BIGELOW
HOLLOW - 513 acres Union
A scenic, natural setting provides a nice location for a day trip or escape. The
Park provides access to two popular trout ponds: Bigelow Pond and Lake Mashapaug.
The clear waters of these placid lakes reflect the overall beauty of the area.
Activities: Picnicking, Fishing, Hiking, Boating, Scuba
Diving, Mountain Biking
Services: Water, Boat Launch Ramp, Gravel Parking
Alcohol Free Park: Please do not bring alcoholic beverages.
Location: 2 miles east of Union on Route 197
Charge: Weekends and
Holidays
BLACK
ROCK - 443 acres Watertown
The name "Black Rock" is derived from the local graphite deposits
which the early settlers of the Naugatuck Valley were allowed to mine by the
resident Indians. Visitors can enjoy the scenery of the Western Highlands while
hiking the blue-blazed Mattatuck Trail which connects the Park to the woodland
sections of the Mattatuck State Forest.
Activities: Picnicking, Camping, Swimming, Fishing, Hiking,
Skiing, Skating, Nature-Program.
Services: Concession, Flush Toilets, Gravel/Grass Parking,
Showers, Change House, Telephone.
Alcohol Free Park: Please do not bring alcoholic beverages.
Location: 2 miles west of Thomaston on Route 6.
Charge: Daily
BLUFF
POINT COASTAL RESERVE - 806 acres Groton
A rocky bluff and tombolo beach on Long Island Sound are a half-hour walk from
the parking area. A 100 acre tidal salt marsh, inland impoundments, and upland
forest offer excellent hiking and nature study opportunities.
Activities: Fishing, Hiking, Shellfishing, Casual Picnicking, Cross-Country
Skiing, Mountain Biking
Services: Gravel Parking
Location: Rt 117 Exit from I-95. Rt onto U.S. 1, left on
Depot Rd, continue under R.R. overpass
Charge: none
BURR POND
- 436 acres Torrington
Burr Pond, site of Borden's first condensed milk factory in the U.S., is nestled
in the northern Connecticut hills. A scenic path encircles the 88-acre pond
contained
in the Park.
Activities: Picnicking, Fishing, Swimming, Hiking, Camping,
Boating, Skiing, Mountain Biking
Services: Picnic Shelter, Concession, Change House,
Telephone, Flush Toilets, Boat Launch Ramp.
Location: 5 miles north of Torrington on old Route 8.
Charge: Daily
CHATFIELD
HOLLOW - 355.6 acres Killingworth
The Park is situated in a heavily wooded hollow where natural caves and rocky
ledges once provided shelter for Indians. Schreeder Pond, built in the 1930's by
the
C.C.C. dominates the developed portions of the Park. The adjoining Cockaponset
State Forest is a natural extension of the Chatfield Hiking Trail System.
Activities: Picnicking, Pond and Stream Fishing, Swimming,
Hiking, Ice Skating
Services: Picnic Shelter, Concession, First Aid, Flush
Toilets, Change Houses, Telephone
Location: 1 1/2 miles west of Killingworth center on Route
80.
Charge: Daily
COLLIS
P. HUNTINGTON - 878 acres Redding
The Park was a gift of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington (world famous sculptor)
in memory of Archer Huntington's stepfather Collis P. Huntington (railroad
builder and transportation millionaire). The scenic country lanes throughout the
park are canopied with sugar maples. The setting is ideal for an old-fashioned
stroll on
a lazy summer day.
Activities: Hiking, Fishing (5 ponds), Cross-Country Skiing,
Horseback Riding, Canoeing
Services: Gravel Parking
Location: Take Route 58 to Sunset Hill Road. Park entrance is
on east side of Sunset Hill Road
Charge:
None
CONNECTICUT
VALLEY RAILROAD - 300 acres Essex
The land is owned by the State of Connecticut and is leased to the Connecticut
Valley Railroad. May through October a vintage stream train carries passengers
on
an hour-long round trip to Chester. The train connects with an optional
riverboat cruise at Deep River landing.
