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West Mountain Preserve

West Mountain Preserve, located in the southeast corner of Washington, comprises two distinct properties: Johnson Farm and Hillside Farm. Together, these properties highlight the area’s rich and ongoing agricultural legacy, as active farm fields dot the diverse landscape.

Johnson Farm

37 West Mountain Road #2 Washington, CT 06793

The 52-acre Johnson Farm showcases several active agricultural fields, as well as a mix of sunny meadows and shady, open forests. 1.25 miles of hiking trails crisscross the terrain, offering breathtaking hillside views.

Hillside Farm

397 Nettleton Hollow Rd. Washington, CT 06793

The 86-acre Hillside Farm features a rich mosaic of landscapes, with farm fields blending seamlessly with the surrounding meadows, wetlands, Sprain Brook, and forested hillsides. An easy 0.38-mile trail was completed in 2023 and is now open for your enjoyment.

Points of Interest

Totaling roughly 220 acres, West Mountain Preserve is SRA’s smallest nature preserve that is open to the public. With its grand hilltop views and hiking trails that pass through picturesque fields and open forest, this small preserve leaves a big impression.

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1. Pasture Oak Picnic Site at Johnson Farm

Perched atop a small ridge crowned by sprawling oak trees, this picnic site provides breathtaking views of the adjoining farm fields as well as the surrounding hillsides of Washington, Woodbury, and Bethlehem. 

From the Johnson Farm parking area, follow the Johnson Farm Loop, blazed with yellow circles, for roughly 0.25-miles through mostly flat terrain until you reach the picnic site. 

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2. Picnic Site at Hillside Farm

With gorgeous views of the meadows surrounding Sprain Brook and nearby unspoiled ridgelines, this picnic site offers visitors incredible scenery conveniently situated immediately adjacent to the parking area.

Follow the short path from the parking area to the picnic table below.

FAQS & Rules

Please help us protect the natural beauty and integrity of the preserve by not removing or destroying plants, animals, rocks, minerals or other natural objects. Click below to see how you can best help us protect the environment.

  • Leave No Trace.
  • Collecting and foraging are prohibited without a permit.
  • Do not remove or destroy plants, animals, rocks, minerals, or other natural objects.
  • Open sunrise to sunset, daily.
  • Park cars in designated areas.
  • Motorized vehicles are prohibited. Use of Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices is restricted. For approval, contact the SRA Office at (860) 868-9131.
  • No hunting.
  • No alcoholic beverages.
  • No loud noise or music.
  • Dogs must be leashed at all times.
  • Fires are not permitted.
  • No camping.
  • No horseback riding.
  • Do not harm trees by chopping, carving or driving nails.
  • Do not litter: please carry out what you carry in.
  • Drones are prohibited.
  • Commercial activities are prohibited without a permit issued by the Executive Director and/or Board of Trustees.
  • Groups of 15 or more people require a group use permit.
  • 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.

Directions to Preserve

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