Our Preserves

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.

Hidden Valley

Northeast of Washington Depot is Hidden Valley, 940 acres of mixed forest and meadows crisscrossed by nearly 20 miles of trails that offer a variety of terrain for hiking.

Steep Rock

The 998-acre Steep Rock Preserve offers hiking trails which follow the river banks and provide access into the hillsides above.

Macricostas

The unspoiled land – a mix of meadow, farmland, wooded ridge and wetlands — sits just north of Route 202, opposite the junction of Route 47, and makes a magnificent natural gateway to the town.

West Mountain

West Mountain Preserve, located in the southeast corner of Washington, comprises two distinct properties: Johnson Farm and Hillside Farm.

Judea Garden at Macricostas Preserve

Judea Garden began in spring 2009. Where the community comes together to provide fresh produce for members of our community with limited financial resources.

Latest News

Nature Is Calling After a long, cold, snowy, quintessential New England winter, it’s good to welcome mud season and the signs of spring emerging over the Litchfield Hills landscape. Spring is always an exciting season as I get to visit...

The Power of Participating For the month of March, Steep Rock is proud to recognize and laud the invaluable contributions of all our volunteers, community organizations, business and farm partners, schools, government agencies, and sponsors. We are incredibly grateful for...

Year In Review As 2026 unfurls, I’m grateful for the opportunity to share Steep Rock Association’s 2025 Year in Review—a reflection on our Centennial year and the legacy of conservation your support continues to advance. In 1925, our organization began...