A Century of Trails: Celebrate 100 Years on the Trail

Trails are the veins that carry our visitors through majestic forests, up to stunning views, past wildlife, and alongside echoes of bygone eras. From the earliest carriage lanes to the 50+ miles of hiking paths that welcome 80,000+ visitors annually today, Steep Rock Association’s trail system offers unparalleled access to nature for everyone.

As part of our Centennial celebration, this month we’re featuring our trails. Have you picked up the just-published free trail maps? Are you wrapping up the 100 Miles in 100 Days Hiker Challenge (24 intrepid finishers so far)? Come celebrate 100 years of trails and a thousand ways to explore at our Trails Appreciation Day on July 26 at Steep Rock Preserve.

For a fun family experience, grab the Passport to the Trails booklet created by sixth graders at Shepaug Regional School. And learn about our Sustainable Trails Initiative, which emphasizes long-term improvements, enhances the visitor experience, and safeguards local ecology. Because of you—our donors and supporters—SRA continues its leadership on and off the trails. Thank you!

See you on the trails,
Brian Hagenbuch, Ph.D., Executive Director

Blazing New Trails

For Steep Rock, trails are a gateway to explore and learn about the natural world. With hiking on the rise and climate stress on the landscape, our staff and volunteers devote significant time and resources to build, maintain, and restore the system. That’s why we launched the Sustainable Trails Initiative—to upgrade trails, protect the environment, improve visitor safety, and reduce long-term maintenance. Dive deeper in our interactive StoryMap. More Info ›

Celebrate Trails Appreciation Day with Us

Join us in Steep Rock Preserve on Saturday, July 26 for a special Centennial celebration of trails. We’ll offer guided hikes; recognize 100 years of trails and the people who build and care for them; announce results of the 100 Miles in 100 Days Challenge with a prize drawing; and share info about hiking in the Litchfield Hills.

We’ll also dedicate and rename the Steep Rock Loop as the Steep Rock Centennial Trail, with a guided hike explaining our upcoming reroute and restoration to make this iconic route more sustainable. Come walk, explore, and connect with your trail community—everyone is welcome! More Info ›

Once-in-a-Century Concert Event

Four pillars of our local community—Washington Friends of Music, Steep Rock Association (SRA), Spring Hill Arts Gathering (SHAG), and Pilobolus—are uniting for an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and nature as a Centennial benefit on Sunday, July 13 at SHAG. Enjoy an 8-piece chamber ensemble with internationally recognized musicians and Pilobolus dancers set in the Litchfield Hills. Tickets are going fast. More Info ›

Welcome to the Steep Rock Team!

In June, we welcomed two new team members. Karen DePauw joins as Development Officer, filling a critical role in our fundraising efforts, and Blair Granum joins as Assistant Manager of Judea Garden. We’re thrilled to have them on board. Meet the Team ›