Well-maintained Connecticut state & local parks offer outdoor fun
Boothe Memorial Park & Museum
5774 Main Street
Stratford, CT 06614
Phone: 203-381-2046
This 32-acre former homestead of the Boothe Family (1663-1949) offers with picnic facilities, rose garden, and wedding garden. Buildings on National Historic Landmark site with displays of early farm equipment, carriages and baskets; trolley history, toll booth exhibit.
Hours: Park grounds are open year-round, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Museums and displays are open June 1 through October 1, Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 1-4 p.m.
Admission: Free.
Information: http://boothememorialpark.org.
Howe Avenue
Shelton, CT
Phone: 203-735-4311
The park's scenic waterfalls and splash pool give this park its name, Indian Well. The lovely falls, and shaded picnic grove at the water's edge make this park a great place to spend a lazy summer day.
Activities include boating, picnicking, field sports, hiking, river fishing, and swimming.
Facilities: bathrooms, picnic shelter, and boat launch (trailered, open April through September, 203-735-4311).
Park fees: Weekends, $14 for residents and $20 for non-residents; weekdays, $10 and $14. All days, $8 after 4 p.m.
Wall Street and East Avenue
Norwalk, CT
Phone: 203-846-0525
Open: Memorial Day - Labor Day, Sundays 1 - 4 pm
Sites include the Governor Thomas Fitch Law Office, Cemetery, Schoolhouse, and Town House Museum. A donation is requested from visitors.
Off I-95 at Exit 18
Westport, CT
Phone: 203-226-6983
State park features a sandy beach, fishing areas, food concession, bathhouse, and swimming areas. Have a leisurely lunch in the picnic grove, swim in Long Island sound, or view marsh life from the observation platform. Because of the sharp rocks and shells at West Beach, swimmers are urged to use East Beach, which has lifeguards on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. The Nature Center open Wednesday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Surf and shore fishing are allowed outside of swimming areas. Facilities: bathrooms, food concession, picnic shelter, picnic tables, showers. Park fees: Weekends, $20 for residents and $30 for non-residents. Weekday fees are $14 and $20. Fee is $10 after 4 p.m.
18 Ranger Road
Haddam, CT
Phone: 860-566-2304
The second largest forest in the state, set on 15,652 acres. Areas for fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, hiking and cross-country ski trails, fresh water swimming and picnic areas.
Cockaponset State Forest offers youth group camping.
There is a seasonal weekend/holiday parking fee at the Pattaconk Recreation Area of $14 for state residents and $20 for non-residents. No fee on weekdays.
Devil's Hopyard State Park
366 Hopyard Road
East Haddam, CT
Phone: 860-873-8566
The centerpiece of this beautiful park is the 60-foot Chapman Falls. A popular hiking and camping area, the park also has areas for fresh-water fishing, as will as some scenic picnic spots. Activities include bicycling, birding, camping, hiking, picnicking, and stream fishing.Devil's Hopyard Campground offers 21 sites in a wooded setting. Camping is available from mid-April through September 30. Facilities include grills, picnic shelters, picnic tables, composting toilets.
Hours: The park is open from 8 am to sunset.
Admission: There are no parking fees, but there is a nightly camping fee.
Information: http://1.usa.gov/Z8PMJN
Dinosaur State Park
400 West Street
Rocky Hill, CT
Phone: 860-529-8423
One of New England's most amazing places, Dinosaur Park features authentic dinosaur tracks that are 200 million years old. These are protected under a dome, which also houses exhibits and special programs that are held throughout the year. Visitors with their own materials are permitted to take plaster casts of the tracks.
Hours: Grounds are open year-round, daily, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Trails close at 4 p.m. Exhibit Center is open year-round, Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is wheel-chair accessible.
Admission: Admission is charged for the Exhibit Center only. Adults over age 13, $6; youth age 6-12, $2.
Information: www.dinosaurstatepark.org/
Elizabeth Park Rose Gardens
Corner of Prospect Avenue and Asylum Avenue
Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-231-9443
The park’s world famous rose garden is the oldest municipally operated rose garden in the country. The two-and-a half-acre rose garden has 15,000 plants in about 800 varieties of roses. The park is also home to a rock garden and specialized gardens of annuals, herbs, and perennials.
