lucius pond ordway / devil's den preserve

JWatersWeston

There are many loops to choose from at the Devil's Den. All of them are easy enough for a determined 5 year old but you have to just be aware of the distance. In the spring, summer, and fall you will see wildlife if you walk quietly and keep an eye out, Dogs are not allowed, even on a leash, nor are bikers, so the trails are still very boot friendly. A lot of people hike out to the pond and back which might take you an hour round trip, probably less. The lesser trails are my favorite since you get some nice landscape-with-trees views that are very peaceful. Any elevation gain is gradual. All trails are clearly marked. Weekends the parking lot gets crowded, so be aware and get there before 10 am. Holidays in the Fall are nightmare with cars and SUVs. No bathrooms,no trash cans.

jhgWeston_CT

Well maintained, nice trails, pretty views. A great way to spend a few hours wandering the trails. It is real hiking. Variety of places to go from vistas to a nice ponds. Some historical areas too.

11PaulinaE

Huge preserve full of trails! It's great to find such a place so near home to hike! Beautiful pond a few minutes from the starting point. Easy hiking, not much elevation, you can choose how long you want your hike to be. We were there for 4 hours without going through the same trail!Take a map with you (they are in the parking lot in a wood box) so you don't get lost and in order to decide where to go. So many trails can confuse a little bit…We cannot find the way to a view it seems to be at a point. Anyway the trails worth the day!Pets and bikes are not allow.

dolphan39

Devil’s Den offers some nice and long varied hikes for being able to hike right in Weston, CT (less than 15 minute drive from my office). While there is not much elevation gain on the hikes (this is lower CT). there is a decent amount of water and thick forest to make it feel like you could be much further north. It is nice to have a hike in Fairfield County that has a destination with a good view in the Grand Ledge. However, the trails are not well marked. Typically, there is just an indication of ski trails or hiking trails only, and in a few spots where trees fell I lost the trail for a few minutes. You need to plan out your hike by deciding which way to go at each junction number on the map; and then you should be OK.

TravelersTwoPeople

Amazing place to walk. Main trail leads around a pond and other trails go off into the wilderness. It's actually possible to get lost in the midst of Fairfield County.

ekaim

Devil's Den is Connecticut's largest possession of the Nature Conservancy, which properly describes it as "the largest tract of protected land in densely developed Fairfield County." It offers a more than 1,700-acre system of trails offering a lovely and varied landscape of Connecticut as it was before the encroachment of today's suburbs. The trails are mostly well marked and easy going, with opportunities for some rock climbing and views of beautiful streams, falls, and a large reservoir -- as well as some sites of historical interest. It's open year-round, and in the winter is an attraction for cross-country skiing on some of the trails. This is for day trips only -- no camping -- but a great place for short or long walks. A description of the preserve and map of the trail system is available at http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/connecticut/placesweprotect/devils-den-trail-map-2012.pdf.

Ribking

I've taken our kids and just gone walking with my wife through Devil's Den for 16 years. It was always a great, calming, and with children, fun day trip. 10 years ago, we moved from one side of Weston to living right on Devil's Den. It's having a forest and peaceable kingdom right in your backyard - literally. If you can't live on Devil's Den, the next best thing is to visit for a short or a day long hike (don't leave anything but footprints). You don't even have to be a resident of Weston, or CT, nor is there a charge for a great day in the wild woods.

Wendyg88

Been hiking here since I was a kid. Easy to get around and the trails are fairly well maintained. Definitely head out to Godfrey Pond and walk the trail all the way around. The kids will love climbing on the rocks! Limited parking and no dogs allowed.

craigce

We've walked and snow shoed on these trails. There is limited parking and access so, if you can get a space, there will be no crowd. Since it is limited, get there early or late and enjoy nature!

CatherineM643

We often take our church group here because it is a beualitful hike for all levels. Especially beautiful with the foliage.

nikir238

There are many trails . Some are short as 20 minutes and some can stretch along for hours. This is a lovely, peaceful preserve and if you look hard you will find one of Keith Richards home stays! There are several ponds(swimming not allowed) little bridges and many amazing animals. It is great for bird watching also.

sqg-foodie

Devil's Den is part of the Nature Conservancy. It has several miles of well-groomed trails, some easier than others. A large map of The Den greets visitors, so it's easy to decide which trail to take, depending on your level of ability and the time you can spare. Be sure to wear long pants because there are ticks in this area. It is a very beautiful place. No dogs allowed.

Mommacat711

A great place to go for a hike with the family. Trails are well-marked and maps are available at the parking area. And there's always the added attraction of trying to find the "Devil's Hoofprint" where he stomped it into the rock after losing a bet with a savvy local farmer!

TruthTalker

Very quiet trails with varied terrain in a lovely part of the state. No entry fee but parking is somewhat limited.

brume74

Great place for hiking with wonderful vistas, ponds, rivers, and Keith Richards' Connecticut house abutting the property.