Devils's Den & Great Ledge

Overview:
9:30 am, Tuesday, December 16
Devil's Den Preserve, Weston CT 06883
(only 34 miles from White Plains, 19 miles from Stamford)
GPS: 41.23734, -73.39542
7-8 miles; terrain - easy to low-moderate; pace - moderate

This is a notification only. Registration is via the AMC website: https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UUN0000022kYf2AI/act00017904

Details:

At 1800 acres, Devil's Den is one of the largest contiguous parklands in Fairfield County. It is managed by the Nature Conservancy, whose website notes that the preserve provides a “patchwork of woodlands, wetlands and rock ledges and a series of north-south ridges and valleys woven with streams and swamps,” making it “ideal for low-impact outdoor activities such as hiking.”

Our first and only visit of the year to Devil's Den takes place at a great time to hike there. With trees bare, the rhododendron tunnels that obscure the landscape in warmer seasons give way to sweeping vistas, highlighted by the Great Ledge overlooking the Saugatuck Reservoir, where we'll stop for lunch (unless it's windy). The Trail along the Great Ledge is at least 10 feet from the edge, so those concerned about steep drop offs need not worry.

We'll start at 9:30 am and plan to cover 7-8 miles on various red (primary) and yellow (secondary) trails, beginning on the Pent and Saugatuck Trails and proceeding clockwise (north), mostly around the outer perimeter. The terrain is predominantly flat with some mild ascents and descents, but no serious climbs of more than a few minutes, no rock scrambles and no bushwacking; overall, an easy-to-moderate outing, with the “moderate” part due to the pace and mileage. About 1000 feet total elevation. Expected duration is 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours, but please allow time in your day's plans for a potentially later finish.

Early Outs: There are many early outs along the way, which can reduce the total mileage by anywhere from 1 to 3.5 miles. If this is your plan, please have a preserve map with you, as there are many turns to navigate. Trail maps are usually available at the parking lot, but not always. Also, please keep in mind that if you take an early out, the AMC considers you to have left the organized hike voluntarily. https://www.nature.org/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/documents/DevilsDenTrailMapTNC2019SmFile.pdf

AMC Health Advisory: Covid and other respiratory illnesses are circulating in our communities. Do not participate in this hike if you, or someone who you have recently been in contact with, is either infected or symptomatic.

AMC Membership Opportunity: Now through December 31, new members can get a first year membership at half-price: a regular membership for only $25, under-30s and seniors (70+) only $12.50, and family only $37.

If you are already a member, these low prices make AMC membership a very affordable Christmas/Hanukkah gift, too.

Get these membership deals at https://www.outdoors.org/get-involved/become-a-member/?chapter=NY&campaign=7012J000001R5F0QAK

RSVP for "yes" only, by 6 pm, Monday, December 15, at https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UUN0000022kYf2AI/act00017904. A pre-hike note, including detailed logistical information, will be sent to registered hikers at that time.