relaxing. Bring your camera and pack a lunch. The view from the upper trail is not to be missed.
If you can go during the week it will be much less crowded. Don't miss this place if you get the chance.
It is a very peaceful and beautiful place to spend a day hiking,fishing or just relaxing. Bring your camera and pack a lunch. The view from the upper trail is not to be missed.
If you can go during the week it will be much less crowded. Don't miss this place if you get the chance.
Written 1 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cecilia L
4 contributions
Jul 2018 • Friends
Very cool. Great hikes, rivers, and picnic spots. Fun in the winter, summer, anytime! Definitely recommend to anyone stopping by Washington, CT as a family, couple, or with friends.
Written 20 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Devon Nelson
Avon, CT3 contributions
Apr 2018 • Family
Although it can be tricky to find, because Siri does not necessarily bring you to the correct parking lot with the trailhead, It is a very peaceful hike along the Shepaug River. If you are going with children be advised because there is a trail that is right on the river that is very dangerous, one slip and you can fall 15+ feet down onto fallen rocks and trees. If with children, I recommend the dirt road trail that turns into the old Railroad line which takes you directly to the tunnel. Fishing is prohibited unless you are apart of a club. Camping however is available in designated areas
Written 13 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mgwis
Connecticut762 contributions
Are the walking trails open on Sat/Sunday? Also if you park at the 2 Tunnel Rd and walk down to the river do I have to go left to get to the bridge and tunnel? Went there Friday and couldn’t find either. TIA
Linda A
Springfield, MA
My brother is planning for September 2020 proposal to his fiancee at steep rock, i would like information of restaurant around the area.
SwimBikeRum
1 contribution
How far of a hike is it to the tunnel?
bill s
Mahopac, NY17 contributions
Dierenarts is 100% correct!
There is parking at the intersection of Tunnel Road/Lower Church Hill Road/River Road. I don't see a Green Hill Road on the map, but if you were referring to Spring Hill Road, then yes, you can park where Spring Hill Road and Tunnel Road meet.
You could also take Tunnel Road to the end and park near the tunnel. I also saw cars parked along Tunnel Road - there are a few spots along the road which are big enough for cars, but not many.
Is there swimming anywhere along the Preserve?
rambomania
135 contributions
The Shepaug river runs through the preserve and it's a shallow, rocky river. There are some pools at various points along the river and there are no beaches. The pools are more suited for a dunking, if that. Bring your swimsuits and check it out for yourself.
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Claim your listingSTEEP ROCK PRESERVE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Steep Rock Preserve
- Steep Rock Preserve is open:
- Mon - Fri 08:30 - 17:00
- Hotels near Steep Rock Preserve:
- (2.24 km) Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection
- (8.14 km) Homestead Inn
- (9.71 km) The Cozy Inn of Connecticut
- (13.43 km) Winvian Farm
- (2.01 km) Charming country home in Roxbury
- Restaurants near Steep Rock Preserve:
- (3.10 km) GW Tavern
- (14.05 km) Arethusa Al Tavolo
- (2.95 km) The Pantry
- (8.42 km) Lucia Ristorante
- (14.04 km) Arethusa Farm Dairy