About Great Hollow Nature Preserve & Ecological Research Center
Great Hollow Nature Preserve & Ecological Research Center is a beautiful and well-maintained area perfect for outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy a variety of narrow and scenic hiking trails through forests, meadows, hills, and streams. The preserve offers a popular loop of about 2.4 miles that takes around an hour to walk at a relaxed pace, with some challenging elevation changes. The trails are suitable for hiking with dogs (on leashes) and are enjoyed by families and kids who are old enough to hike. A highlight of the preserve is the large waterfall, which has upper and lower parts and provides many points to explore and view. The area is home to diverse wildlife, including salamanders, fish, deer, and more. Trails can be muddy, especially after rain, so sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Visitors can also participate in naturalist-led hikes or simply enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings. Plenty of parking is available, making it an accessible destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
This is one of my favorite hikes in New Fairfield. It has a large waterfall with a lot of different points to look at it and explore. Lots of wildlife in the area, including salamanders, fish, deer and more. I’ve gone early in the morning and in the early evening before sunset and parked by the barn by the road. Highly recommend anybody who is looking for a short loop, that is still a little bit challenging with some elevation changes.
A lovely place to go for a walk in the woods. We were here in late April and the tracks were dry, or had wooden boardwalk over them.
We combined the red, orange and yellow trails and the walk took an hour at a leisurely pace.
Plenty of parking.
You can experience a variety of narrow and beautiful hiking trails. The waterfall is divided into upper and lower parts and is very beautiful. The hiking trail is mostly muddy, so it is recommended to wear hiking shoes. It takes about an hour to easy walk 2.4 miles in a loop and is a very good path to walk with your dog.