Creating New Trails
In May 2023, Steep Rock added four parcels—Cook, Mt. Tom, Bantam, and Asrar—totaling 206 acres to our Hidden Valley Preserve. As seen on the map below, the Cook Parcel extends the boundary of Hidden Valley Preserve another 0.75 miles north along the Shepaug River and is adjacent to Steep Rock’s Bronson Fields Pollinator Meadow. The Mt. Tom, Bantam, and Asar parcels are located between Mt. Tom State Park and Rumsey School, hugging both the Shepaug and Bantam Rivers.
Recreational Trail System: Steep Rock is now working to establish recreational trails in these parcels that will offer new opportunities for hikers to enjoy the year-round beauty and splendor of the natural world. Once complete, you will be able to casually stroll along the historic Shepaug River and Railroad bed or explore the rocky outcroppings and upland core forests in the Bantam, Mount Tom, and Asrar Parcels.
How You Can Help Make This Happen: Trail construction costs average between $50,000-65,000 per mile depending on terrain, access, labor, materials, and other expenses. Our budget for the entire Hidden Valley Trail Expansion is $95,000.
River and Rail Trail (Cook Preserve)
This parcel abuts Hidden Valley Preserve to the north and is open to the public. The trail follows the Shepaug railroad bed from the former bar gate upriver another 0.7 miles. The trail has been cleared and drainage improved (see photo), making the trail easily accessible to hikers, cyclists, and equestrians. In 2024-2025, we will be adding the 0.5-mile Bronson connector trail to the Bronson Field Pollinator Meadow Loop.
Cook Parcel Trail System (Budget: $30,000)
Completed: Parking, kiosk, and parcel signage at main entrance to Hidden Valley. River and Rail Trail (blue triangle blaze) to the new northern boundary:
2024: Planning and design for 0.5-mile Bronson connector trail (Fall)
2025: Initiate construction of connector trail (Spring)
Stone Wall Loop and Knollside Trail
Staff and Trustees have also designed a 2-mile double-loop trail connecting Mt. Tom and Bantam Preserves (see photo). The kiosk and parking area has been installed on Mt. Tom Road. From these trails, future extensions are planned.
Mt. Tom, Bantam, and Asrar Trail System (Budget: $65,000)
2024: Planning and design of initial trails connecting the three parcels (complete). Parking, kiosk, and signage installation at trailhead on Mt. Tom Road (complete). Construct Stone Wall Loop (complete) and Knollside Trail connecting these parcels (2025)
2025: Planning for additional connector trails
Proposed Trails
Click on any map below to enlarge.
Watch this video update on the new parcels from Executive Director Brian Hagenbuch
