Herrick Preserve Loop

January 11, 2026 – Sherman, Connecticut

Problem: Reasonable

Size: Roughly 3.5 miles

Max elevation: 863 ft. – complete elevation achieve roughly 600 ft.

Map: Herrick Protect Path Map

Parking: 38 Evans Hill Rd, Sherman, CT 06784

Restricted roadside parking – No restrooms on website

Hours: Open Day by day, Dawn – Sundown

Overview:

Herrick Protect is a quiet, wooded nature protect in Sherman, Connecticut, providing hikers a peaceable escape into traditional New England panorama. Managed by the Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy, the protect protects rolling forest, stone partitions, vernal swimming pools, and rocky outcrops.

Encompassing about 185 acres of blended hardwood and hemlock forest, it gives well-marked trails that climb to scenic overlooks of the Housatonic River valley. Its gentle-to-moderate terrain, pure magnificence, and connection to close by Appalachian Path sections make Herrick Protect a favourite spot for mountaineering, birdwatching, and having fun with the area’s unspoiled character.

Amy’s Lookout – Herrick Protect

Housatonic Overlook – Herrick Protect

Historical past:

Herrick Protect exists because of the long-term conservation efforts of the Naromi Land Belief, an area nonprofit based in 1968 to guard Sherman’s pure landscapes and rural character. Over the a long time, members of the Herrick household donated key parcels of forestland—together with the core space round at this time’s trailhead—starting with a present of roughly 60 acres within the 1970’s and adopted by further acreage as just lately because the late 2010’s. These donations ensured everlasting public entry and strengthened path connections to the Appalachian Path.

A major 2017 donation from the Herrick household added street frontage, assured public entry to the protect, and additional linked the belief’s land with federally protected Appalachian Path lands.

In 2020, the Naromi Land Belief merged with the Weantinoge Heritage Land Belief to kind the Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy (NCLC), which now stewards Herrick Protect together with many different protected pure areas all through the area.

Trails Overview:

Herrick Protect includes a community of well-marked trails that wind via mature hardwood and hemlock forest. The first route is a average 3.5-mile lollipop loop beginning on the Evans Hill Street trailhead, with quick spur paths resulting in scenic overlooks of the Housatonic River Valley. For hikers looking for an extended outing, the protect connects with the Appalachian Path, providing prolonged routes via different terrain and expansive forest views.

Herrick Protect

Parking:

The roadside parking space at Herrick Protect is small, accommodating solely a number of autos. Tucked simply off the principle street, it’s simple to entry and clearly marked, offering a simple start line for the paths. A easy kiosk close by gives maps and data to assist hikers plan their route.

Evans Hill Street Trailhead – Herrick Protect

Hike Overview:

I first stumbled upon Herrick Protect whereas scrolling via social media, and one thing about it instantly caught my eye. The images hinted at a hidden slice of wilderness, with winding trails weaving via dense forests, sun-dappled clearings, and glimpses of sweeping vistas. It seemed like the proper escape from the hustle of every day life—a spot the place the quiet hum of nature promised each journey and tranquility. I knew I needed to see it for myself.

Cease to learn the knowledge on the kiosk, and for those who don’t have a path map, take a photograph of the one on show.

Evans Hill Street Trailhead – Herrick Protect

Searching will not be allowed inside the protect, however the surrounding lands are privately owned.

Evans Hill Street Trailhead – Herrick Protect

There have been quite a few fallen timber all through the protect, with just a few blocking sections of the path. None had been troublesome to navigate round, although a number of the blowdowns gave the impression to be pretty current.

Blue Path – Herrick Protect

There are a few 1/2 dozen small stream crossings on this hike. You possibly can most likely bounce throughout most of them or simply stroll via them as I did.

White Path – Herrick Protect

This average lollipop loop spans about 3.5 miles and climbs roughly 600 ft, providing a satisfying mixture of light forest trails, regular climbs, and rewarding viewpoints alongside the way in which.

Herrick Protect Loop

Elevation Profile – Herrick Protect Loop

The Hike:

Begin on the Evans Hill Street trailhead, the place a kiosk marks the start of the White Path. The route leads via blended hardwood and hemlock forest on a well-marked path that step by step climbs in elevation. The footing is generally pure, with occasional rocks and uncovered roots, however the ascent is regular and reasonably paced. 

Herrick Protect

Evans Hill Rd Trailhead – Herrick Protect

White Path – Herrick Protect

White Path – Herrick Protect

White Path – Herrick Protect

White Path – Herrick Protect

White Path – Herrick Protect

White Path – Herrick Protect

White Path – Herrick Protect

In a few 1/2 mile, you’ll attain a junction with the yellow-blazed Amy’s Lookout Path, a spur that results in a scenic overlook with views of the Housatonic River Valley.

