However, sand and steep dunes make for moderately difficult hiking. And with plenty of parking spots for cars all along the route, you can really customize what length of hike you’re looking to do. Saugatuck Trail: The 11.8-mile Saugatuck Trail is located within the 15,000-acre Centennial Watershed State Forest and closely parallels its namesake, the Saugatuck Reservoir. These trails are maintained with the assistance of the Connecticut Forest and Park Association. Stretching along the rolling dunes north of Oval Beach, this sandy trail takes you through a 173-acre protected natural area boasting unspoiled dunes, the remnants of the historic Fishtown pier, delicate wetlands, the Kalamazoo River channel, and a long, peaceful strip of Lake Michigan. 6) ( 0.6) ^_!F F! In the Saugatuck-Douglas area, we take that concept one step farther, combining the tranquility of the woods with the meditative sights and sounds of the water. Saugatuck Reservoir Loop is a 16.6 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Weston, Connecticut that features a lake and is rated as difficult. A hiking permit allows access to 17 miles of scenic trails. In the Saugatuck-Douglas area, we take that concept one step farther, combining the tranquility of the woods with the meditative sights and sounds of the water. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. I was treated to a bobcat and red fox sighting! Completed in October and now open to the public, the Saugatuck / Aspetuck Trail extension crosses pristine streams and winds through the woodlands of the Centennial Watershed State Forest. A prime spot for birdwatching, this rectangular one-mile trail loop is flat and easy to navigate, perfect for hikers of all ages, abilities, and interests. This body of water covers approximately 830 acres of surface area and has a maximum depth over 100 feet with an average depth of 45 feet. These trails are maintained with the assistance of the Connecticut Forest and Park Association. The peace, quiet, and rejuvenation you’re looking for are waiting for you — just minutes away from town. Treat yourself to the sound of the wind in the leaves, the splash of the waves on the shore, the sand in your toes, or the crunch of your boots in the snow. 2018 Update: The Saugatuck Trail has been extended around the northern end of the Saugatuck Reservoir and connects to the Aspetuck Trail in Easton. Healthy looking forest, variety with rocky scrambles, vernal ponds and reservoir views. The beach is a minimum of a 0.6 mile hike from the parking area. Enjoyed the reservoir though! You can also request a free printed copy to be mailed to you. Use 56 Deer Hill Rd as an approximate address. 58), the Saugatuck Trail (blue blazes) heads west, trending mostly downhill. This 15,300 acre forest centers around the Saugatuck Reservoir in Redding, Connecticut. It is 2-3 miles on the Saugatuck Trail from Black Rock Turnpike to Saugatuck Reservoir, and after an hour of deep-woods walking I began to look … [^_ ^_!j F! A hunting permit provides access to archery and shotgun deer hunting. Prove me wrong, nay-sayers, prove me wrong. To hike the trails over Saugatuck’s dunes is sort of a right of passage. Continue south as Saugatuck Trail undulates steeply both up and down, eventually passing Tudor Road. Some trees down due to the recent storms but not impassable. Saugatuck Reservoir is an outdoor person's wonderland with great fishing, wonderful hiking, a unique landscape and a plethora of woodland and marsh birds and animals. Hike: There are multiple access points for the Saugatuck Trail that allows hikers to choose a convenient segment of virtually any length. Use 56 Deer Hill Rd as an approximate address. Davis Hill Road and Valley Forge Road It is a welcome scenic get-away around the corner from urban population centers in Fairfield County and NYC. This park features four intersecting woodland and dune trails each displaying unique views of the park. I broke trail into 2-3 separate visits on out and back basis and had a hard time on my first visit during summer finding all the trail heads where trail crosses roads. Boating The Saugatuck-Douglas area is a favorite docking spot for boaters who travel the Kalamazoo River to … Dozens of miles of trails take you through beautiful woodlands, along shorelines, through open fields, up rocky mountainsides with great views, and passed some interesting wetlands. First hike in years, tired. During this time, there are Northern Goshawks that are nesting in the area. ( 0 . My only gripe is it can get really crowded when the warm weather comes, but with the views of the reservoir and nicely maintained trails I can’t really blame people for wanting to experience it! Every hiker has their favorite area for hiking and on related pages, there is information about some of my favorite places in western and central Connecticut. “You hike along the shore of the Saugatuck Reservoir. The Saugatuck Valley Trail and Aspetuck Valley Trail are open for hiking, jogging, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. To reach it, climb the long wooden staircase (don’t worry, there are benches on the landings where you can rest) and enjoy the bird’s eye view of the harbor and town. Maybe you already know that West Michigan has amazing golden sand beaches. Saugatuck Reservoir is part of the largest protected land preserve in southwestern Connecticut. The