Connecticut Audubon - Deer Pond Farm Sanctuary - Sherman, CT
Connecticut Audubon – Deer Pond Farm Sanctuary: Nature Trails in Sherman, Connecticut
Experience a tranquil retreat at the Connecticut Audubon – Deer Pond Farm Sanctuary, a scenic destination just outside Sherman, Connecticut. Nestled along the NY/CT border, this preserve offers miles of wide, well-maintained hiking trails amid beautiful woodlands and the eponymous Deer Pond. The park is known for its peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers to enjoy birding, hiking, and immersive outdoor experiences. Note that this sanctuary does not allow dogs, including on-leash, as its primary focus is the protection of local wildlife and habitats.
Visitors will find a modern main office with restrooms, posted trail maps, and a gravel parking lot. The facility features activities for families and often hosts nature programs, classes, and guided hikes. While the area is fenced and gated due to its conservation mission, it is not a traditional dog park and does not support dog-friendly or off-leash activities. Please leave your pets at home and enjoy the sanctuary’s natural beauty for a quiet day outdoors in Sherman, Connecticut.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? No, dogs are not allowed at the park.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, there is not a designated dog area; in fact, dogs are not allowed.
- Are there restrooms available for owners? Yes, restrooms are available in the main office building.
- Is the park good for kids? Yes, the park offers kid-friendly hikes and family programs.
- Where is the best place to park? There is a gravel parking lot available for visitors.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the sanctuary features well-maintained and marked hiking trails.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, the trails and facilities are well-kept and maintained by staff and volunteers.
- Are there staff or rangers present at the park? Yes, friendly staff and volunteers are on site to assist visitors.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Some trails may have muddy spots after rain, especially the “quail trail” area.
Reviews
Visited during Covid and found it peaceful and comforting, then remembered it was former CITIBANK’S CEO Walter Wriston’s home. I met him as a high school student on a class tour many years ago and he encouraged me to attend college.Years later he gave me my business loan. A wonderful man.
This is a beautiful location. The staff and volunteers I met are fantastic. Please support if possible and look at coming for programs offered!
The farm looks like a private property (because it used to be) since it’s fenced and gated. My husband and I went here today for the first time. The staff was very friendly and made some great recommendations on what trails we can take. The trails are very well maintained and are labelled. The map is very easy to read/follow. We went down the lady bird trail and did the loop on Kirby trail after reaching the scenic overlook. Stunning!
They also have a calendar of activities posted up on the board for some classes and group hiking. The main office building is pretty new and looks nice and has restrooms.
The NY/CT border is also marked and labelled so you know when you’ve reached the NY side. 😃 Bicycles and dogs aren’t allowed so leave that at home.
The trails are very wide and generally well-kept. I went for the first time yesterday and I went on the bulk of the main trails. Even after all of the rain that we’ve had the quail trail area was the only continuously super muddy spot. It feels very secluded; the weather was lovely and I only saw 6 people in 4 hours. I’ll certainly be back for Spring/Fall migration!
Lovely scenery, though somewhat challenging topography. Several rivulets, and of course, the eponymous deer pond towards the center. The trails are well marked, and there are several posted maps for orientation. Gravel parking lot. The visitor center was closed during this review.