Trout Brook Valley Preserve — Attraction in Weston

There are many trails here, and most have separate parking areas to access. Determine which trail has what you want to do or see before arriving. I found the All-Trails mobile app very handy. We lost cellular data signals just before arriving, so download any important map data or music before arriving.

We hiked the blue to blue-green trail, which was entirely deep woods. Parking was free. There are portions of the trail that allow dogs off-leash. Otherwise, dogs must be leasged. It had lightly rained before our arrival, so the trail was fairly clean with limited dust. I wore tennis shoes, but I recommend hiking boots for more grip, ankle support, and easier cleaning. The trail varies a lot from easy, flat gravel paths to challenging large, slippery rock hills. It rained moderately while we hiked, but the forest canopy surprisingly kept us 97% dry! We saw lots of down hardwood trees with an abundance of turkey tail mushrooms. We didn't see much wildlife, but we could hear lots of songbirds. There are many old stacked rock walls throughout the forest that were...

From the Aspetuck Land Trust website: A crown jewel, Trout Brook Valley (TBV) was saved from developers by concerted citizen action and will now be preserved forever as open space. A largely pristine space, the TBV has almost 14 miles of trails, ranging from easy to difficult. The trails take the hiker past dramatic displays of New England nature at its best, scenic overlooks, and lush Apple and Blueberry orchards. In general, the trails slope upward, sometimes sharply, from the Weston entrance to the Easton entrance off Route 58. Two of the trails are designed for equestrian use. Several trails are linked to the extensive trail systems in the adjoining Jump Hill and Crow Hill Preserves.  Also nearby is the Saugatuck Valley Trail on Aquarian Water Company land. Hunting is permitted in limited areas in season by permit only.

One of my favorite places in the state....

Most of the trail markers are missing, or on the ground. It’s dangerous and irresponsible especially for people who have brought young children - you either to shut it down, inform hikers that you have poorly maintained Trout Brook and they should proceed at their own discretion. Or do what you’re supposed to do: use the money you vociferously request from the public to run your organization and do your...