Steep Rock Association
Protecting What You Love Since 1925
Steep Rock is a nationally accredited, non-profit land trust serving Washington, CT and the greater Litchfield Hills community.
Land & Water
Protecting 5,800 acres of forest, fields, farms, meadows, and waterways that's home to 33 rare or endangered species.
Food & Community
Helping to feed 200 families in need each week with organic vegetables grown at Judea Garden.
Recreation
Stewarding 46 miles of scenic nature trails through breathtaking landscapes in Washington.
Special Projects
Help us cross the finish line on this remarkable 30.46-acre tract that’s part of the Macricostas Preserve Expansion Plan, celebrated for its distinctive landforms, abundant water resources, extensive core forests, and vital habitats for rare species
Thanks to you, Hidden Valley grew by 206 acres in 2023, These lands stretch along scenic rivers and connect to pollinator meadows. Help us create new pathways on this beautiful land. With a trail development budget of $95,000, every contribution helps.
Testimonials
Jeremy Kline
Have hiked hundreds of miles in Connecticut…and the Steep Rock system boasts some of the finest trails that can be found. Best views. Best sites. Best design and maintenance. Bravo to these top-notch locations!”
RJ
Thank you for all that you do to help and enhance the quality of life in our community…We all benefit from every preserve.
Robert
A gorgeous place for a hike. It is pet friendly, has beautifully mapped trails and is built to have little to no impact on the environment
Events & Programs
may 2024
Event Details
Join Executive Director Brian Hagenbuch on a series of casual walks through Steep Rock's Preserves. Thursday, May 16 we will explore the trails at Steep Rock Preserve.
Event Details
Time
(Thursday) 5:30 pm
Location
Steep Rock Preserve
2 Tunnel Rd
Register Here
Register HereEvent Details
Mindfulness Hike at Macricostas Preserve, Saturday, May 18, 2024 @ 9AM MINDFUL HIKING - Join us for this approx. 90 minute, moderate hike (steep in some areas, flat in others, beautiful
Event Details
Mindfulness Hike at Macricostas Preserve, Saturday, May 18, 2024 @ 9AM
MINDFUL HIKING - Join us for this approx. 90 minute, moderate hike (steep in some areas, flat in others, beautiful views!)
Mindfulness boosts memory and focus, promotes empathy, and reduces stress. Hiking helps build stronger muscles and bones, improves sense of balance, supports heart health and improves quality of sleep. A mindfulness hike will help you will feel happier and enjoy other hiker’s company. Instructors: Roxanne Kraft and Alan Arellano Roxanne is a long-time Washington resident who appreciates the beauty of the area. She enjoys hiking and backpacking wherever she travels; frequently hiking the trails in Steep Rock and throughout Connecticut, including the CT Appalachian Trail. Roxanne is an experienced Special Education Teacher currently working with 18-22 year old students at the Litchfield Hills Transition Center (LHTC) located in New Milford, CT. In addition she has her Mindfulness Teacher Certification and has been practicing Mindfulness for many years, incorporating the practice into her classroom as well as bringing it with her into the outdoors. Alan has held many positions throughout his career as a Bio-Medical Photographer in the New York City. Alan also serves as a Special Education Family Advocate and is currently working as substitute teacher in the Litchfield Hills Transition Center. He works for the May Flower Inn as an outdoor Adventure Guide and is certified in NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School). Alan is also a Veteran of the United States Coast Guard. He served in Search and Rescue Operations and Law Enforcement.Time
(Saturday) 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Location
Macricostas Preserve
124 Christian Street
Register Here
Register HereEvent Details
Join our monthly trail work party! The work party meets at 10:00am the third Saturday of every month from April through November. No experience necessary, just a willingness to get your
Event Details
Time
(Saturday) 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Register Here
Register HereEvent Details
You’re invited to Steep Rock Association’s 2024 Rossiter Run 5K Race and Fun Run/Walk on Sunday, May 19th at 9:00am in Steep Rock Preserve! The racecourse follows a scenic route
Event Details
You’re invited to Steep Rock Association’s 2024 Rossiter Run 5K Race and Fun Run/Walk on Sunday, May 19th at 9:00am in Steep Rock Preserve!
The racecourse follows a scenic route with a gradual incline along the Shepaug River in the stunning Steep Rock Preserve, gifted by our founder, Ehrick Rossiter, in 1925.
Eligibility & Prizes: This race is open to all levels of runners, with awards given to the top male and female finishers in each age division and the overall male and female winners. Registration: Online registration ends Saturday, May 18 at 11:59 pm. Day of race registration starts at 7:30 am and will be cash or check only. Early registration fee for adults is $25 online and will increase to $35 on race day. Registration fee for Youth racers is $10. Please note, registration is non-refundable. There is no registration fee to participate in the untimed Fun Run/Walk. Go Green: To show your love of the environment, please bring your own water bottles; we will have water to refill them.
Time
(Sunday) 9:00 am - 11:00 pm
Location
Steep Rock Preserve
2 Tunnel Rd
Register Here
Register HereEvent Details
Celestial Celebration: Women's Flower Moon Hike Hosted by Steep Rock and led by Carla Mascaro We're delighted to offer an opportunity to visit one of Steep
Event Details
Celestial Celebration: Women's Flower Moon Hike Hosted by Steep Rock and led by Carla Mascaro
We're delighted to offer an opportunity to visit one of Steep Rock's preserves the outside its usual dawn-to-dusk hours with this special Women’s Flower Moon Hike. This special event features a challenging, yet awe-inspiring, ascent to Waramaug's Rock, under the guidance of the Flower Moon, a symbol of renewal and growth. It's a rare opportunity to witness the nocturnal beauty of the preserve after dusk, exclusively for women. This challenging hike involves an ascent of approximately 1,200 vertical feet. Due to the demanding nature of the hike and time restrictions, we recommend that participants have a high level of fitness to fully enjoy and complete the hike. Headlamps or flashlights required. We welcome adult women for this adventure, asking for no children under 12 or pets, to maintain safety and focus. Hike limited to 15 participants.
Meeting Point: Macricostas Preserve Main Parking Area What to Bring:- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Water bottle/snacks
- Jacket or layers for cooler evening temperatures
- Flashlight or headlamp
Time
(Thursday) 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Register Here
Register HereEvent Details
Calling gardening volunteers - help us get those warmer weather plants in the ground on planting day as we kick off our 16th growing season. It's a fantastic opportunity to
Event Details
Time
(Saturday) 9:00 am - 12:00 pm