Connecticut is loaded with fantastic trails for outdoor lovers. Some are short, others are long, but only one offers the chance to hike through an abandoned train tunnel. Steep Rock Preserve is a 998-acre wooded wonderland where you can explore until your heart is content or the sun sets, whichever comes first.
Visit Steep Rock Preserve in Washington Depot. The network of trails run alongside the Shepaug River and ramble off into the scenic hillsides above.
AllTrails/Mickey Borrero You’ll discover more than eight trails to choose from varying in length from 4 miles to 1/2 mile in length.
To reach the train tunnel, you’ll need to use a combination of trails heading south and ending on the Orange Square Trail and Pinney Loop. Most visitors prefer to use the Green Circle Trail along the river for its spectacular scenery to reach the lower section of the preserve.
Steep Rock Association To download a full version of the PDF map, click here.
The abandoned tunnel once was a passage for the trains that ran the rails of the Shepaug Railroad from 1872-1948.
AllTrails/Mike Russo The 235-foot tunnel was built by a crew of coal miners from Pennsylvania. It took them nine months to create the tunnel using hand picks, dynamite, and nitroglycerin to blast through the ridge.
Now the tunnel is devoid of railroad tracks and no longer do trains thunder through the ridge. Enjoy walking through the cool dark abandoned tunnel as a break from the heat of a summer’s day.
AllTrails/Tom Dragone
The railroad tunnel isn’t the only point of interest at Steep Rock Preserve. Hike the old carriage roads for a gentle sloping walk in the woods.
AllTrails/Dara Dull The paths feel almost magical in their beauty. A storybook setting is what you’ll find in this unspoiled forest.
Hike to the Steep Rock Summit for expansive views of farmland, forest, and river down below.
AllTrails/Doreen Bequary At 776 feet in elevation, the summit is the highest point in the preserve. Although you’ll have to climb the steepest trails in the preserve to reach this vista, it’s well worth the trip.
For the best river views, cross the pedestrian bridge within the preserve.
AllTrails/K.M. Hosfelt
The sound of the Shepaug River gurgling along its way is quite soothing to the soul.
AllTrails/Mike Russo You might spot fish traveling through the water as well as other wildlife on the stream’s edge such as beavers, deer, and birds.
You might go to this incredible preserve to hike though the abandoned railroad tunnel, but you’re sure to find many other treasures along the way.
AllTrails/Ed Sikora Visit the Steep Rock Preserve at 2 Tunnel Rd., Washington Depot, CT 06794. For more information visit this website.
Have you ever hiked through the train tunnel at Steep Rock Preserve? During what season did you visit? There are plenty of other amazing hikes to take in Connecticut. Try this giant staircase trail or this colorful forest hike.
AllTrails/Mickey Borrero
You’ll discover more than eight trails to choose from varying in length from 4 miles to 1/2 mile in length.
Steep Rock Association
To download a full version of the PDF map, click here.
AllTrails/Mike Russo
The 235-foot tunnel was built by a crew of coal miners from Pennsylvania. It took them nine months to create the tunnel using hand picks, dynamite, and nitroglycerin to blast through the ridge.
AllTrails/Tom Dragone
AllTrails/Dara Dull
The paths feel almost magical in their beauty. A storybook setting is what you’ll find in this unspoiled forest.
AllTrails/Doreen Bequary
At 776 feet in elevation, the summit is the highest point in the preserve. Although you’ll have to climb the steepest trails in the preserve to reach this vista, it’s well worth the trip.
AllTrails/K.M. Hosfelt
You might spot fish traveling through the water as well as other wildlife on the stream’s edge such as beavers, deer, and birds.
AllTrails/Ed Sikora
Visit the Steep Rock Preserve at 2 Tunnel Rd., Washington Depot, CT 06794. For more information visit this website.
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