Places to Visit: Devil’s Den Preserve

Devil’s Den Nature Conservancy Preserve stretches through Weston and Redding, Connecticut. It is part of the extended Saugatuck Valley Trails System and is comprised of 20 miles of contiguous forests and watershed lands. At 1,756 acres, Devil’s Den is the Nature Conservancy’s largest continuous preserve in CT. The name, Devil’s Den, is derived from local lore that a hoof-like mark made in a boulder was the footprint of the Devil.

The park was founded by the late Katharine Ordway, who bought 1,100 acres from the Bridgeport Hydraulic Company in 1966 and added more land to the original purchase from 1966 to 1968. The preserve’s trail system winds past dramatic rocky crests, outcroppings, and cliffs. It features more than 500 types of trees and wildflowers, including the beautiful pink lady’s slipper, cardinal flower, and Indian Pipe. It is home to the red fox, bobcat, coyote, Eastern copperhead, wood duck, ruffed grouse, pileated woodpecker, and more than 140 other bird species.

Devil’s Den is also of historical significance: archaeological evidence indicates human use of the area, mostly for hunting, as long as 5,000 years ago; in 1777, residents of Redding and Weston were thought to have taken refuge in the Devil’s Den to escape harassment by a column of British troops marching north from Long Island Sound to destroy a military supply depot in Danbury; and, the remnants of an old sawmill from the 19th century can still be found on the preserve.

Activities available at the preserve today include hiking, birding, nature study and cross-country skiing. The New Canaan Nature Center (that Almstead is involved with) runs several programs and hikes in the preserve. Pets are not allowed in the preserve.

Please visit the WestonHistoricalSociety.org for more information.