Activities: Train Ride, Steamboat Ride
Information & Timetables: Call (860) 767-0103
Location: Exit 3 off of Route 9 onto Railroad Avenue.
Charge: Daily
DAY
POND - 180 acres Colchester
The pond, which is the central feature of Day Pond State Park was originally
constructed by a pioneering family by the name of Day. The water from the pond
turned a large overshot waterwheel which powered the "up and down saw"
of the family sawmill. Today's park visitors will find only stone foundations as
reminders of those colonial times. Day Pond is an attractive area for fishermen
since the pond is stocked with trout.
Activities: Picnicking, Swimming, Fishing, Hiking,
Interpretive Trail, Mountain Biking
Services: Picnic Shelter, Telephone, Flush Toilets, Drinking
Water, Gravel Parking
Location: 5 1/2 miles west of Colchester off Route 149.
Charge: Weekends and Holidays
DENNIS
HILL - 240 acres Norfolk
Dennis Hill, a 240 acre estate, was gifted to the State of Connecticut in 1935
by Dr. Frederick Shepard Dennis, a noted New York surgeon. A unique summit
pavilion (formerly summer residence), located at an elevation of 1627 feet, is a
popular attraction. Haystack Mountain, Mt. Greylock, the Green Mountains, and a
portion of the State of New Hampshire can be readily seen from the summit.
Activities: Picnicking, Hiking, Overlook, Cross-Country
Skiing
Services: Picnic Shelter, Gravel and Grass Parking
Location: 2 miles south of Norfolk on Route 272.
Charge: None
DEVILS
HOPYARD - 860 acres East Haddam
Devil's Hopyard's primary focal point is Chapman Falls whose water tumbles over
the rocky escarpment more than sixty feet. The water from the splash pool at the
base of the falls, continuing as the Eight Mile River, flows through the hemlock
canopied picnic area, providing a tranquil setting for a family outing. No less
than half a dozen myths surround the name of this Park. The numerous potholes at
the base of the falls are the basis for one tale which suggests that these
formations were the result of the Devil hopping from ledge to ledge in order not
to get wet. The cylindrical holes were "burned" into the rock by the
"hot hoofs."
Activities: Picnicking, Camping, Stream Fishing, Hiking,
Mountain Biking
Services: Picnic Shelter, Outhouses, Gravel Parking. Drinking
Water
Location: 3 miles north of the intersection of Route 82 and
Route 156.
Charge: None
DINOSAUR
- 60 acres Rocky Hill
The geodesic dome Exhibit Center encloses an exposure of rock which bears about
500 tracks made by dinosaurs of the Jurassic Period (200 million years ago), an
80-foot long diorama depicting the setting in which the tracks were made, and
related interactive exhibits. The Park is open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. The Exhibit Center is open Tuesday-Sunday. Both are closed
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. Trails are open 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Park
telephone (860) 529-5816.
Activities: Exhibit Center, Interpretive Program, Picnicking,
Nature Trail, Hiking
Services: Paved Parking, Flush Toilets, Drinking Water
Location: 1 mile east of Exit 23 off I-91.
Charge: There is an admission charge to enter the Exhibit
Center, but no charge for park use.
FORT
GRISWOLD BATTLEFIELD - 16 acres Groton
This is the historic site where, on September 6, 1781, British Forces, commanded
by the infamous Benedict Arnold, captured the Fort and massacred 88 of the 165
defenders stationed there. The Ebenezer Avery House which sheltered the wounded
after the battle has been restored on the grounds. A Revolutionary War museum
also depicts the era.
Activities: Historic Fort, Museum, and Tower
Services: Paved Parking (on street), Drinking Water
Location: 2 miles from Clarence B. Sharp Highway Exit off
Route I-95.
Charge: None
GAY
CITY - 1569 acres Hebron
The Park centers about the remains of an 18th century, abandoned mill village.
