Saugatuck Falls Natural Area

For residents of Connecticut, especially those in Fairfield County, the Saugatuck Falls Natural Area in Redding stands as one of the region's most beloved and scenic natural escapes. This impressive 312.4-acre preserve, owned by the Town of Redding, is a testament to foresight and community commitment, offering a diverse landscape of woodlands, rivers, and unique geological formations. It's not just a park; it's a living piece of local history and a vibrant sanctuary for nature lovers and hikers of all skill levels.

The heart of the Saugatuck Falls Natural Area is undoubtedly "Falls Hole," a huge woodland pool in the Saugatuck River, flanked by an overhanging cliff on one side and a dense hemlock forest on the other. Generations of young people once flocked to this spot to swim in its cool depths and sunbathe on its high rocks. While swimming is no longer permitted due to its role in Bridgeport's water supply, the allure of this iconic natural feature remains undiminished, drawing visitors to admire its beauty and historical significance.

The Saugatuck Falls area holds a significant place in Redding's conservation history. It was the Town's second, and remains its largest, acquisition of open space. In March of 1968, with crucial aid from federal and state funds, the Town purchased the property, preventing its development and ensuring its preservation for public enjoyment. This acquisition, at a net cost of just $82,037 to Redding taxpayers, was a landmark moment, secured by a virtually unanimous vote at a Town meeting the previous October.

Beyond the famous Falls Hole, the preserve's landscape is rich and varied. It features remnants of past human activity, such as the partial stone abutments of a bridge that once carried the Jonathan Knapp Highway across the Saugatuck River 150 years ago. Its diverse trail system leads through various ecosystems, from floodplains with remarkably deep soil to fragrant evergreen woods, and areas recovering from past forest fires, offering a fascinating study in ecological succession. With over 5.74 miles of trails, the Saugatuck Falls Natural Area truly is a place to explore again and again, offering new discoveries with each visit and every season.

The Saugatuck Falls Natural Area is conveniently located in Redding, CT, with its main entrance situated directly across from John Read Middle School at 491 Redding Rd, Redding, CT 06896, USA. This prominent location on Route 53 (Redding Road) makes it easily identifiable and accessible for residents throughout Redding and neighboring towns in Fairfield County, including Bethel, Danbury, and Ridgefield.

Parking for the preserve is available directly across from John Read Middle School. While one review mentioned a "very small parking lot," it is generally considered sufficient for the park's size, and the school's vacant parking lot can often be utilized during non-school hours, providing additional space. To begin your hike from this main entrance, visitors are advised to enter the park, continue straight across the footbridge over the Saugatuck River, and then bear right to follow "The Falls Trail" or explore other blazed paths.

The preserve is open from dawn to dusk year-round, allowing ample time for exploration in any season. Its proximity to Route 53 ensures straightforward navigation, making it a hassle-free destination for a quick walk or a more extended hiking adventure. While some sections of the trail can be rocky or muddy, particularly the riverside trail and portions leading to the falls, these are generally navigable, and the overall accessibility from the main entrance makes Saugatuck Falls Natural Area a highly convenient and inviting spot for local outdoor enthusiasts.

As a natural area primarily dedicated to conservation and passive recreation, the Saugatuck Falls Natural Area offers invaluable opportunities for connecting with nature. While it does not provide commercial services, it features several key elements that enhance the visitor experience:

• Extensive Trail Network: The preserve boasts over 5.74 miles of well-marked trails, including Knapp Way (1 mile, white blazes), Hemlock (0.2 miles, white blazes), Falls Trail (0.83 miles, white blazes), Burn Trail (0.53 miles, white blazes), Old Field Trail (0.67 miles, blue blazes), The Cutoff (0.2 miles, blue blazes), Oak Trail (0.4 miles, blue blazes), Wall Trail (0.25 miles, blue blazes), Hardwood Trail (1.3 miles, blue blazes), and Power Line (0.56 miles, blue blazes). This diverse system allows for various loop options, from short, easy strolls to more challenging hikes.
• Hiking and Trail Running: The varied terrain, including relatively flat sections, gradual uphills, and some steep, rocky parts, makes it suitable for both casual walks and more vigorous trail running. The natural surfaces provide a good workout while offering scenic views.
• Nature and Wildlife Observation: The diverse habitats, including old fields, hardwood and hemlock forests, and riverfront areas, support abundant wildlife. Visitors can frequently spot various bird species, including the elusive Wood Thrush, waterfowl, wild turkey, deer, and other woodland creatures. In early May, the trails come alive with wildflowers like marsh marigold, rue anemone, and red trillium.
• Access to Water Features: The preserve features the Saugatuck River, leading to the renowned Saugatuck Falls and the large woodland pool known as Falls Hole. Several sparkling brooks also traverse the property, enhancing the serene soundscape and providing picturesque crossings.
• Historical Exploration: The presence of old stone walls, remnants of the Jonathan Knapp Highway bridge abutments, and discussions about the ecological succession of former farmlands provide a subtle historical and educational dimension to the hiking experience, inviting visitors to reflect on the area's past.

