Roaring Brook Nature Center - Canton, Connecticut

Discover the Wonders of Nature at Roaring Brook Nature Center

Nestled in the serene surroundings of Canton, Connecticut, at Address: 70 Gracey Rd, Canton, CT 06019, the Roaring Brook Nature Center stands as a beacon for nature enthusiasts and families alike. With a phone line accessible at 860-693-0263 and an informative website at roaringbrook.org, this natural gem is easy to connect with.

Key Features and Services

- Nature Preserve: Explore the untouched beauty of the nature preserve, where the sounds of nature surround you at every turn.
- Natural History Museum: Delve into the rich history and biodiversity of the local area through exhibits at the natural history museum.
- Store: For souvenirs or educational materials, the on-site store offers unique items.
- Tourist Attraction: It's a must-visit destination for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.
- Wildlife Refuge: The center serves as a refuge for various wildlife species, showcasing the importance of conservation.
- Wildlife Rescue Service: Demonstrating its commitment to animal welfare, they offer a wildlife rescue service.

Accessibility and Facilities

- Wheelchair Accessibility: Ensure everyone can enjoy their visit with a wheelchair-accessible car park, wheelchair-accessible entrance, and facilities.
- On-Site Services: Take advantage of picnic tables, public toilets, and other amenities.
- Family-Friendly: The center is particularly good for children, offering kid-friendly hikes and a birthday experience that kids will cherish.

Visitor Experiences and Recommendations

Based on 213 reviews on Google My Business, the average opinion is an impressive 4.8 out of 5. Many visitors praise the center for its free walking and hiking trails, perfect for families, especially younger kids. It's noted that some trails might be a bit overgrown in certain spots and maps are limited, but the experience remains overwhelmingly positive. Some common points of interest include:

- Trail Experience: Trails are enjoyed by children, despite being overgrown, and while a detailed map isn't provided, the natural beauty makes up for it.
- Learning Opportunities: The center offers a great educational experience, making it excellent for kids' birthday parties and general exploration.

Additional Tips for Visitors

- Arrive Early: To avoid the rush and fully enjoy the facilities like the porta potty and store.
- Comfortable Footwear: Given the hiking trails, wear shoes suitable for walking on varied terrain.
- Check In Advance: For specific trail details or center operations, calling ahead can be helpful.

👍 Reviews of Roaring Brook Nature Center

Margaret H.

4/5

9.29.24 We only visited the free, walking/hiking trails. The 9 year old enjoyed the trails, but they were a bit overgrown in spots, and we didn't really see a map of what trails went where, nor did we see a porta potty. Maybe that was indoors, which didn't open until 1, and we were out walking around 10ish. Overall, this is great place for younger kids to explore and learn about all things nature.

Cody G.

4/5

Trails are very peaceful, and free to go on. They are an easy walk with some benches and there is a group of picnic tables if you want to bring a lunch. There are signs labeling the local plants and fauna. The nature center is interesting for young kids, but most adults would be underwhelmed but can feel good about supporting an animal resuce facility. It was reasonably priced, $25 for 2 adults and 1 kid.

Jared H.

5/5

Nice afternoon at the nature center. Creative enough to capture the attention of our four year old; thoughtful exhibits on the area's natural history that got us interested, too. After the exhibits we enjoyed a cool guided tour of mushrooms along one of their several well-kept trails.

Khanhlinh L. B.

5/5

Good place a lot thing to do for kid . You can hike and enjoy the view.

Lauren I.

5/5

My 3-year-old and I visited for their egg-themed scavenger hunt. It was the perfect way to spend a beautiful spring day. The scavenger hunt took us on a short trail, maybe about 1 mile. The terrain was doable for a pre-schooler - pretty much flat, but with lots of branches and rocks to look out for. There are more difficult and longer trails for the more adventurous. We saw small waterfalls, streams, bridges, all very interesting to my daughter. Inside they had crafts and small animals (snakes, turtles, geckos, bullfrogs, etc). Also a small gift shop where we received a prize for completing the scavenger hunt and picked up a couple of souvenirs. It was such a wonderful day and now my daughter is asking when we can go hiking again.

Silvia P.

5/5

We went there to celebrate a birthday party, kids had a lot of fun, they got to touch a bunny and a snake. They had a guided hike in the woods, crossed a couple bridges, saw a waterfall and many hummingbirds. The guide moved some logs so kids could see worms and little bugs. They also learned awesome things about animals and nature. Finally they visited the museum and the gift store. I will definitely recommend this place.

Monica C.

4/5

Beautiful place for field trip, or for visiting with kids during the weekend, nice views with different trails, easy for walking.

Jessica D.

5/5

They had awesome hiking trails and water my 2 year old enjoyed walking thru the trails and putting his feet in the water