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| Steep Rock Reservation |
The 750-acre Steep Rock reservation offers hiking trails which follow the river banks and provide access into the hillsides above. Near its north end, there are vestiges of carriage roads, one of which leads from Tunnel Road to the site of the Holiday House (no longer standing), a hotel built in 1893 by philanthropist Edward I. Van Ingen as a retreat for young working women from New York City. The project took advantage of the Shepaug Railroad which, from 1872 to 1948, wound through the reservation alongside the river. One can still see the abutments of the small suspension bridge which enabled disembarking passengers to meet the Holiday House carriages waiting on the opposite bank.
Aerial view of the Clamshell in Steep Rock
Farther downstream, trails traverse the slopes above the river and follow the double oxbows (where the river loops south, north, and then south again). Nearby is the railroad tunnel, a rough arch cut through the rock ledge which allowed just enough room for the locomotive and cars to pass through.
The most popular hike is to the Steep Rock summit, a moderately strenuous climb which offers breathtaking views of the river and the dramatic contour of the Clam Shell, directly below. There are dozens of unmarked trails, in addition to two main blazed trails: Pinney Loop - 1.7 mi. and Steep Rock Loop - 4.2 mi. Mountain bikes are restricted; please read the map and heed posted regulations.
Directions to Steep Rock reservation: From route 47 in Washington Depot, turn down River Road (between the drug store and Citgo gas station). Follow River Road for about a mile, and turn left on Tunnel Road (a dirt road) to enter the reservation. There are parking areas on both sides of the river, as well as a bit further south on Tunnel Road.
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Copyright © 2003-2008 Steep Rock Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