Stone foundations of mills, water ditches, and houses can be seen along wooded
roads. The Park adjoins Meshomasic State Forest.
Activities: Picnicking, Swimming, Hiking, Interpretive Trail,
Fishing, Camping, Skiing, Historic Site,
Services: Flush Toilets, Gravel Parking, Telephone, Drinking
Water
Location: 3 miles south of Bolton on Route 85.
Charge: Weekends and Holidays
GILLETTE
CASTLE - 184 acres East Haddam - The
comprehensive restoration now underway at actor William Gillette's estate high
above the Connecticut River will preserve the historic fabric of a unique
architectural landmark, update facilities and improve access. The Castle is in
the final phase of extensive exterior and interior renovations. In addition to
major structural and general restoration work, new mechanical and fire
suppression systems are being installed. Improvements to the grounds will
include a visitor center designed to complement the Castle, reconstruction of
stone walls along interior roads, accessible walkways, and landscaping.
HADDAM MEADOWS
- 175 acres Haddam
This large meadow is situated in the Connecticut River flood plain. An access
road loops around the entire area to provide access to both the meadow and the
Connecticut River. Field Sports are popular here during the summer months.
Activities: Picnicking, Fishing, Boating, Skiing, Mountain
Biking , Drinking Water, Boat Launch Ramp
Location: 3 miles south of Higganum off Route 9A.
Charge: None
HALEY
FARM - 198 acres Groton
The Park has been preserved as open space and is used for passive recreational
purposes. A 0.8 mile bike trail winds its way through the scenic old shoreline
farm.
The Haley Farm Bike Trail, which is wheelchair accessible, is part of a 7 1/2
mile town-owned bikeway routed from Mystic to Groton on local roadways.
Activities: Hiking, Bike Trail, Jogging, Cross-Country
Skiing, Mountain Biking
Services: Gravel Parking
Location: Follow Route 215 South to Brook Street in Groton.
Parking area is at the end of Brook St.
Charge: None
HAMMONASSET
BEACH - 919 acres Madison
Connecticut's largest public beach facility provides visitors with two miles of
white sandy beach and excellent saltwater swimming.
Activities: Camping, Picnicking, Fishing, Swimming, Hiking,
Interpretive Program, Boating
Services: Beach Wheelchairs, Picnic Shelter, Pavilion,
Concession, Flush Toilets, Change Rooms
Location: 1 mile south Exit 62 from Route I-95.
Charge: Daily
HARKNESS
MEMORIAL - 116 acres Waterford
This magnificent Summer estate on Long Island Sound belonged to the late Edward
S. Harkness family. In order to provide recreational opportunities for
Connecticut's disabled Citizens, Mary Stillman Harkness gave the Park to the
State. The Park offers a 42 room Italian mansion and formal gardens. History and
Restoration. Eolia - The Mansion at Harkness - Rental Information. For
information on the "Summer Music at Harkness" program please call
(860) 442-9199.
Activities: Picnicking, Saltwater Fishing, Field Sports,
Mansion, Formal Gardens
Services: Flush Toilets, Paved Parking, Water, Telephone
Location: 4 miles south of New London on Route 213.
Charge: Daily
HAYSTACK
MOUNTAIN - 224 acres Norfolk
The 34 foot high stone tower at the summit of Haystack Mountain (1716 feet above
sea level) allows visitors to see Long Island Sound, the Berkshires, and peaks
in Massachusetts and New York. A roadway takes visitors halfway up the mountain
to a parking area. The road enables the aged or disabled to enjoy the mountain's
spectacle of fall foliage or June's outstanding show of mountain laurel. From
the parking lot there is a rugged half mile trail to the top. Allow about half
an hour for this trip if you are not a seasoned hiker.
Activities: Picnicking, Observation Tower, Overlook, Hiking,
Mountain Biking
Services: Drinking Water, Gravel/Grass Parking
Location: 1 mile north of Norfolk on Route 272.