round radar station marks the top of the trail. Letterboxing. With the Department of Natural Resources leasing private lands for public hunting through the Hunting Access Program (which helps to grow hunting opportunities as southern Michigan's land is 97 percent privately owned), there is something for every type of hunter in Michigan. You get a mix of up, down, and flat, so in your off-seasons (winter for me) if you get a stretch of good weather it’s nice to throw on the pack and do a bit of conditioning outside of the gym. The trail offers a variety of terrain; rock outcroppings, vernal pools, wetlands, streams, and spectacular views of the reservoir. Length 16.6 miElevation gain 2303 ftRoute type Loop The trail meanders through the forest on the west side of the reservoir, crossing paved roads six times. To see all State designated trails, visit Michigan.gov/DNRtrails. Across the Saugatuck River from Devil’s Den Preserve is the Centennial Watershed State Forest. Please review our use of cookies and accept to continue. Being the erudite strapping young buck that I am, I’ve never had need for Internet dating. 6) (1. They were working on it so I expect it’ll open back up soon! Hike: There are multiple access points for the Saugatuck Trail that allows hikers to choose a convenient segment of virtually any length. Route 53: A shorter, but less obvious path. Trailhead: North end of Oval Beach parking lot, Fee: $10 for a day pass at the gate (or leave your car behind and take the $1 chain ferry to the beach) May (Memorial Day)-September (Labor Day); free September (post Labor day) to May (pre Memorial day). Saugatuck Falls Natural Area is located right across the street from John Read Middle School in Redding, CT. off of Route 53. So they have rules for what you can and can't do there, and if you get caught in there without a permit (which is the trail map), you can be fined / arrested. Saugatuck Reservoir is part of the largest protected land preserve in southwestern Connecticut. This tranquil hidden gem sits inside Westin and Redding. Downloadable Trail Guide. The trail colors are now mostly Blue, instead of White. Many of the trails pass through wooded areas. Blue-Red is also used for connection to the Pillars Trail on the west side of Rt. As hikes go, this is a good stand-by if you live in the local area. ^_!j!_! Explore the 200-foot tall dunes by foot or ATV, or catch incredible views of the sunset. Mostly it hangs back from the reservoir, offering glimpses but few big views. Get the amount of space that is right for you. The Far Mill, in Shelton. 3) (0. The northern terminus can be difficult to find. Parking areas are full, so be patient and expect to hunt for a spot. Trail Overview: The Saugatuck Trail is located within the 15,000-acre Centennial Watershed State Forest and closely parallels its namesake, the Saugatuck Reservoir. The trail offers a variety of terrain, rock outcroppings, vernal pools, wetlands, streams, and spectacular vistas of the reservoir. Fishing. These 200-feet towers of sand look out over untouched wide open beaches. Ran late Jan ‘19. Hikers and cross-country skiiers can enjoy miles of trails at Saugatuck Dunes State Park. 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. It's not a huge place but the terrain changes frequently and the various trails allow for some serious hiking. 8) ^_ ^_ ( 0 . A fishing permit provides access to freshwater fishing at Saugatuck, West Pequonnock and Far Mill reservoirs in Weston, Redding, Monroe and Shelton. 2 )!j!_!]! an uncontrolled spillway on its western portion. Completed in October and now open to the public, the Saugatuck / Aspetuck Trail extension crosses pristine streams and winds through the woodlands of the Centennial Watershed State Forest. The hike is truly spectacular, not a boring section to be found. Trails are open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset. Although steelhead are really nothing but ocean or lake-run rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), any angler who’s ever tried to hook one will… Read More >>> 5 Prime Ice Fishing Destinations in the U.S. The trail offers a variety of terrain; rock outcroppings, vernal pools, wetlands, streams, and spectacular views of the reservoir. Saugatuck Resevoir: The Saugatuck Trail climbs and falls through thick forests along the picturesque Saugatuck Reservoir. The area is home to multiple hiking trails, all within close reach of civilization but miles away from your everyday cares. When it’s time to head outdoors, head to Saugatuck Dunes State Park. I had to start midway because the south starting lot was closed due to down power lines. Hotels. I was treated to a bobcat and red fox sighting! The West Pequonnock, in Monroe. Fee: Free to MI State Park pass holders, $11 for a day pass at the gate. ^_ ^_ F! With regard to why a permit is needed on these particular hiking trails: they are on land that the public water supply flows through. trail from rte 58 to newtown tpk (4.2 miles) impeccably maintained, new signage on all 4 bridges. The Saugatuck Trail conveniently has portable toilets at almost every parking spot. The 11.8-mile Saugatuck Trail is located within the 15,000-acre Centennial Watershed State Forest and closely parallels its namesake, the Saugatuck Reservoir. So this page will need to be revisited at some point. The Far Mill, in