Hidden Valley Preserve - Washington Depot, Connecticut

Discover the Enchantment of Hidden Valley Preserve

Nestled in the serene landscapes of Washington Depot, Connecticut, at 198 Bee Brook Rd, Washington Depot, CT 06794, lies a haven for nature lovers and families alike - Hidden Valley Preserve. This stunning nature preserve and popular tourist attraction is not only a sanctuary for wildlife but also offers breathtaking views and memorable experiences for visitors of all ages.

Location & Contact Information

For those planning a visit, the address is conveniently 08689131 for phone inquiries. The preserve's website, steeprockassoc.org, provides an abundance of information about activities, rules, and attractions within the preserve.

What Makes Hidden Valley Preserve Special

Hidden Valley Preserve stands out with its wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring everyone can enjoy its beauty. The preserve is perfect for hiking, with kid-friendly trails that spark curiosity and wonder in young explorers. For dog owners, the policy of allowing dogs makes it an inclusive spot for outdoor enthusiasts with furry companions.

The preserve's offerings extend beyond hiking, with the potential for a magical winter experience, especially noted by visitors who praise the crystal-clear snow and dappled sunlight that reveal vibrant greens and mosses underfoot. This seasonal beauty, combined with the preserve's enchanting atmosphere, makes it a must-visit, particularly for those who appreciate the serene magic of winter landscapes.

Visitor Reviews and Opinions

With an impressive average opinion of 4.8 out of 5 on Google My Business, based on over 401 reviews, Hidden Valley Preserve consistently delights its visitors. Many reviewers describe it as "absolutely gorgeous," highlighting the preserve's ability to captivate and amaze, especially during the winter months when the natural world wears its most pristine and sparkling attire.

Planning Your Visit

Before heading out, it's wise to check the condition of the trails, especially if visiting in winter. The preserve welcomes visitors with open arms, offering a multitude of experiences from serene walks to more adventurous hikes. Remember to bring comfortable footwear, as the terrain can be uneven in some areas. With its wheelchair-accessible facilities and a range of activities suitable for families and kids, Hidden Valley Preserve promises a day filled with joy and discovery.

👍 Reviews of Hidden Valley Preserve

Amanda C.

5/5

Absolutely gorgeous! If you go in the winter it can be icy. Stagger your steps and follow the edges where crunchy snow and leaves are dry. Has a magical quality when the moss and hearty greens peek through the glistening snow in the sunlight.

Joan H.

5/5

So there is a large parking area for this trail. There will be 2 bridges along the way that u can cross. There are also many trails u can choose from here and some are listed on the all trails app. We hiked over to see the quartz mine cave and it's such a beautiful area to check out. It's only about a 15 min hike to get to it. Definitely dog friendly area.

Jena V.

5/5

Absolutely love this location. The Henry David Thoreau hanging bridge is pretty impressive and the perfect subject for fall foliage photography. The parking area is super close to the bridge, so you don't have to hike miles to see it. The rest of the trails are pretty flat and wide, for the most part, and easy to walk and navigate. The trail markings perfectly align with the maps and are easy to follow from one trail to another. We hiked to the abandoned quartz mine and were blown away by how much quartz was still in the area. Several other footbridges and man made staircases were helpful to see both sides of the river. There were some people along the trails but it was not overcrowded (during the week). I will definitely return to this location to do more hiking, to check out the lookouts and the train tracks.

Jeannine S.

5/5

We came to this park “by accident”, looking for its sister Steep Rock Preserve a bit to the south. We came for the suspension bridge; while there are several bridges here that are really cool, it wasn’t the bridge or easy walk that I remembered from several years ago 😂. We decided to go out to the quartz mine and back. The “shortcut” was roped off so they could fix the trail, so we took the longer way. Very scenic. The upper trail was definitely drier, though it involved a lot more uphill travel than we’d anticipated. There are a few benches / natural places to sit along the way. The second bridge involved some stairs - we didn’t go that far. In all, we did have a cool time! We did lose cell reception in the woods, if that matters to anyone.

Victoria B.

5/5

I went there for an early morning hike, and it was absolutely beautiful! Very peaceful space. I would highly recommend visiting!

Lee P.

5/5

Great place for a walk, hike or trail run. Trails are well marked. You can choose a path for an easy stroll or strenuous hike or a combination of both. Today if felt like spring so it was the perfect place to get your nature on...
Trails had some spots that were muddy and wet but that's part of the game around this time of year. Try to at least pretend you're in the country and skip the Prada's for a good pair of trail shoes.
Cashew gives its paws up!

Anthony J.

5/5

Wonderful natural area surrounding the Shepaug River. A great place to get some fresh air, exercise and contemplate God's awesomeness..Romans 1:19-20 ESV
For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. [20] For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

Dan P.

5/5

Square Orange and white trail around the river across the two bridges. 1.7 miles mostly flat with some excellent views of the river and falling streams. Farthest bridge has three flights of stairs from the river to trail. The yellow circle trail leading to scenic overlook starts to right of main parking lot - easily missed. Starts at a nice climb. Continuous to ridge line. This preserve is excellent for different types of walks. Dogs on leashes. Parking lot holds 30 cars. Their is a smaller lot that has its own trail head entrance. No bathrooms. No water.