Hours: Year-round, daily, dawn to dusk.
Information: www.elizabethpark.org
Gillette Castle State Park and Mansion
67 River Road, off Route 82
East Haddam, CT 06423
Phone: 860-526-2336
One of the most remarkable parks in the state, Gillette Castle State Park features a mansion built in 1919 for actor William Gillette, who was famous for his role as Sherlock Holmes. The park is set on the Connecticut River and features fishing areas, short hiking trails and picnic spots.
Hours: Memorial Day to Columbus Day, daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The grounds are open year round. Tours offered; call for schedule.
Admission: There are no fees for parking or visiting the park grounds. A per person charge applies for Castle tours.
Information: http://1.usa.gov/rLcRHN
Haddam Meadows State Park
Route 154
Haddam, CT
Phone: 860-566-2304
A meadowland park along the banks of the Connecticut River. Visitors will find areas for fishing, boating, cross-country skiing, sports fields and toilet facilities.
West Main Street
Meriden, CT 06450
Phone: 203-630-4259
Hubbard Park is located around East Peak and West Peak of the area called the Hanging Hills. It comprises approximately 1,800 acres of carefully kept woodland, lake and stream, flower gardens, and picnic spots.
Hours: April-October, daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fee: Call for details.
Hungerford Park
191 Farmington Avenue
Kensington, CT
Phone: 860-827-9064
This park is home to a farm, a collection of exotic animals, a system of trails, science exhibits and programs led by the New Britain Youth Museum.
Hours: Year-round, Tuesday-Friday
Information: www.newbritainyouthmuseum.org
Hurd Park
Route 151
East Hampton, CT
Phone: 860-526-2336
Lock 12 Historical Park
487 North Brooksvale Road (Route 42)
Cheshire, CT 06410
Phone: 203-272-2743
Restored section of Farmington Canal (1828-48). Park also includes museum, lockkeeper's house, helicoidal bridge, 2.9-mile hiking and biking trail, picnic area.
Hours: Biking trail and picnic area open year-round, call for museum schedule.
Admission: Free.
Information: http://bit.ly/XYfq4B
Northwest Park Nature Center
145 Lang Road
Windsor, CT
Phone: 860-285-1886
Open: Year round
A local area nature center, with a barn, a museum focusing on the tobacco industry, a trail marked in Braille, hiking and cross-country ski trails, and an animal barn.
Penwood State Park
Route 185, Simsbury Road
Bloomfield, CT
Phone: 860-566-2304
Open: Year round
Park has bicycle, hiking and nature trails, as well as sports areas and cross-country ski areas in season.
Salmon Brook Park
Route 10
Granby, CT
Phone: 860-844-5356
Open: Year round
This park is set on 114 acres, and features hiking trails, an old fashioned swimming pond, and a state-of-the-art children's play area.
Stanley Quarter Park
451 Blake Road
New Britain, CT 06051
Phone: 860-826-3360
Children’s fishing pond, playground, jogging track, skate board park, sports fields, basketball courts, ice skating. Park is open year-round; rides are open mid-June to mid-August.
Stratton Brook State Park
149 Farms Village Road (Route 309)
Simsbury, CT
Phone: 860-242-1158
Stratton Brook is a completely wheelchair-accessible park offering swimming, picnicking, and interpretive programs in a beautifully wooded setting. Stratton Brook State Park is a designated trout park.
Activities bicycling, hiking, field sports, picnicking, fishing, swimming, cross-country skiing, ice skating.
Facilities include bathrooms, changing houses, picnic shelters, picnic tables, seasonal interpretive displays.
Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset.
Admission: CT residents, $9; non-residents, $15.
Information: http://1.usa.gov/ZaxpUJ
Talcott Mountain State Park
Route 185
Simsbury, CT
Phone: 860-242-1158
This park is located on the site of a Hartford family's former summer home. The main feature is the Heublein Tower, 165 feet high, with four states visible from the top. The tower is reached by hiking a 1.5 mile trail. A museum detailing the history of the area is also located in the park.
