I really enjoy hiking this location, especially in the winter. There is a train trestle that…read morecollects giant icicles. That's really cool to look at. We did the Pinney Loop which is just under 4 miles. The trail was obviously covered in snow as we had hiked January 1.

What goes great with a hike is coming with a group of friends and/or family, and Steep Rock…read morePreserve brings it all. It's worth the trip from surrounding areas for a weekend get-together or definitely the holidays. Free parking is provided with plenty of spaces to park. The trail map is provided at the beginning of the hike, or looking online and printing it out. Very useful to have on the whole journey. The main hiking trail is a gravel trail that parallels the Shepaug River from the parking lot, where cars pass through and also horses, which I found quite interesting. There are also dirt trails along the way with different colors (see map or online). Some highlights of coming here are checking out the old train tunnel, a bridge that crosses the river (which is wobbly, so be careful), and Steep Rock Summit, which can be tiring but well worth the climb with a decent view of the Clamshell section of the Shepaug River Valley. Bring snacks and a lot of fluids, it's needed according to the big map.

This was our 3rd hike this week, and by far the best one I've done in quite awhile. We chose the…read more3.5 mile (yellow) trail which started off along the river, past an old quarry and up to 2 vantage points (one mostly obscured). The trails are well maintained and clearly marked throughout. It starts off along the river and then moves along through series of hills of moderate height. It takes around 2 hours to complete, and the varied scenery makes it the whole trip a joy. We will definitely be back in the fall to see it again with more colorful foliage.

"Sixteen miles to seven lakes way up among the pines In some…read morehidden valley where the twirlin' river twines" (Gordon Lightfoot) Hidden Valley is beautiful - a quiet and tranquil oasis of peaceful solitude. It covers over 900 acres with wooded scenery, hiking trails, gorgeous river views, and a very cool wooden timber suspension bridge known as the Thoreau Bridge. The bridge was the high point of our visit. It spans 134′ across the Shepaug River. We saw a few photographers stationed on the bridge snapping away in search of a perfect photo of Mother Nature' majesty. Spread across the bridge's handrails and a bench at the base of the bridge are etched quotes from Henry David Thoreau's essays. The inscription on the bench contains what is perhaps Thoreau's best-known passage: "I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived."

A beautiful area close to downtown danbury connecticut. Great hiking,or just walking..bring…read moresunscreen and bug repellent.your own drinks and snacks.

How beautiful this place is. First let me begin by stating how beautiful the location is. I…read morepersonally found the upkeep to appear well in tact and I even saw gardeners attending to the lawns so clearly they keep eyes on upkeep which is particularly important when you have a special event planned. I had the pleasure of attending a wedding as a bridesmaid. The space was beautiful and spacious. The china on the lower level in casing was beautiful and the colors chosen have a very old home comfort feel. Takes you back a bit to another time. Lighting for images is great here and there is a handicap parking close to the ramps which make entry and exits very easy. They offer recycling and trash in their kitchen. The staff on site was very informative and kind. Overall, a very pleasant experience. The videos and photos we took look beautiful!!! I'd like to personally thank Tarrywile for everything!!

Found this place while looking for new hiking trails. We almost missed it though because we thought…read moreit was someone's actual farm. But What a treasure! We got a full tour of the house that sits on the property. They have many great programs and training. You can hike with a group or by yourself. What I liked the most was how the paths were so well marked out and large , I was never worried about getting lost. We can't wait to come back!

This is one of those places that I'm selfishly reluctant to review because it's so perfect just the…read moreway it is. There are never too, too many people here even at its most crowded. But Deer Pond (operated by the CT Audubon Society) has brought us so much joy that I feel compelled to share it with others: This preserve is a great treasure. The property is expansive, with hiking trails that meander over the CT border into NY over varied terrain. Some trails are rocky and need careful navigation. Other trails are well mulched and soft, good for trail running. There are trails that run through meadows; most others are through woods, well shielded from the sun. It is beautifully maintained and they host a variety of programs for adults (and a few for children), which we so far haven't checked out. We joined the CT Audubon Society as a result of our wonderful experiences, here. I still can't identify more than three birds or so (bluejays, robins, and those ground birds with the furry tails called squirrels) but maybe that will eventually change. For now, we just enjoy sharing the same space!