Charge: None
HOPEVILLE
POND - 544 acres Griswold
Hopeville Pond, a former woolen mill pond, was recognized for its recreational
potential in 1930 by the Federal Government. The Government purchased a
considerable amount of acreage which was managed by the Civilian Conservation
Corps (C.C.C) until purchased by the State in 1959. The fine work of the C.C.C.
is still evident in the pine plantations, forest roads and fire control ponds.
The park is also noted for its glacial geologic features.
Activities: Picnicking, Camping, Fishing, Swimming, Boating,
Nature Trail, Hiking, Mountain Biking
Services: Concessions, Flush Toilets, Paved Parking, Change
Houses, Boat Launch Ramp
Location: 3 miles east of Jewett City on Route 201, off Exit
86 of Route 52.
Charge: Weekends and Holidays
HOUSATONIC
MEADOWS - 451 acres Sharon
Located in the rock-strewn valley of the Housatonic River amid the rugged hills
of the Northwestern uplands, Housatonic Meadows is an ideal setting for a
variety of
out door recreational activities. Camping under the tall pines on the river
banks gives the overnight visitor a genuine feeling of isolation. The clear cold
river water also provides a fine opportunity for fly fishermen to test their
skills on trout and bass. A two-mile stretch of river (including the park shore)
is limited to fly fishing.
Activities: Camping, Picnicking, Youth Group Camping,
Fishing, Hiking, Canoeing, Skiing
Services: Flush Toilets, Drinking Water, Gravel Parking,
Telephone.
Alcohol Free Campground: Please do not bring alcoholic
beverages.
Location: 1 mile north of Cornwall Bridge on Route 7.
Charge: None
HURD
- 884 acres East Hampton
Situated on the high east bank of the Connecticut River, the Park provides a
scenic view of the River in spring and summer, and of the fall foliage in the
autumn.
Activities: Hiking, Picnicking, Fishing, Skiing, Camping,
Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking
Services: Picnic Shelter, Gravel parking, Drinking Water
Location: 3 miles south of Colbalt center on Route 151.
Charge: None
INDIAN
WELL - 153 acres Shelton
Indian Well was so named because of the Romeo and Juliet-like Indian legend
surrounding the Park's scenic waterfalls and the splash pool at the bottom of
the falls. The area was never used as a well by local Indians. Although the
falls are lovely, the Park's primary attraction is its location on the western
bank of the Housatonic River. The shaded picnic grove at the water's edge is a
nice spot to spend a lazy summer day.
Activities: Picnicking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Hiking,
Field Sports, Mountain Biking
Services: Picnic Shelter, Concession, Flush Toilets, Parking,
Telephone, Boat Launch Ramp
Location: 2 miles north of Shelton on Route 110.
Charge: Daily
JOHN
A. MINETTO - 678 acres Torrington
This Park was once the location of the first house constructed in the Town of
Winsted. The rolling, open land was formerly known as Hall Meadow after the
adjacent Hall Brook.
Activities: Picnicking, Fishing, Field Sports, Hiking,
Cross-Country Skiing, Ice Skating
Services: Picnic Shelter, Flush Toilets, Paved Parking,
Gravel Parking, Drinking Water, Telephone
Location: 6 miles north of Torrington on Route 272.
Charge: None
KENT
FALLS - 295 acres Kent
Kent Falls, a 295 acre gift from the White Memorial Foundation, is perhaps one
of the most scenic facilities in the state park system. The cascading waterfall
draws
thousands of visitors each year especially during the spring and fall. The Falls
are a draw for both amateur and professional photographers. They have been
pictured
in numerous magazine advertisements and have appeared in the T.V. soap opera
"Guiding Light". The staired pathway adjacent to the Falls provides
views of all
levels of the cascade.
Activities: Picnicking, Freshwater Fishing, Hiking, Scenic
Vista, Field Sports
Services: Flush Toilets, Parking, Drinking Water, Telephone
Location: 3 miles north of Kent on Route 7.