Hours: Park is open 8 a.m. to sunset. Tower is open late May to late August, Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Labor Day through October 31, daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: No parking fee.
Information: http://1.usa.gov/Y03qj6
Tomasso Nature Park
Granger Lane off Route 177 (Unionville Avenue)
Plainville, CT
Phone: 860-747-6022
This 11 acre nature park includes 4 acres of wetlands. Visitors can observe varieties of animals, birds and fish. Walking trails provide ample views of native flora.
March 15 - November 15, dawn to dusk
Information: http://bit.ly/Yygfot
Wharton Brook State Park
Route 5
Wallingford, CT
Phone: 203-269-5308
Wickham Park
1329 West Middle Turnpike
Manchester, CT 06040
Phone: 860-528-0856
Wickham Park extends into both Manchester and East Hartford, Connecticut. The park contains 250 acres of gardens, open fields, woodlands, ponds, picnic areas, sports facilities, and other attractions. The park is well-known for its lavish gardens.
Hours: First weekend in April through the last weekend in October; 9:30 a.m.-sunset except in inclement weather.
Admission: Parking fee for cars is $4 weekdays and $5 weekends; higher fees for buses.
Information: www.wickhampark.org/information.html
Wilcox Park
71 Hoskins Road
Bloomfield, CT
Phone: 860-243-2923
Open: Year round
Maintained by the town of Bloomfield, this 222 acre park is set in area woodlands and features dozens of marked trails. A map of the trails is available at Bloomfield town offices.
American Legion State Forest
West River Road
Barkhamsted, CT
The rocky terrain of this state forest is home to a small campsite, picnic areas, fishing, sports areas, hunting, and trails for hiking and cross-country skiing. Activities here include bicycling (roads only), hiking, camping, hunting, river canoeing and kayaking, picnicking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, field sports, freshwater fishing, and letterboxing.
HOurs: The forest recreation areas are open from 8 am to sunset.
Information: http://1.usa.gov/ZLkw9H
Black Rock State Park
Watertown Road (Route 6)
Thomaston, CT
Phone: 860-283-8088
Black Rock offers excellent swimming, hiking, scenic views, and Indian legend all tucked into the scenic rolling hills of the western highlands of Connecticut. Black Rock Campground has 96 sites in a wooded setting. The camping season is mid-April through September 30. This is a designated trout park. Activities include picnicking, field sports, swimming, and pond fishing. Facilities: bathrooms, food concessions, picnic tables.
Hours: Gates are open on weekends only from the third Saturday in April until Memorial Day, 8 a.m. to sunset. From Memorial Day to October 31, they are open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset.
Admission; There is a daily parking fee in season. Campsite fees are charged separately.
Information: http://1.usa.gov/Yh0ZOr
Burr Pond State Park
384 Burr Mountain Road
Torrington, CT
Phone: 860-482-1817
Visitors can enjoy hiking and cross-country ski trails, a seasonal ice skating pond, boating, and various nature programs. There is an admission fee.
Admission: $6-$15
Information: http://1.usa.gov/ZLmfvF
Campbell Falls
Route 272
Norfolk, CT
Cascading waters are the centerpiece of this park, which features fishing, hiking trails and picnic areas.
Hop Brook Dam Park
Route 63
Naugatuck, CT
Set along a dam, this lake park features picnic areas, swimming, and the Larkin Bridle Trail, used for hiking, cross country skiing and horse trail riding.
Housatonic Meadows State Park
Route 7
Sharon, CT
Phone: 860-927-3238
Along the banks of the Housatonic River, this park features fly-fishing, hiking and cross-country skiing trails, canoeing and a public camping site.
Huntington State Park
Sunset Hill Road
Redding, CT
Phone: 860-424-3200
State park has trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, fresh water fishing and picnic areas.
Jacksons Cove Park
Lake Zoar
Oxford, CT
This small lakeside park features both swimming and boating areas, as well as scenic hikes around the lake.
