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Hiking & Riding

Steep Rock Association’s 4 unique preserves offer some of the most beautiful hikes in Northwest Connecticut.  Spanning over 47 miles, our trails offer everything from a leisurely stroll along the Shepaug River to more rigorous hikes leading to spectacular views.  Trail maps are located in the kiosks at the entrances to each preserve and highlight the distance of each blazed trail.

Explore Report Trail Conditions

Hiking

Steep Rock Association’s 4 unique preserves offer some of the most beautiful hikes in Northwest Connecticut.  Spanning almost 47 miles, our trails offer everything from a leisurely stroll along the Shepaug River, to more rigorous hikes leading to spectacular views.  Trail maps are located in the kiosks at the entrance to each preserve and highlight the distance of each blazed trail or view and download below:

Trail Maps

Hidden Valley Steep Rock Macricostas Johnson Farm Hillside Farm

Horseback Riding

Both Steep Rock and Hidden Valley Preserve offer scenic trails for horseback riding and have trailer accessible parking. In addition, Steep Rock Preserve offers a riding ring, where riders can let their horses roam while they enjoy lunch at the nearby picnic tables. Designated riding trails are marked on the respective Hidden Valley and Steep Rock Preserve maps below.

Trail Maps

Hidden Valley Steep Rock

Biking

Steep Rock Association offers mountain biking on certain trails at our Steep Rock and Hidden Valley Preserves. Biking trails are generally flat and wide, located along the Shepaug River at both preserves. Please reference the Steep Rock and Hidden Valley trail maps below for designated biking trails.  

Trail Maps

Hidden Valley Steep Rock

FAQS & Rules

Please respect the land by following the rules listed below. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to give us a call @ (860) 868-9131  or email us HERE.

  • Leave No Trace.
  • Do not remove or disrupt plants, wildlife, or materials.
  • Open sunrise to sunset, daily.
  • Park cars in designated areas.
  • Motorized vehicles are prohibited beyond parking areas. Use of Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices is restricted. For more information and approval, contact the SRA office.
  • No hunting.
  • No alcoholic beverages.
  • No loud noise or music.
  • Drones are prohibited.
  • Dogs must be leashed at all times and all pet waste bagged and removed from the preserves.
  • Fires are prohibited, except in designated campsites.
  • Camping is prohibited except in designated campsites. Campsite reservations are required.
  • Horseback riding is permitted according to posted signs on approved trails.
  • Do not harm trees by chopping, carving or driving nails.
  • Do not litter: please carry out what you carry in.
  • Groups of 15 people or more require a group use permit.
  • Commercial activities are prohibited without a permit issued by the Executive Director and/or Board of Trustees.
  • Cross-Country Skiers: Please set tracks on one side of the trail only.
  • Hikers, Snowshoers and dogs please respect ski tracts by keeping to the other side of the trail.
  • Stay on the designated trail and please obey seasonal postings.
  • Do not speed. Speed limit is 15 mph.
  • Dismount when approaching horses.
  • Always yield to people on foot.
  • No more than four riders in a group.

Step into the intimate world of Diana Weymar’s textile art with an exclusive private preview of her latest exhibition, Everything I Touched, August 24 – October 19, 2024 with Kathy McCarver of KMR Arts. This private preview not only showcases Weymar’s distinctive pieces but also offers an in-depth look at the artist’s creative process and the motivations behind her work, which McCarver describes as an “intimate and human antidote to our loud, impersonal, mass-marketed world.” Private opening of the artist or preview before the opening with small group of people. Propose you pick an artist you’re excited about and do a private preview with cocktails and discussion.

Courtesy of: KMR Arts

Opening Bid: $250
Value: $400

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Matching Gifts

 Did you know many companies match donations made by employees, employees’ spouses, and retirees, allowing employees to DOUBLE their generosity and impact? 

Contact your employer today to see if they will match your gift.

QCDs

 If you are 70½ years of age or older, you can take advantage of a popular gift option called a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) also known as a IRA charitable rollover.  QCDs offer simple ways to benefit Steep Rock and receive tax benefits in return.

To learn more, visit here.

Stock or Wire

If you’d like to give a gift via wire or stock, please reach out to gifts@steeprockassoc.org for our account information.

DAF

You can donate through your donor advised fund in just three clocks on our website. 
When granting through your donor-advised fund, please use the following information:

Our legal name: Steep Rock Association, Inc.
Tax ID: #06-6069060
Mailing address: PO Box 279, Washington Depot, CT 06794

Check Donations

Please make checks payable to Steep Rock Association. Our mailing address is:

Steep Rock Association
PO Box 279
Washington Depot, CT 06794