Godfrey Trail and Godfrey Pond

The Godfrey, Bedford, and Pent Trails Loop offers a delightful immersion into the dense woodlands and rolling terrain of the Devil's Den Nature Preserve. You'll wander along peaceful forest paths, often tracing the West Branch of the Saugatuck River, and pass the tranquil waters of Godfrey Pond, an 18th-century mill pond. This moderate 5.3-mile (8.6 km) hiking route, with its gentle 336 feet (102 metres) of elevation gain, is a perfect way to spend about 2 hours and 18 minutes enjoying Connecticut's natural beauty.

Planning your visit to this loop is straightforward, as it's situated within the Devil's Den Nature Preserve. The trails are well-marked with blazes and numbered posts at junctions, making navigation simple for hikers. While specific parking information isn't detailed, the preserve is a popular spot, so arriving earlier in the day is often a good strategy to secure a convenient spot.

This trail is a fantastic example of the diverse natural beauty found within the Devil's Den Nature Preserve, a significant natural area in Western Connecticut. The presence of Godfrey Pond not only adds a scenic element but also provides a glimpse into the region's historical past as an 18th-century mill pond. It's an accessible and engaging option for those looking for a well-maintained trail with both natural and historical points of interest.

The Godfrey Pond – Godfrey Trail and Godfrey Pond loop offers a delightful escape into the Weston-Wilton Forest Reserve, circling the historic 18th-century mill pond. You'll find yourself immersed in regenerated forest, with a particularly charming wooded section along the northern shore of Godfrey Pond. This moderate hiking route spans 4.9 miles (7.8 km) with a gentle 319 feet (97 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 2 hours and 6 minutes to complete, making it a perfect choice for a relaxed outing.

For planning your visit, parking is conveniently located at the end of Pent Road in a dirt area that fits around ten vehicles. If you're bringing your furry friend, dogs are permitted on the Godfrey Pond Trail as long as they are leashed and you clean up their waste. The trails are clearly marked with numbered posts at junctions and yellow blazes guiding you along the hiking-only paths.

This loop is nestled within the larger Devil's Den Nature Preserve, an anchor site within the Saugatuck Forest Lands known for its extensive forest and role in protecting the Saugatuck River Watershed. The area also holds historical significance, with the forest having regenerated after extensive charcoal making, and remnants of an old "up-and-down sawmill" still present, adding a layer of past industry to the natural beauty.