Shelton. https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/connecticut/saugatuck-trail-ct You will find boating, kayaking, camping, hiking and fishing on and around this lake. It creates the Barkhamsted Reservoir which has a volume of 36.8 billion US gallons 139, 000, 000 m3 and Barkhamsted is a town in Litchfield County, Connecticut, United States. One of his favorite places for hiking is the Saugatuck Blue Trail East, an easy, undulating trail that he approaches from Redding. From ₹7,748/night. Perfect weekend getaway or writing/artist space. The photos below are from a spring hike on the … Easy access to Merritt Parkway, trains, local eateries, parks. The area is home to multiple hiking trails, all within close reach of civilization but miles away from your everyday cares. Saugatuck Reservoir is part of a big land preserve in southwestern Connecticut. Private entrance with all the amenities; internet, access to laundry. ]!_ ^_ ^_!j (0. On return visit in late fall after all leaves were down the intersections were all clear as a bell so either I was blind first timeor or some trail maintenance was done . Saugatuck Falls Natural Area is located right across the street from John Read Middle School in Redding, CT. off of Route 53. hiking, bird watching or cross-country skiing, or just appreciate the beauty of the great outdoors, then we invite you to Be Our Guest on the designated areas of the watershed land. 6) ^_ Weston Redding Easton Saugatuck Reservoir G i l b e r t B r o o k UV53 1UV07 N e w t o w n T p k e V L a F o r g e V R d aley Forg e Rd G r e e n b u s h R d Gl e n R d D a y t o n R d T d o r r R d H u c kl e b e r r y R d S h e r m a n T p k G o d f r e y a R d L d e r H i … The view is just woods, you can barely see the water. Approximate GPS location … Or you can create some … Nice trail. The Saugatuck, in Redding and Weston. The trail offers a variety of terrain; rock outcroppings, vernal pools, wetlands, streams, and spectacular views of the reservoir. 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. Nice, easy hike with only moderate hills. At this reservoir we offer a fishing dock accessible to wheelchair users, located in Weston at the intersection of Valley Forge and Davis Hill Roads. The Saugatuck Trail was extended a distance of 4.6 miles along the east side of the Saugatuck Reservoir … The only issue was, as others have noted, there appeared to be a target range not far away. … Box 28, Saugatuck, Michigan 49453, We use cookies to give you the best online experience. Oh sure, I’ve poked around in the past looking for anyone I knew … 1 1/2 hrs. Wonderful stretches along the reservoir! To hike the entire trail, start at the south end near the Samuel P. Senior Dam at the end of the Saugatuck Reservoir. When Valley Forge was flooded to create the Saugatuck Reservoir in the late 1930s, new roads were built to navigate around it. Quite a few frozen and semi-frozen streams to navigate but that made it all the more fun. Had a beautiful hike today on the trail headed from universal access point towards the dam...until we ran into a group running from a bear! On to the actual hike! Only had time to run a short two mile out and back from the trail head but thoroughly enjoyed it. Get inspiring travel ideas, learn about new local experiences, and be the first to hear about deals for your next trip to Saugatuck/Douglas. Wildlife viewing is superb with fox, bobcat, lynx, coyote, deer, turkey, hawks, beaver, eagles, falcons… Bikes provided by the resort or walking was relaxing on the lake shore road. When winter drops its icy fingers across the fisheries of the northern United States, ice anglers grab their augers and tip-ups and head for the hard… Read More >>> 5 Warm-Weather Fishing Destinations to Escape … Our hiking permit allows you access to 18 miles of … It also features scenic overlooks of the Saugatuck Reservoir. Trail was not clear, couldn’t finish. Trail Overview: The Saugatuck Trail is located within the 15,000-acre Centennial Watershed State Forest and closely parallels its namesake, the Saugatuck Reservoir. More Saugatuck Trail is a 10.5 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Weston, Connecticut that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The State Forest’s hiking trails offer some gorgeous views of the reservoir, and some intense uphill hiking. Nature lovers retreat within hiking distance of the Saugatuck reservoir. Saugatuck Dunes State Park also protects 2.5 miles of secluded Lake Michigan Beach which is something that is hard to find in this part of the State. Hike Near A Crystal Clear Reservoir On The Saugatuck Trail, A Peaceful Getaway In Connecticut With gorgeous foliage and rippling springs, Centennial Watershed State Forest is a magical destination. Three of the trails are … Lots of fiddlehead ferns coming out now. 0)! Must have trail map as permit - can print out from website or use map from CT Walk Book. Two of our days were absolutely beautiful fall days. Hunting. Make your way into the Natural Area and you'll soon disappear into another world. (0. It's a long walk (close to two miles one-way), so you'll probably want to … A little buggy, but not bad at this point of spring. The Saugatuck Trail is for foot travel only, and is open year round from sunrise to sunset. They have very sharp claws and are known to approach hikers. 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