Summer Guide

Summer at Steep Rock is vibrant and alive. Trails wind through cool forests, pollinator meadows buzz with life, and the Shepaug River offers a refreshing backdrop for your next adventure.

Need-to-Know Info for Summer at Steep Rock
✔ Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk
✔ Cost: Free—your donations help protect trails and habitats
✔ Dogs: Welcome, but must be on leash at all times. Please pack out waste to keep preserves clean and wildlife safe
✔ Bugs: Ticks and mosquitoes are active—wear repellent and check carefully after your hike
✔ Facilities: No restrooms or water stations—plan ahead and support local cafés post-hike
✔ Preserve Rule: Leave no trace – do not remove plants, rocks, or other natural features
✔ Heat Tips: Bring extra water, avoid peak heat midday, and take shaded breaks when needed

Summer Events You Won’t Want to Miss

Steep Rock Annual Community Picnic, Sat., Sept. 6, 12pm-2pm

Come join us for a day of fun at the Steep Rock Preserve! This year is extra special as we celebrate 100 years of protecting land in the Washington area. Don’t miss carriage rides, food, games, guided hikes and more!

For more information and to RSVP, see our Events Calendar link below.

Family Fall Equinox Celebration, Sat., Sept 20, 4pm-7pm

Celebrate the upcoming first day of fall with us!
Wood-fired pizza (5 PM)
Kids’ games & activities
Firepit & refreshments
Fun for ALL ages!

Free & open to the whole community — families, friends, neighbors, everyone is welcome! Register via the Events Calendar link below.

Family Fun with the Passport to the Trails Program

We’re excited to launch Passport to the Trails—a hands-on adventure designed and created by 6th graders at Shepaug Valley School and students from Henry Abbott Tech – and open to all ages! Starting June 1, pick up your free passport and explore our family-friendly trails at your own pace. Find hidden markers, collect rubbings, and earn stamps toward a prize—plus enjoy an unforgettable time outdoors. Pick up your Passport at our June 1 event, or after June 1 at the Gunn Memorial Library, Hickory Stick Bookshop, or at the Steep Rock Association office. Register via the Events Calendar link below.

Events Calendar

Sunset Views

Experience the magic of summer evenings with sunset hikes at two of Steep Rock Association’s most scenic overlooks:

Waramaug’s Rock at Macricostas Preserve: Ascend via the Meeker Trail for sweeping view of Lake Waramaug (elevation 1,250’) and the surrounding countryside.

Macricostas Preserve Trail Map

The Pinnacle at Hidden Valley Preserve: A moderate 0.5-mile hike along the Van Sinderen Loop leads to this summit with a beautiful view providing a 270-degree diorama of the valley.

Hidden Valley Preserve Trail Map

These hikes offer great views and a quiet spot to watch the sunset. Be sure to bring a flashlight for the walk back and check trail conditions before you go.

Steep-Rock-3-peaks-weeks-Waramaug-Rock@2x

Explore the Pollinator Meadow

The Bronson Fields Pollinator Meadow at Hidden Valley Preserve is the result of a multi-year habitat creation project that began in 2018. Once a corn field, this 3-acre plot is now a self-sustaining meadow of native wildflowers and grasses, providing year-round resources for pollinating insects and an abundance of other wildlife. Start this 1.8-mile hike from the seasonal Hidden Valley parking area at 287 Sabbaday Lane, right across from 278 Sabbaday Lane. Follow the Bronson Fields Trail.

Hidden Valley Preserve Trail Map

Summer Hike? Staff Favorites

Looking for a beautiful summer hike? We have our staff suggestions below, with everything from a wide open hayfield for an easy 1.5 mile stroll to a challenging 6+ mile perimeter hike at Hidden Valley.

Macricostas Hayfield Hike – 1.5 mi – Easy
Steep Rock Two Bridges Hike – 3.4 mi – Easy to moderate
Hidden Valley Perimeter Hike– 6.6 mi – Moderate to strenuous