January 11, 2026 – Sherman, Connecticut

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: Approximately 3.5 miles

Max elevation: 863 ft. – total elevation gain approximately 600 ft.

Map: Herrick Preserve Trail Map

Parking: 38 Evans Hill Rd, Sherman, CT 06784

Limited roadside parking – No restrooms on site

Hours: Open Daily, Sunrise – Sunset

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Overview:

Herrick Preserve is a quiet, wooded nature preserve in Sherman, Connecticut, offering hikers a peaceful escape into classic New England landscape. Managed by the Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy, the preserve protects rolling forest, stone walls, vernal pools, and rocky outcrops.

Encompassing about 185 acres of mixed hardwood and hemlock forest, it offers well-marked trails that climb to scenic overlooks of the Housatonic River valley. Its gentle-to-moderate terrain, natural beauty, and connection to nearby Appalachian Trail sections make Herrick Preserve a favorite spot for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying the region’s unspoiled character.

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History:

Herrick Preserve exists thanks to the long-term conservation efforts of the Naromi Land Trust, a local nonprofit founded in 1968 to protect Sherman’s natural landscapes and rural character. Over the decades, members of the Herrick family donated key parcels of forestland—including the core area around today’s trailhead—beginning with a gift of roughly 60 acres in the 1970’s and followed by additional acreage as recently as the late 2010’s. These donations ensured permanent public access and strengthened trail connections to the Appalachian Trail.

A significant 2017 donation from the Herrick family added road frontage, guaranteed public access to the preserve, and further linked the trust’s land with federally protected Appalachian Trail lands.

In 2020, the Naromi Land Trust merged with the Weantinoge Heritage Land Trust to form the Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy (NCLC), which now stewards Herrick Preserve along with many other protected natural areas throughout the region.

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Trails Overview:

Herrick Preserve features a network of well-marked trails that wind through mature hardwood and hemlock forest. The primary route is a moderate 3.5-mile lollipop loop starting at the Evans Hill Road trailhead, with short spur paths leading to scenic overlooks of the Housatonic River Valley. For hikers seeking a longer outing, the preserve connects with the Appalachian Trail, offering extended routes through varied terrain and expansive forest views.

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Parking:

The roadside parking area at Herrick Preserve is small, accommodating only several vehicles. Tucked just off the main road, it’s easy to access and clearly marked, providing a straightforward starting point for the trails. A simple kiosk nearby offers maps and information to help hikers plan their route.

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Hike Overview:

I first stumbled upon Herrick Preserve while scrolling through social media, and something about it immediately caught my eye. The photos hinted at a hidden slice of wilderness, with winding trails weaving through dense forests, sun-dappled clearings, and glimpses of sweeping vistas. It looked like the perfect escape from the hustle of daily life—a place where the quiet hum of nature promised both adventure and tranquility. I knew I had to see it for myself.

Stop to read the information at the kiosk, and if you don’t have a trail map, take a photo of the one on display.

Hunting is not allowed within the preserve, but the surrounding lands are privately owned.

There were numerous fallen trees throughout the preserve, with a few blocking sections of the trail. None were difficult to navigate around, though some of the blowdowns appeared to be fairly recent.

There are about a 1/2 dozen small stream crossings on this hike. You can probably jump across most of them or just walk through them as I did.

This moderate lollipop loop spans about 3.5 miles and climbs roughly 600 feet, offering a satisfying mix of gentle forest trails, steady climbs, and rewarding viewpoints along the way.

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The Hike:

Start at the Evans Hill Road trailhead, where a kiosk marks the beginning of the White Trail. The route leads through mixed hardwood and hemlock forest on a well-marked path that gradually climbs in elevation. The footing is mostly natural, with occasional rocks and exposed roots, but the ascent is steady and moderately paced. 

In about a 1/2 mile, you’ll reach a junction with the yellow-blazed Amy’s Lookout Trail, a spur that leads to a scenic overlook with views of the Housatonic River Valley.

Amy’s Lookout Trail is a short spur that climbs steeply to a rocky outcrop, with north-facing views over the Housatonic River Valley. It’s a popular spot to pause, take in the scenery, and snap a few photos before returning to the main trail.

Exercise caution around this rock ledge, especially when wet or icy, as there is a steep drop directly below.

When you are done admiring the view, retrace your steps back to the White Trail and turn right.

From the junction with the yellow-blazed Amy’s Lookout Trail, the White Trail continues generally north, with gentle ups and downs on a well-defined wooded path. This section offers a quieter stretch of trail with typical woodland footing—earth, occasional rocks, and exposed roots—without major climbs or obstacles.

In another 350 yards or so, the White Trail reaches a junction with the Blue Trail. This will be your return route, but for now continue following the white blazes as they head in a northerly direction, marking the start of the loop portion of the hike.

In another half-mile, the White Trail reaches a junction with the northern leg of the Blue Trail. Turn right and follow the white blazes downhill to the Housatonic Overlook. After visiting the overlook, you will return to this junction. The trail to the overlook is clearly marked.

Perched on a rocky outcrop, the Housatonic Overlook offers expansive north- and east-facing views of the Housatonic River and the surrounding forested hills. The open, rocky area provides a clear vantage point, though hikers should exercise caution near the edges. It is the preserve’s most rewarding viewpoint.

When you are ready to continue, retrace your steps back to the junction sign.

From the Housatonic Overlook, the Blue Trail climbs steeply at first before leveling out. Follow the well-marked footpath as it winds southward, providing a quiet, peaceful walk through the preserve. After roughly 350 yards, the trail reaches a junction with the Appalachian Trail. Continue straight to stay on the Blue Trail.

This sign indicates that the property is protected by a conservation easement that allows access to the Appalachian Trail. Visitors must stay on designated trails, as areas beyond them are privately owned and not open to public use. In short, this is protected land—not public land.

From the junction with the Appalachian Trail, the Blue Trail begins a gradual descent through pleasant, quiet woods. The trail soon curves southeast, continuing its gentle downhill path, offering a peaceful walk surrounded by the sights and sounds of the forest.

This fallen tree blocked the trail completely, forcing a wide detour around it. A partial blue blaze is still visible on the broken trunk.

After about a mile from the Housatonic Overlook, the Blue Trail ends at a junction with the White Trail, closing the loop. Turn right on the White Trail, now retracing your steps from the beginning of the hike, and follow the white blazes to the Evans Hill Road Trailhead, where the hike began.

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Review:

Herrick Preserve offers a peaceful, moderately challenging loop through quiet and scenic woods. Highlights include the Amy’s Lookout Trail, with its stunning views of the Housatonic River Valley, and the Housatonic Overlook, a rocky perch perfect for photos and a rest. Well-marked trails, gentle climbs, and shaded paths make this hike a refreshing escape into nature.

Pros:

Well-marked trails, scenic overlooks, quiet and peaceful woods, not much foot traffic.

Cons:

Limited parking, no restrooms, spotty cell service.

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Sources:

• Herrick Preserve

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