Home › Connecticut › Washington Depot › Hidden Valley Preserve
Hidden Valley Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 480 Google reviews · Running trail in Washington Depot, Connecticut · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 20 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Hidden Valley Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Nature preserve with hiking trails over varied terrain, including a quartz mine and suspension bridge.
What runners say about Hidden Valley Preserve
“There are many different trail options and every trail we traveled was well-maintained.”
“The yellow circle trail leading to scenic overlook starts to right of main parking lot - easily missed.”
“Trails are well marked and follow a stream closely, with the option of reaching higher ground for a couple views.”
“This hike is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the quiet and peaceful outdoors.”
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.
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.
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.
Another great nature preserve in CT. A good trail system. Lots of variety for return visitors. We hiked white circle trail to yellow circle trail loop. Its 1.5 miles and easy. Trail was wide and cultivated. You cross 2 bridges including the newer Henry Thoreau suspension bridge.
Trail conditions & character
“Trails are well marked and follow a stream closely, with the option of reaching higher ground for a couple views.”
“The yellow circle trail leading to scenic overlook starts to right of main parking lot - easily missed.”
“My dog enjoyed the river a lot, and he's my primary hiking buddy, so if he doesn't like it, we don't come back often.”
“This hike is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the quiet and peaceful outdoors.”
“The rest of the trails are pretty flat and wide, for the most part, and easy to walk and navigate.”
“We came to this park “by accident”, looking for its sister Steep Rock Preserve a bit to the south.”
“Trails are well marked and follow a stream closely, with the option of reaching higher ground for a couple views.”
“7 miles mostly flat with some excellent views of the river and falling streams.”
“Trails had some spots that were muddy and wet but that's part of the game around this time of year.”
Plan your run at Hidden Valley Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance20 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitesteeprockassoc.org
- Phone(860) 868-9131
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Washington Depot
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Nostrand Trail
4 ★★★★☆ 6 reviews
Mine Hill Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 363 reviews
Preserved nature reserve featuring trails that loop through scenic terrain, as well as remnants of a working iron mine.
New Milford River Trail
3 ★★★☆☆ 2 reviews