Great place for a hike. My son and I really enjoyed the trail. It wasn't that easy to follow but…read moreit was a nice work out going up and round. Will definitely go back!

No. Dogs. Allowed…read more Nothing indicates this until you actually drive into the parking lot. A beautiful day for a hike but had my dog along so it was a no-go. Doubt I'd try to return since it's not dog-friendly.

DO NOT SWIM HERE -- This lake is known locally as Snake Lake. Water snakes and copperheads are…read morenumerous. There are also snapping turtles. The water quality is also low sure to a nearby quarry.

When you get there, you can drive on the gravel road until it dead-ends into a parking lot with a…read moreporta potty. If that lot is full then you can park in the one that's right off route 28. The trail is nicely shaded. We saw orange newts galore. It had just rained the night before so it was a little muddy in spots. We hiked the yellow loop trail and it was perfect for kids ranging in ages 7 to 13. Very scenic. We left in the early afternoon when the sun came out. Many others were just getting there to swim in the lake.

Beautiful hiking trail! Muddy in the beginning, so wear hiking boots or shoes with good grip. The…read moreoverlooks are amazing and worth every minute. About 1 hour and 20 minutes to and from The caves. Rugged terrain towards the caves Not for the beginner, so plan accordingly. Snacks, water and maybe a walking stick

Trail has some lovely views, some steep up and down sections but no actual rock scrambling…read morerequired, and if you plan ahead you can find the elaborate rock etchings done over 200 years ago by patients of an 18th century small pox inoculation center! Also, when I went most recently, somebody built a pretty sick rope swing in the woods. Not sure how safe it is, but if it doesn't crap out on you it's a nice little adrenaline rush if you start your swing at the tree branch. Now for some tips to get the most out of your hike: Pro tip #1: if you're doing this as an after work hike, park yourself at Alliance Occupational Health and catch the trailhead across the street. Can't speak as to whether this would be ok during their normal business hours tho. Pro tip#2: go to the local library where they can provide you with a map on how to find hospital rock, just off the trail, with stone carvings made 200 years ago. -side tip- bring flour with you to dust the rocks with so you can make out thyme carvings better for pictures Pro tip #3: Bugspray.

Some of the best trails CT has to offer. Steep Rock in the Fall should be on every CT native's…read morebucket list.

Love love Steep Rock! Diverse land. Nice for family hikes. Nice restaurants near by. Cute town…read moresetting around. Trails. Driveway. Great parking.

With all the hard work Miss Diane puts into the Pratt summer camp program the children who attend…read morewould never have had the chance to experience such a wonder fun filled nature learning summer. Every day my 7 year old grandson comes home thrilled to pieces sharing his exciting day! Grandma Bennett

The Pratt nature center is a truly special place!! Children can learn about nature and the outdoors…read moreand explore. The nature preserve is filled with Fields, mountains, rivers, lakes, trails. there's even a small farm. The staff is amazing!! A hidden treasure in New Milford.

Ahhhh.. Umpachene - how do I bottle you and bring you home?…read more Delightful 18 minute ride from where we were staying in Sheffield. Suggest loading GPS or navigation app before losing signal in the mountains. Of note, and quite a surprise after a score of years closed, the bridge on Umpachene Falls Road has been rebuilt and is open. Yesterday, the falls were rushing abs bracingly cold! While I didn't fully submerge or hide behind the water curtain, I sat in the flow and was transfixed and refreshed for an hour. Remains a Berkshire treasure!

Beautiful place. Nice picnic area. Very relaxing. Great place to go to unwind and enjoy nature…read more Highly recommended!