Near Devils Den Nature Preserve Perimeter
A Mountain Laurel tunnel on Perry Trail.
Near Devils Den Nature Preserve Perimeter
Awesome views and rock formations on Katharine Hill Trail.
Near Devils Den Nature Preserve Perimeter
Some ice shimmering across Godfrey Pond.
Near Devils Den Nature Preserve Perimeter
A massive granite outcrop on Laurel Trail.
Near Devils Den Nature Preserve Perimeter
CT doubletrack running along an old stone wall, marking historic farmland.

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Hike Route

Devils Den Nature Preserve Perimeter

4.0 (5 Ratings)
A perimeter hike of the Nature Conservancy's Devils Den Preserve.
7.9
mi
Distance
800
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
River/CreekViewsWildlife
Access Issues
Limited parking.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
7.94mi
Distance
800ft
Elevation Gain
800ft
Elevation Loss
30%
Max Grade
594ft
High Point
268ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
From the parking area, start counter-clockwise on Pent Trail followed by a left on the Saugatuck Trail. Take a right on Ambler Trail when you reach the junction. Follow Ambler Trail northeast until you reach Den Trail;take a left. You'll head north a short ways until reaching Bedford Trail, then continue north for a while. Eventually, you'll meet up with the Deer Run Trail and proceed northeast. Continue straight east onto the Great Ledge Trail, then make your way around the Redding Great Ledge Trail using the connectors. Return to the Great Ledge Trail and begin heading south until you reach Dayton Trail, heading southeast. At the junction of Pillars Trail, head southwest. At the junction of Godfrey Trail and Aspetuck Trail, go left onto Aspetuck, and head south until taking a left on Troop 7 Trail. To finish, turn onto Perry Trail, take the connector, and return to the parking lot on Laurel Trail. This trail loops around the perimeter of the Devils Den Nature Preserve (Nature Conservancy). All trails are well-marked and a mix of old road and narrow singletrack. You really get a sense of wilderness at the preserve. You'll see rare old-growth forest, wetlands, rock outcropping/cliffs, stone walls, a major creek crossing with a foot-bridge, culminating with a view of the Saugatuck Reservoir at the cliffs near the northern end of the loop. I was treated to a bobcat and red fox sighting! The hike is truly spectacular, not a boring section to be found.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

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Contributors
Kevin Terlep