A Walk in the Woods, Hidden Valley Preserve, Washington Depot, Connecticut, USA

Hidden Valley Preserve is a 650-acre park just outside the village of Washington Depot, Connecticut. The land was donated in 1963 to the Steep Rock Association to manage. Trails beside and foot bridges across the Shepaug River make for a great quiet place to enjoy nature.



Thoreau said it best as this laser cut metal sign next to a footbridge attests.



The water level was low today......



.....allowing these rock towers to stand a bit longer - until high water rushes through and topples them.



I don't need water to topple me, I can do it myself just by trying to balance on one leg on a rock in a river - note to self - do not try this again - it seemed easier when I was in my twenties. (Photo: Amy Davies Photography).



100-foot pines paved the path with their soft, spongy needles.



There's something about a walk in the woods that calms the spirit.



And a picture of a picture in a picture can be fun, too.



This wider trail is the maintenance access road. It's a good place for a dog to take his human for a run.



One of two footbridges across the river.



An inquisitive and friendly critter on a leash.....and the dog was friendly, too.......



... and one not on a leash.  He was just wandering the forest floor out for a walk in the woods just like me. Of course, I wasn't worried about predators like he should have been.  Nature can be harsh but, almost always a source of great beauty.