Macricostas Preserve

Maricostas Preserve – New Preston, CT (part of Steep Rock Association)

Java loved this hike! It starts off at a pretty decent size parking lot at Judea’s Garden and you follow the trail over a beautiful garden area that leads you into a giant open field! This is where Java got super excited and decided to run wild around the Hayfield. We continued on the green-yellow trail up to the yellow trail that goes over the Meekey Swamp. Once you get to where the Orange and Yellow trails split from each other, that’s where the elevation starts. I’ve gone up both the yellow and the orange, the orange is less steep but adds some distance and the yellow is steep and short. I like going up the yellow trail and taking it all the way through until you hit Waramaug’s Rock. At an elevation of 1,250 feet, Waramaug’s Rock is a spectacular overlook providing panoramic views of Lake Waramaug and the surrounding countryside. Named after a chief of the Wyantenock Indian tribe, Lake Waramaug is the second largest natural lake in Connecticut, an ecologically vital habitat for wildlife, and a recreational center for the Towns of Washington, Warren, and Kent. The awe-inspiring views from the top are a rewarding dividend for the steep hike.

After enjoying the summit views heading back down the orange trail is a nice long gradual down. This loop ends up being about 4 miles total with about 709ft of elevation gain. There are always a lot of pups on this hike so leash your dogs and please pick up after them!