Flip proper on Amy’s Lookout Path

Amy’s Lookout Path – Herrick Protect

Amy’s Lookout Path is a brief spur that climbs steeply to a rocky outcrop, with north-facing views over the Housatonic River Valley. It’s a well-liked spot to pause, take within the surroundings, and snap just a few images earlier than returning to the principle path.

Amy’s Lookout Path – Herrick Protect

Amy’s Lookout Path – Herrick Protect

Amy’s Lookout Path – Herrick Protect

Amy’s Lookout Path – Herrick Protect

Amy’s Lookout Path – Herrick Protect

Amy’s Lookout Path – Herrick Protect

Train warning round this rock ledge, particularly when moist or icy, as there’s a steep drop immediately under.

Amy’s Lookout – Herrick Protect

Amy’s Lookout – Herrick Protect

Amy’s Lookout – Herrick Protect

If you find yourself finished admiring the view, retrace your steps again to the White Path and switch proper.

Flip proper on White Path

From the junction with the yellow-blazed Amy’s Lookout Path, the White Path continues usually north, with light ups and downs on a well-defined wooded path. This part gives a quieter stretch of path with typical woodland footing—earth, occasional rocks, and uncovered roots—with out main climbs or obstacles.

White Path – Herrick Protect

In one other 350 yards or so, the White Path reaches a junction with the Blue Path. This will probably be your return route, however for now proceed following the white blazes as they head in a northerly path, marking the beginning of the loop portion of the hike.

White Path – Herrick Protect

White Path – Herrick Protect

White Path – Herrick Protect

White Path – Herrick Protect

White Path – Herrick Protect

In one other half-mile, the White Path reaches a junction with the northern leg of the Blue Path. Flip proper and comply with the white blazes downhill to the Housatonic Overlook. After visiting the overlook, you’ll return to this junction. The path to the overlook is clearly marked.

Flip proper on White Path

Flip proper on White Path

Perched on a rocky outcrop, the Housatonic Overlook gives expansive north- and east-facing views of the Housatonic River and the encompassing forested hills. The open, rocky space gives a transparent vantage level, although hikers ought to train warning close to the sides. It’s the protect’s most rewarding viewpoint.

Housatonic Overlook – Herrick Protect

Housatonic Overlook – Herrick Protect

If you find yourself able to proceed, retrace your steps again to the junction signal.

Blue Path – Herrick Protect

From the Housatonic Overlook, the Blue Path climbs steeply at first earlier than leveling out. Observe the well-marked footpath because it winds southward, offering a quiet, peaceable stroll via the protect. After roughly 350 yards, the path reaches a junction with the Appalachian Path. Proceed straight to remain on the Blue Path.

Blue Path – Herrick Protect

Blue Path – Herrick Protect

This signal signifies that the property is protected by a conservation easement that permits entry to the Appalachian Path. Guests should keep on designated trails, as areas past them are privately owned and never open to public use. Briefly, that is protected land—not public land.

Blue Path – Herrick Protect

Blue Path – Herrick Protect

Blue Path – Herrick Protect

From the junction with the Appalachian Path, the Blue Path begins a gradual descent via nice, quiet woods. The path quickly curves southeast, persevering with its light downhill path, providing a peaceable stroll surrounded by the sights and sounds of the forest.

Blue Path – Herrick Protect

Blue Path – Herrick Protect

This fallen tree blocked the path fully, forcing a large detour round it. A partial blue blaze remains to be seen on the damaged trunk.

Blue Path – Herrick Protect

Blue Path – Herrick Protect

Blue Path – Herrick Protect

After a few mile from the Housatonic Overlook, the Blue Path ends at a junction with the White Path, closing the loop. Flip proper on the White Path, now retracing your steps from the start of the hike, and comply with the white blazes to the Evans Hill Street Trailhead, the place the hike started.

Flip proper on White Path

White Path – Herrick Protect

White Path – Herrick Protect

White Path – Herrick Protect

Evans Hill Street Trailhead – Herrick Protect

Evaluate:

Herrick Protect gives a peaceable, reasonably difficult loop via quiet and scenic woods. Highlights embody the Amy’s Lookout Path, with its gorgeous views of the Housatonic River Valley, and the Housatonic Overlook, a rocky perch good for images and a relaxation. Nicely-marked trails, light climbs, and shaded paths make this hike a refreshing escape into nature.

Professionals:

Nicely-marked trails, scenic overlooks, quiet and peaceable woods, not a lot foot site visitors.

Cons:

Restricted parking, no restrooms, spotty cell service.

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