Usually when I refer to a trail that has a hidden gem in it I’m being metaphorical, but in this case its literal. Not only is the Preserve near Washington in Connecticut called the Hidden Valley Preserve but it has a disused Quartz mine in the middle, great views and an inspiring bridge as a fitting tribute to Henry David Thoreau.
This guide will give you everything you need to know to get the best out of this truly spectacular mini adventure hidden away. There are descriptions, history and pictures as well as parking info, maps and a Garmin Connect gpx file to download to follow the route we took.
The Henry David Thoreau Footbridge
There is a wonderful bridge covered in quotes from Henry David Thoreau a short hop from the car park. Thoreau was an early advocate of hiking and something of an anarchist and nature enthusiast. He died at age 44 after having a huge influence on American culture. We went passed the bridge and started the path climb to a viewpoint at the top known as ‘The Lookout’
The Lookout
The Lookout is a semi-circular terrace providing scenic views of the valley to the west. It was constructed as a lookout and rest spot along the carriage roads built by Adrian Van Sinderen who donated the park estate after his death.
Overhung by trees in places, this is a great spot for a picnic, but on a cold December day we pushed on past it keen to get to the Quartz Mine.
The Quartz Mine
The Quartz Mine once helped support a small mining industry in the 19th Century. This surface mine was active from the 1800s until it was abandoned in 1915. The quartz, used as a filler in paint and as an abrasive, was initially transported from here to the Hudson River by wagon and, later, by train. Quartz normally forms beautiful hexagonal crystals, but the mineral developed at Hidden Valley Preserve as a massive white vein. Today, quartz is primary ingredient in manufacturing glass and also used in digital watches and circuits.
It was easy to mistake the white powdery floor for snow, but in fact if you closely around the seam its not snow at all but various sizes of Quartz from grain to small rock. The combination of the quartz, the icicles and the stillness from the mine face being slightly hidden in a small gorge or fold to the side of the path made the time there very special.
As we ambled back along the Shepaug River we both agreed that the this little park delivers loads in so few miles. On that winter day with the snow substituted by glistening Quartz I think Thoreau puts it more eloquently than I could.
Henry David Thoreau
Standing quite alone, far in the forest, while the wind is shaking down snow from the trees, and leaving the only human tracks behind us, we find our reflections of a richer variety than the life of cities
Parking –
2 Green Hill Road, Washington, Connecticut 06794
Distance and Elevation – We walked a loop of less than 3 miles with only 300 ft of elevation.
Garmin Connect account with details and GPX files of our walk here
Given how close this is to Steep Rock Preserve you can walk round both in a single day (which Shona and I did) with only a short 10 minute drive between them.
