Connecticut State Parks

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                                                                             <top>

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, Ice 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                                                                                                       <top>

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                                                                                                      <top>

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                                                                                                       <top>

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                                                                                                       <top>

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                                                                                                       <top>

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                                                                                                       <top>

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                                                                              <top>

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                                                                                                       <top>

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                                                                                                       <top>

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. 
                                                                                                                          <top>
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                                                                                                       <top>

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                                                                              <top>

GILLETTE CASTLE - 184 acres East Haddam - NOTE: Park closed for Renovations through May, 2002
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                                                                                                       <top>

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                                                                                                       <top>

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                                                                                                       <top>

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                                                                                                       <top>

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                                                                                                       <top>

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                                                                             <top>

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                                                                                                       <top>

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                                                                                                       <top>

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                                                                                                       <top>

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                                                                                                       <top>

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                                                                             <top>

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                                                                                                       <top>

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                                                                           <top>

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                                                                                                       <top>

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                                                                                                       <top>

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                                                                           <top>

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                                                                                                       <top>

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             <top>

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                                                                                                       <top>

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                                                                                                       <top>

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                                                                                                       <top>

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                                                                                                       <top>

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                                                                                                       <top>

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                                                                             <top>

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                                                                                                        <top>

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                                                                                  <top>

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                                                                                                       <top>

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                                                                               <top>

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                                                                                                        <top>

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                                                                                                       <top>

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                                                                                                       <top>

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                                                                                                       <top>

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                                                                                                       <top>

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                                                                                                       <top>

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                                                                                                       <top>

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                                                                           <top>