Steep Rock Preserve

Steep Rock Preserve – Washington, CT

Steep Rock is a really nice hiking spot located in the northwest corner of Connecticut. It has over 900 acres of land and a bunch of varies trails from easy walking paths to harder trails that go up about 400ft of elevation gain. The summit of Steep Rock is about 776 feet and offers some nice views that overlook the clamshell and the rolling hills of CT.

The railroad tunnel is also a pretty awesome spot in Steep Rock and worth checking out. “The railroad tunnel was constructed from 1871 to 1872 as part of the Shepaug Valley Railroad. A crew of coal miners from Pennsylvania built the 235-foot curved tunnel by hand using picks, dynamite, and nitroglycerin to blast through Steep Rock Ridge. It took them only nine months to complete, a remarkably quick project in those days. The railroad ceased operation in 1948. Today, hikers enjoy the cool, damp air within the darkness of these chiseled bedrock walls as a refreshing respite on a warm summer day. ” source

Steep Rock also offers camping spots, picnic benches, fishing, horseback riding trails, and lots of hiking trails.

Hiking Steep Rock Preserve with your pup

We always see tons of pups at Steep Rock as it is a very dog-friendly hike. Java loves swimming in all the water access spots which makes it a really nice hike for a summer day. This is a pretty easy trail with most of the incline being rather gradual so perfect for pups of all hiking abilities. Lastly, be mindful that there are horses allowed on these trails so please keep your dog under your full control.