The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Red fox pup © Mike Baird/Creative Commons

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CLICK HERE FOR A NEW (2012) MAP OF DEVIL'S DEN PRESERVE

• At 1,756 acres, Devil's Den is the Conservancy's largest preserve in Connecticut.
• Here, with your help, the Conservancy has protected a valuable oasis for wildlife and a natural filter for thousands of people who need clean water.
• Devil's Den protects a significant portion of the watershed of the west branch of the Saugatuck River, habitat for many of aquatic species, including uncommon mussel species.

Why You Should Visit
The Lucius Pond Ordway/Devil's Den Preserve is the Connecticut Chapter's largest continuous preserve and the largest tract of protected land in densely developed Fairfield County. Its patchwork of woodlands, wetlands and rock ledges and a series of north-south ridges and valleys woven with streams and swamps make the Devil's Den ideal for low-impact outdoor activities such as hiking and bird watching.

Location
Weston & Redding

Size
1,756 acres

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
The Den provides a valuable oasis for species that require interior woodland for successful reproduction. Research has shown that such large unfragmented forest areas are vital to the health of a variety of species. Devil's Den also represents a significant portion of the watershed of the west branch of the Saugatuck River, habitat for many of aquatic species, including several uncommon species of mussel.

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.  The remains of an up-and-down sawmill below Godfrey Pond testify to the importance of the lumbering that dovetailed with charcoal burning.  The production of charcoal was an important commercial activity in the 1800s and marks dozens of sites.

The Den was created by the late Katharine Ordway through a series of donations from 1966 through 1968, beginning with an 1,100-acre purchase from the Bridgeport Hydraulic Company. Will you help us continue this vital conservation work?

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
Devil's Den is the chapter's most frequently visited preserve, hosting more than 40,000 people per year. It is ideally located to provide an enriching and educational outdoor experience for residents of surrounding towns such as Redding, Easton, Westport and Wilton, along with the nearby metropolitan areas of Bridgeport, Danbury, Norwalk and Stamford. The Den is part of the extended 70-mile Saugatuck Valley Trails System, with contiguous forest and watershed lands.

Hours
Dawn to Dusk

Conditions
The preserve's 20-mile trail system winds past dramatic rocky crests, outcroppings, and cliffs forming high ledges partly covered with grasses, mosses, and lichens.

Things To Do

What to See: Plants

The preserve features more than 500 types of trees and wildflowers, including the beautiful pink lady's slipper, cardinal flower, and Indian pipe.

What to See: Animals

Devil's Den is home to red fox, bobcat, coyote, Eastern copperhead, wood duck, ruffed grouse, pileated woodpecker and more than 140 other bird species.

Plan Your Visit

Please enjoy your visit to this preserve.  The Nature Conservancy welcomes passive recreation, including hiking, birding, canoeing, nature study and cross-country skiing. 

To ensure those who visit after you are able to enjoy the same experience you have, please remember to stay on designated trails, pack out everything you brought in, and contact our office at: 203 568 6270 or ct@tnc.org if you notice any problems.

Prepare for your visit with this new (2012) map of the preserve.

To maintain the ecological integrity of the preserve, the following activities are not allowed:  collection of plant or animal specimens, camping, fires, fishing, hunting, bicycling, and use of motorized vehicles.  Pets are not allowed on Nature Conservancy preserves.

Directions

For electronic navigation and mapping enter the address "33 Pent Road, Weston, CT 06883."

From the south and the Merritt Parkway

• Take exit 42 and go north on Route 57 for 3.8 miles to the blinking light. Continue straight on Route 53 (be sure not to continue on Route 57, which forks to the left) toward Redding 1.7 miles to the next traffic light, turn left on Godfrey Road.
• Continue for a half-mile, then turn right on Pent Road, which dead-ends at the preserve's main parking area.

From the north and Route 107 in Georgetown

• Go south on Route 57 for 2.7 miles.
• Turn left on Godfrey Road and go for a half-mile. Turn left on Pent Road and follow to end in preserve's parking lot.

From I-84 in Danbury

• Take exit 3 to Route 7 south.
• Follow Route 7 for approximately 10 miles to intersection with Route 107 in Georgetown. Take left onto Route 107, then right onto Route 57 heading south, and continue as above.

Discussion

Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.

Add Your Comments

Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!

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