Devils Den Nature Preserve Perimeter

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

A great diverse hike complete with water features, unique geology, and beautiful views of the Saugatuck Reservoir.

Limited parking with a private driveway near lot; please do not block.

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.

Fox, bobcat, and deer.