Charge: Weekends and Holidays
KETTLETOWN
- 492 acres Southbury
When settlers first arrived in this portion of the State, they purchased a large
tract of land from the Indians for the consideration of one brass kettle. The
name
Kettletown, given to this area at that time still endures and all of the present
State Park lies within the boundaries of the original purchase. The Park extends
for about two miles along the east shore of Lake Zoar. A recently constructed
handicapped accessible nature trail is a popular attraction.
Activities: Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Nature Trail, Swimming,
Nature Program, Picnicking
Services: Flush Toilets, Paved/Gravel Parking, Drinking
Water.
Location: 5 miles south of Southbury, Exit 15 off I-84.
Charge: Daily
LAKE
WARAMAUG - 95 acres Kent
Scenically, few bodies of water in Connecticut can rival the picturesque setting
of Lake Waramaug. When vivid fall foliage is mirrored in the unrippled lake
surface, the Park becomes a mecca for both sightseers and photographers. The
Women's National Rowing Regatta has become an annual event on the placid Lake.
Winners of this event go on to represent the U.S. in International and
Olympic competitions.
Activities: Swimming, Picnicking, Camping, Fishing, Hiking,
Nature Program, Mountain Biking
Services: Picnic Shelter, Flush Toilets, Concessions,
Drinking Water, Gravel/Grass Parking
Location: 5 miles north of New Preston on Lake Waramaug Road
(Route 478).
Charge: Weekends and Holidays
MACEDONIA
BROOK - 2,300 acres Kent
Macedonia Brook became the property of the State in 1918 through a gift from the
White Memorial Foundation in Litchfield. Two peaks within the Park are near
1,400 feet in elevation and offer outstanding views of the Catskills and Taconic
mountains. Numerous springs and streams create a pleasurable experience for the
nature oriented recreation seeker.
Activities: Stream Fishing, Camping, Hiking, Picnicking,
Cross-Country Skiing, Historic Area
Services: Picnic Shelter, Drinking Water, Gravel Parking,
Outhouses, Telephone
Alcohol Free Campground: Please do not bring alcoholic
beverages.
Location: 4 miles northwest of Kent.
From the intersection of Routes 7 and 341 in the center of Kent, follow Route
341 West for 2 miles and turn right onto Macedonia Brook
Road. Continue north on Macedonia Brook Road for an additional 2 miles.
Charge: None
MANSFIELD
HOLLOW - 2,328 acres Mansfield
The damming of the Natchaug River by the Army Corps of Engineers has created a
500-acre lake for boating and fishing. No swimming is allowed since part of the
lake is used for public water supply.
Activities: Hiking, Picnicking, Boating, Fishing,
Cross-Country Skiing, Nature Trail, Camping
Services: Drinking Water, Gravel Parking, Boat Launch Ramp
Alcohol Free Park: Please do not bring alcoholic beverages.
Location: 1 mile east of Mansfield Center off Route 89.
Charge: None
MASHAMOQUET
BROOK - 860 acres Pomfret
The present Park was formed by combining three parks: Mashamoquet Brook, Wolf
Den, and Saptree Run. An interesting trail system provides access to the
various areas and features of the Park. The most famous of the Park features is
the Wolf Den into which, on a night in 1742, Israel Putnam crept and shot a wolf
which for years had preyed upon local sheep and poultry. This same Israel Putnam
was later to gain fame as a Major General in the Continental Army during the
Revolutionary War.
Near the Den are the Table Rock and Indian chair stone formations.
Activities: Picnicking, Fishing, Swimming, Field Sports,
Camping, Flush Toilets, Nature Trail
Services: Picnic Shelter, Concession, Drinking Water, Change
Houses, Flush Toilets, Gravel Parking.
Location: 5 miles southwest of Putnam on Route 44.
Charge: Weekends and Holidays
MILLERS
POND STATE PARK
(in Cockaponsett State Forest) Durham - *15,642 acres (entire Cockaponsett State
Forest)
Activities: Hiking, Fishing
Services: Gravel Parking
Alcohol Free Park: Please do not bring alcoholic beverages.
