Pick your adventure and go – a mix of meadow, farmland, wooded ridge and wetlands with two amazing lookouts.
I have frequented Lake Waramaug, Hopkins Vineyard and Hopkins Inn and had heard of the preserve that began with an “M” near by. I will no longer forget the name of Macricostas preserve as it left an impression.
There are four main points of interest and on this visit I saw the two overlooks.
Judea Garden
I look forward to returning in the spring to see the garden as well as come back with my baby cousins to walk Story Walk (#ROLA). From there the walk began to the lookout.
Tree reflection Gift 
Stella
Macricostas Lookout
There are two paths to get to the lookouts. A shorter steeper climb versus a longer more gradual one. While I took the shorter one, the longer one is only about an additional 15 minutes.
The lookout was awesome. Although it was past peak, the minimal leaves facilitated using the trees as frames for photo ops. Additionally I could see the Bee Brook River meander through the marsh from the overlook.
Be Present Gift of the Day 
Waramaug Rock & View
The rock itself was massive and quite impressive when viewed with the student reading at the top. It was awesome to have a clear day and see both the lake and the mountain ranges beyond. I do recommend a walking stick for the climb back down.
Marsh Viewing Platform
While I didn’t make it to the platform today, I look forward to returning to see Judah’s Garden and will couple it with the platform.
As touched upon above, I have enjoyed Hopkins Inn for a bite which overlooks Lake Waramaug on the other side of the lake with Hopkins Vineyard next door. Both with blogs pending.
https://steeprockassoc.org/macricostas-preserve/
Let’s together find more easy moments of inspiration in nature!
Pivot and Pause in New England 