The 700-acre Hidden Valley Preserve is mixed forest and meadows with wooded hillsides cascading into the River Valley below .
Macricostas Preserve is 400-acres offering an array of landscapes, as meadows and farm fields blend with wooded ridges and wetlands.
The 998-acre Steep Rock preserve offers hiking trails which follow the river banks and provide access into great hiking trails.
Our goal was to provide fresh produce for members of our community with limited financial resources.
We offer many trails designated for Hiking & Riding for adventurers of all skillsets.
Campers are surrounded by nature offering tent camping at 3 different sites.
Looking to sit back and cast a line? Steep Rock offers fishing at many locations.
Organized group events of 25 or more people, bring family and friends and enjoy the day.
Join us as we work to keep Steep Rock a treasure for generations to come...
We offer many programs and events such as morning yoga and hayrides at Macricostas...
Are you ready for a NEW hiking challenge. Well you've come to the right place...
Your pets are welcome at all Steep Rock Association nature preserves that are open to the public. When visiting our Preserves with your pets, please help us protect this land you treasure by abiding by the pet rules. These rules help protect you, your pets, and the flora and fauna that call our nature preserves …
Thank you for your interest. We are no longer accepting applications for the 2020 season. Please check back in 2021. Are you a high school or college student who wants to gain experience in gardening, conservation, or non-profit administration? Build your resume and gain real-world skills by applying for one of Steep Rock Association’s 2020 …
Are you up for a challenge? We’ve been offered a matching grant and need your help! “As I was running along the river this weekend I was struck by the simple beauty of Steep Rock, yet conscious of just how easy it can be to take for granted something so critical to and synonymous with …
Macricostas Preserve has a StoryWalk! This community collaboration between Steep Rock Association, Gunn Memorial Library, and Washington Supply offers a fun and educational outdoor activity for families. Pages from nature-focused children books are posted on display boards along a short, designated trail. Books are changed seasonally so be sure to visit each new season. Summer 2020 Book …
Introducing the 3 Peaks Challenge sponsored by Steep Rock Association’s Outreach Committee. To participate, ascend all three peaks: Hidden Valley’s Pinnacle, Macricostas’ Waramaug Rock, and the Steep Rock Summit. There is no time limit for completing the challenge. Use the second page of the registration form (found below) to mark and date each summit reached by the …
Steep Rock Association is sponsoring a hiker’s challenge. Walk all 40 +/- miles of trails in the three Steep Rock Preserves — Hidden Valley, Steep Rock and Macricostas — and become a member of Steep Rock Association’s hiking club. To participate, please fill out the Hiker’s Challenge registration form: Hiker’s Registration form **Email pictures to info@steeprockassoc.org as .jpeg …
A Campaign to Expand Macricostas Preserve into Pinnacle Valley and Beyond “Each town should have a park, or rather a primitive forest, of 500 or 1,000 acres, where a stick should never be cut for fuel, a common possession forever, for instruction and recreation.” Henry David Thoreau, 1859 With its breathtaking view over Lake Waramaug …
It all starts with a plan and permit when wetlands are concerned, but the latest stewardship project at Macricostas Preserve simply involved maintenance on a previously approved stretch of boardwalk through Meeker Swamp. Several sections had deteriorated after a decade of great use and needed replacing. The beat boards were white oak, a good choice …
Did you know that our public lands, which provide places for recreation, water quality protection, homes for wildlife, can be – and have been – give(n) away or sold without public comment? On Tuesday, November 6th, citizens of Connecticut can vote “YES” on the statewide ballot to protect public lands. It’s true that our preserves …
Steep Rock Association’s first ever Van Sinderen Intern, Karlie, shares her experiences at Steep Rock Association this summer: Starting off the Van Sinderen Conservationist Internship with a nest check of a kestrel box containing five screeching kestrel nestlings was an awesome experience. The siblings were all at different stages of development, and the youngest was …
Steep Rock Association is a land trust whose mission is to conserve ecologically and historically significant landscapes in and around Washington, CT and the Shepaug River Valley and to enhance the community’s connection with nature.
(860) 868-9131 | info@steeprockassoc.org
PO. Box 279
Washington Depot, Connecticut 06794
Hours: Monday – Friday 8am – 4pm