Location: Off of Fotthills Road in Durham
Charge: None
MOHAWK
MOUNTAIN - 260 acres Cornwall
This Park, under lease to the Mohawk Mountain Ski Area, is known for being one
of Connecticut's finest winter sporting areas. The Mountain offers a sweeping
panorama of the western highlands, especially during the fall foliage season. A
road to an abandoned fire tower, plus vista cuts, provide these enchanting
views.
Activities: Hiking, Picnicking, Scenic Vista, Snowmobiling,
Nature Area, Skiing
Services: Drinking Water, Gravel Parking, Concession, Ski
Lifts
Location: 6 miles west of Goshen off Route 4.
Charge: Contact Mohawk Ski Area, Cornwall CT 06753; Telephone
(860)672-6100
MT.
TOM - 232 acres Litchfield
Mt. Tom is one of the oldest parks in the state park system; it is named for the
mountain within its boundaries. There is a stone tower on top of the mountain
which is a favored destination among hikers. The summit of Mt. Tom is 1325 feet
above sea level, 125 feet higher than its Massachusetts counterpart. The tower
trail is about
a mile long and rises some 500 feet.
Activities: Swimming, Hiking, Picnicking, Lookout Tower,
Fishing, Ice Skating, Boating (non-motor),
Services: Concession, Flush Toilets, Gravel Parking, Drinking
Water, Change Houses, Telephone
Location: 3 1/2 miles west of Bantam off Route 202.
Charge: Daily
OSBORNEDALE
- 350 acres Derby
The Park is located in the Naugatuck Valley hills just east of the Housatonic
River. The wooded park offers shaded picnic areas for summer enjoyment and a
skating
pond for winter fun.
Activities: Skating, Picnicking, Hiking, Fishing, Field
Sports, Cross-Country Skiing
Services: Picnic Shelter, Drinking Water, Flush Toilets,
Paved Parking, Telephone
Alcohol Free Park: Please do not bring alcoholic beverages.
Location: 1 mile northwest of Derby off Route 34.
Charge: None
OSBORNE
HOMESTEAD MUSEUM - 3 acres Derby
Adjacent to the open meadows and rolling hills of Osbornedale State Park, the
Museum encompasses the house and grounds of the former Francis E. Osborne
Kellogg Estate. Originally constructed as a farmhouse in 1850, the building has
undergone periodic modifications and additions, gradually evolving into the
impressive Federal Structure which houses the Museum today. Its recently
restored interior now displays the original contents of the estate which
constitute a significant collection of antiques and fine arts. Richly landscaped
with formal gardens, ornamentals, and flowering trees, the grounds provide
visitors with an endless pageant of color from spring through autumn. Guided
tours (a donation is requested), special tours, and seasonal events are offered.
Hours vary seasonally. For further information call (203) 734-2513
Location: 1 mile northwest of Derby off Route 34.
PENWOOD
- 787 acres Bloomfield
The 787 acre Park was formerly the property of the late Curtis H. Veeder, an
industrialist, inventor, and outdoorsman. He named it "Penwood" partly
because his ancestors came from Pennsylvania and partly because the name Veeder
is Dutch for "pen."
Activities: Picnicking, Hiking, Interpretive Nature Trail,
Scenic Vista, Bikeway, Mountain Biking
Services: Picnic Shelter, Drinking Water, Paved/Gravel
Parking, Flush Toilets
Location: 4 miles west of Bloomfield on Route 185.
Charge: None
SETH
LOW PIERREPONT STATE PARK RESERVE -305 acres Ridgefield
Activities: Hiking, Fishing, Boating (small boats)
Services: Gravel Parking, Outhouses, Car Top Boat Ramp
Location: Off of Route 116 in Ridgefield
Charge: None
PUTNAM
MEMORIAL PARK - 183 acres Redding
This was the site of the Continental Army's 1779 winter encampment under the
command of General Israel Putnam. The site consists of remains of the
encampment,
reconstructed log buildings, and a museum.