The Saugatuck Falls Natural Area is celebrated for several unique and captivating features that make it a standout destination for nature lovers in Connecticut:

• Saugatuck Falls and Falls Hole: The namesake and undeniable highlight of the preserve are the Saugatuck Falls and the impressive "Falls Hole" — a large, deep woodland pool in the Saugatuck River. While swimming is not permitted, the sheer beauty of the tumbling water and the dramatic overhanging cliff create a truly picturesque and iconic natural landmark that is "definitely worth your time," as one reviewer noted.
• Varied and Engaging Terrain: The preserve offers a dynamic hiking experience with diverse topography. Hikers will encounter relatively flat and easy sections, particularly near the entrance (about 0.6 miles), transitioning to steeper, rocky, and sometimes tricky terrain (about 0.2 miles) closer to the falls. Other trails, like the Burn and Hardwood Trails, offer more difficult but rewarding ascents and descents through thick laurel stands and along splendid cliffs, ensuring that every hike is an adventure.
• Historical Footprints: Visitors can literally walk through history on trails like Knapp Way, which was once the Jonathan Knapp Highway. The remnants of old stone walls and partial stone abutments of a former bridge offer tangible links to Redding's past, adding an intriguing historical dimension to the natural exploration.
• Abundant Flora and Fauna: The diverse ecosystems within the preserve—from floodplains to high coniferous and deciduous woods—support a rich variety of plant and animal life. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the sight of large, venerable trees like a 12'10" circumference white oak and an eight-foot shagbark hickory. In spring, the trails are dotted with wildflowers like marsh marigold, rue anemone, and red trillium, while a variety of birds and other wildlife are frequently observed.
• Ecological Resilience (Burn Trail): The Burn Trail traverses an area that experienced a forest fire in the mid-1970s. This offers a unique opportunity for an ecological study, observing the fascinating process of forest recovery and resilience, showcasing nature's ability to regenerate and adapt.

As a public natural area owned and managed by the Town of Redding, the Saugatuck Falls Natural Area does not engage in commercial promotions or offer discounts. Its primary "offer" is the invaluable provision of free and open access to its beautiful natural environment for all members of the public, ensuring that the benefits of outdoor recreation are available to everyone in the community.

However, local organizations, often in partnership with the Town of Redding, may periodically host events that enhance the visitor experience and promote environmental stewardship. While these are not "promotions" in a commercial sense, they provide significant value to the community:

• Guided Nature Walks and Hikes: Groups such as the Redding Land Trust or local nature clubs occasionally organize guided walks at Saugatuck Falls Natural Area. These events offer an opportunity to learn about the preserve's geology, ecology, history, and wildlife from knowledgeable guides. Keeping an eye on local community calendars or the websites of these organizations is the best way to find out about such opportunities.
• Volunteer Opportunities: The maintenance of the extensive trail system and the overall health of the preserve depend on community involvement. Organizations often welcome volunteers for trail workdays, clean-up efforts, and other conservation projects. This is a rewarding way to contribute directly to the preservation of this cherished local resource.
• Educational Programs: Sometimes, local environmental groups or schools may utilize the preserve for educational programs, offering insights into its unique features. While not always directly advertised to the general public, these initiatives highlight the preserve's role as a living classroom.

These community-focused opportunities further enhance the appeal of the Saugatuck Falls Natural Area, offering locals ways to engage more deeply with their natural surroundings and support vital conservation efforts.

For inquiries related to the Saugatuck Falls Natural Area, including questions about trail conditions, accessibility, or general information regarding Redding's open spaces, the primary point of contact would be the Town of Redding's Parks and Recreation Department or the Redding Conservation Commission.

Address: 491 Redding Rd, Redding, CT 06896, USA

Please note that there isn't a direct phone number specifically for the Saugatuck Falls Natural Area itself. For information, it is best to consult the official website of the Town of Redding or the Redding Land Trust. These resources typically provide contact information for the relevant town departments that can assist with questions regarding the preserve or other local parks.

For general Redding Town information, you might be able to reach the Redding Town Hall through publicly available contact numbers, which would then direct you to the appropriate department for park inquiries.

It is always advisable to check the official Town of Redding website (reddingct.gov) or the Redding Land Trust (reddingctlandtrust.org) for the most current information, including any advisories or scheduled events, before your visit.

The Saugatuck Falls Natural Area is an exceptionally suitable and highly cherished destination for locals in Connecticut, particularly those residing in Redding and the surrounding Fairfield County communities. Its multitude of features, combined with convenient access and a rich history, makes it an indispensable asset to the region.

Firstly, its ease of accessibility, with a main entrance directly across from John Read Middle School and generally sufficient parking, makes it a practical choice for spontaneous visits or regular outdoor routines. This means less time spent traveling and more time enjoying the fresh air and natural beauty right in your backyard.

Secondly, the preserve offers a remarkably diverse and engaging hiking experience. Whether you're seeking a relatively flat and easy stroll along the Old Field Trail or a more challenging, rocky ascent to Saugatuck Falls and Falls Hole, the network of nearly six miles of trails caters to various fitness levels and preferences. This variety ensures that every visit can offer a new adventure, keeping locals coming back again and again.

Moreover, the Saugatuck Falls Natural Area provides a profound connection to nature and history. The iconic Falls Hole, the remnants of old highways, and the diverse ecosystems offer opportunities for both serene contemplation and active exploration. It's a place where children can "plop rocks" and adults can appreciate the subtle beauty of wildflowers or spot local wildlife, fostering a deep appreciation for Connecticut's natural heritage.

Finally, the preserve's history as a significant open space acquisition by the Town of Redding underscores its value to the community. It stands as a testament to collective foresight and the ongoing commitment to preserving natural resources for public enjoyment. Despite occasional muddy spots or the need for bug spray, as noted by visitors, the overall rewarding experience and the sheer beauty of this "representation of Connecticut nature at its best" make the Saugatuck Falls Natural Area an essential and beloved local gem for anyone seeking to connect with the outdoors.

Saugatuck Falls Natural Area

491 Redding Rd, Redding, CT 06896, USA