Activities: Museum, Fishing, Picnicking, Field Sports,
Interpretive Trail, Historical Site, Ice Skating
Services: Drinking Water, Flush Toilets, Gravel Parking
Location: 3 miles south of Bethel on Route 58.
Charge: None
QUADDICK
- 116 acres Thompson
The area which is now Quaddick State Park was once the site of Thompson's town
farm where elderly residents of the village spent their reflective years. Prior
to that, it had been a fishing area of the Nipmuck Indians. The cool reservoir
water and the sandy beach draw frequent crowds during the warm summer months.
Activities: Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Picnicking,
Field Sports, Ice Skating
Services: Concession, Gravel Parking, Telephone, Flush
Toilets, Change Houses, Boat Launch Ramp
Location: 7 miles northeast of Putnam via East Putnam Road
off Route 44.
Charge: Weekends and Holidays
ROCKY
NECK - 708 acres East Lyme
One mile of beach frontage on Long Island Sound provides one of Connecticut's
finest saltwater bathing beaches.
Activities: Saltwater Fishing, Scuba Diving, Swimming,
Hiking, Picnicking, Camping, Field Sports,
Nature Program, Interpretive Program, Mountain Biking, Roller Blading
Services: Picnic Shelter, Concessions, Bathhouses, Flush
Toilets, Gravel Parking, Telephone
Location: 3 miles west of Niantic (Exit 72 from the
Connecticut Turnpike).
Charge: Daily
SELDEN
NECK - 528 acres Lyme
This is truly a place to "get away from it all." The island park is
accessible by water only. Primitive riverside campsites are available from May 1
through September 30.
Activities: River Camping, Hiking
Services: Outhouses, Fireplaces
Location: Connecticut River, Lyme.
Charge: Nightly Camping Fee
SHERWOOD
ISLAND - 234 acres Westport
1 1/2 miles of beach frontage on Long Island Sound and large open fields provide
a restful respite from work.
Activities: Swimming, Picnicking, Fishing, Interpretive
Program, Nature Center, Nature Trail
Services: Pavilion, Telephone, Bathhouses, Concessions,
Paved/Gravel Parking, Flush Toilets
Alcohol Free Park: Please do not bring alcoholic beverages.
Location: 2 miles south of Westport (Exit 18 off Connecticut
Turnpike I-95).
Charge: Daily
SLEEPING
GIANT - 1439 acres Hamden
Two miles of mountain top resembling a large man lying in repose, the
"sleeping giant," is a popular feature of the south central
Connecticut skyline. A 1 1/2 mile
scenic trail leads to the stone observation tower on the peak of Mt. Carmel
which provides an excellent view of Long Island Sound and the New Haven area.
Activities: Hiking, Stream Fishing, Picnicking, Nature Trail,
Scenic Vista, Lookout Tower
Services: Picnic Shelter, Drinking Water, Flush Toilets,
Gravel Parking
Location: 2 miles north of Hamden off Route 10.
Charge: Weekends and Holidays
SOUTHFORD
FALLS - 120 acres Oxford
At the turn of the century, this was the site of the Diamond Match Company.
Scenic waterfalls are at the southeast end of the Park on the Eight Mile River.
The Larkin Bridle Trail is nearby.
Activities: Hiking, Pond and Stream Fishing, Picnicking,
Field Sports, Cross-Country Skiing,
Services: Picnic Shelter, Drinking Water, Flush Toilets,
Gravel Parking
Location: 4 miles southwest of Southbury on Route 188.
Charge: None
SQUANTZ
POND - 172 acres New Fairfield
Squantz Pond immerses the visitor in a "mountain like" setting. Steep,
wooded slopes disappear into the cool, blue pond below. In the fall, the Park
becomes a haven for photographers capturing the colorful reflection of the
foliage in the mirrored surface of the water.
Activities: Swimming, Pond Fishing, Hiking, Scuba Diving,
Picnicking, Boating
Services: Flush Toilets, First Aid, Concession, Boat Launch
Ramp, Telephone, Parking
Alcohol Free Park: Please
do not bring alcoholic beverages.
Location: 4 miles north of New Fairfield on Route 39.
Charge: Daily
STODDARD HILL
- 55 acres Ledyard
A rocky, wooded knoll overlooks the Thames River and provides limited boating
access to the river.
Activities: Fishing, Picnicking, Hiking, Boating
Services: Paved Parking, Boat Launch Ramp, Fishing Access
Platform
Location: 5 miles south of Norwich on Route 12.
Charge: None
STRATTON
BROOK - 148 acres Simsbury
The proximity of Stratton Brook to the Hartford metropolitan area has made it
one of the better known small parks of the State. It was originally called
Massacoe
State Forest and was acquired to demonstrate forest fire control adjacent to
railroads. The railroad tracks have been replaced by an impressive bike trail
shaded by white pines and traveling over scenic brooks. In 1996, this park
became Connecticut's first State Park which is completely accessible by
wheelchair.
Activities: Picnicking, Swimming, Hiking, Fishing, Bikeway,
Field Sports
Services: Picnic Shelter, Paved Parking, Flush Toilets, Change Houses,
Concession
Location: 2 miles west of Simsbury on Route 305.
Charge: Daily
TALCOTT
MOUNTAIN - 557 acres Simsbury
A 1 1/2 mile hike brings the visitor to what is considered the best viewing spot
in the State. On the peak of the Mountain is Heublein Tower, 1,000 feet above
the
Farmington River Valley. The Tower was given to the State by the Heublein
family, owners of Heublein Liquor Distributors. On clear days, visibility can be
as much
as 50 miles. The tower is open on a seasonal basis.
Activities: Picnicking, Hiking, Vista, Hang Gliding,
Observation Tower
Services: Picnic Shelter, Flush Toilets, Parking
Location: 3 miles south of Simsbury on Route 185.
Charge: None
WADSWORTH
FALLS - 285 acres Middlefield
Wadsworth Falls State Park was given to the State in 1942 through the will of
Col. Clarence Wadsworth. Col. Wadsworth, a Middletown resident, had devoted his
life to civic endeavors and preservation of real estate. The Park contains a
beautiful waterfall with an overlook. Visitors can hike along a wooded area with
a mountain laurel display.
Activities: Picnicking, Hiking, Swimming, Stream Fishing,
Cross-Country Skiing, Mountain Biking
Services: Drinking Water, Flush Toilets, Telephone, Gravel
Parking
Location: 2 miles southwest of Middletown on Route 157.
Charge: Daily
WEST
ROCK RIDGE - 1,533 acres Hamden/New Haven
Rising up to 627 feet above mean sea level, West Rock Ridge is one of the most
prominent physiographic features of the New Haven region. West Rock affords the
visitor a spectacular view; it is estimated that one can see approximately 200
square miles from various locations on the ridge with excellent views of New
Haven Harbor and Long Island Sound.
Activities: Hiking, Fishing, Mountain Biking, Car-Top
Boating, Scenic Vistas, Fall Foliage Viewing
Services: Parking (limited)
Location: Travel on Route 10(Dixwell Ave); turn west onto
Benham. From Benham, turn south onto
Main Street and then west onto Wintergreen.
Charge: None
WHARTON BROOK
- 96 acres Wallingford
In 1918-1920, this Park was known as a traveler's wayside; motorists could stop
to have their cars serviced and enjoy a quiet picnic lunch. The Park was the
forerunner of the rest areas maintained by the State Department of
Transportation. Located on wooded, sandy knolls, Wharton Brook still offers
solitude for a quiet, peaceful picnic.
Activities: Picnicking, Swimming, Fishing
Services: Picnic Shelter, Concession, Change Houses, Flush
Toilets, Gravel Parking
Location: 2 miles south of Wallingford on Route 5.
Charge: Weekends and Holidays