John A. Minetto State Park
Route 272
Torrington, CT
Set on the site of the one of the first homes built in the area, this park has fishing and swimming areas, as well as sports fields, picnic areas and trails for hiking and cross-country skiing.
Kent Falls State Park
462 Kent Cornwall Road (Route 7)
Kent, CT
Phone: 860-927-3238
One of the most visually stunning places in Connecticut, Kent Falls features a 200-foot, cascading waterfall. Visitors can walk a one-quarter-mile stair path along the falls that allows views of the fall from top to bottom. Although not difficult to walk, it is steep. There are many scenic vantage points along the trail. The park also has picnic areas and fishing areas.
HOurs:
Admission: Parking fee weekends and holidays if $9 to $15. No charge to park on weekdays.
Information: http://1.usa.gov/17pcVzb
Kettletown State Park
1400 George's Hill Road (Off I-84 at Exit 15)
Southbury, CT
Phone: 860-424-3200
Visitors can enjoy nature programs, fishing, hiking trails (including one for the handicapped), swimming and picnic areas. Campers can rent a site in the park. The name Kettletown comes from history: settlers purchased the territory from the natives for the price of one brass kettle.
Admission: Parking fee is $9 for state-registered vehicles and $15 for out-of-state vehicles
Information: http://1.usa.gov/10RBAsD
Lake McDonough Park
Route 219
Barkhamsted, CT
This park on the lake features rentals of row boats and paddleboats, as well as fishing areas and hiking trails.
Lake Waramaug State Park
Route 45
New Preston, CT
Phone: 860-868-2592
Park is set entirely on the lake. Visitors can enjoy swimming, scuba diving, fishing, boat rentals, sports fields, hiking trails and more. In season nature programs are scheduled. A 78 site camping area is available for a fee.
Little-Laurel Lime Ridge Park
Tomlinson & Laurel Ridge roads
Seymour, CT
This 209-acre park is managed by the town of Seymour, The land has wild woods with extensive hiking trails. Wonderful views of Housatonic River and valley can be seen from park trails. The park also is noted for its limestone caves.
Information: http://bit.ly/XBu4nq
Macedonia Brook State Park
CT State Route 342
Kent, CT
Phone: 860-927-3238
Park set on 2,300 acres. Trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, fishing, sports fields, camping. Views of the Taconic and Catskill Mountains.
Mattatuck State Forest
see link to driving directions below
parts of Harwinton, Litchfield, Plymouth, Thomaston, Waterbury, Watertown, CT
Phone: 860-567-5694
Mattatuck’s many parcels cross several town borders and offer many outdoor and forest experiences for hiking, mountain biking, letterboxing, and hunting. Various trails lead hikers past interesting topography to excellent overlooks. Hunters, in season, make use of the forest for its wide variety of wildlife.
Information and driving directions: http://1.usa.gov/10WMwUF
Mohawk State Park
Route 4
Cornwall, CT
Phone: 860-491-3620
Mount Tom State Park
Route 202
Litchfield, CT
Phone: 860-567-8870
Mount Tom rises to a height of 1,325. While hiking the mountain is a popular activity at the park, visitors can also enjoy swimming, stocked fishing ponds, sail and row-boating, scuba diving and ice skating. Activities include paddling, picnicking, fishing, scuba diving, hiking, Swimming, canoe and kayak rentals. Facilities: bathrooms, concession, change houses.
Admission: Parking fee is $6 to $15, depending on day of the week and whether vehicle is registered in or out of state.
Information: http://1.usa.gov/16WeVMn
Naugatuck State Forest
Lewis Street
Naugatuck, CT
This state forest is completely undeveloped, and offers challenging hiking experiences for the non-beginner.
Osbornedale State Park
Hawthorne Avenue
Derby, CT
State park features fishing areas, winter ice skating and cross-country skiing, hiking trails and a picnic area.
Peoples State Forest
East River Road
Barkhamsted, CT
Phone: 860-379-0922
Peterson Park
123 Mad River Road
Wolcott, CT
Phone: 203-879-8100
This park is home to the beginning of the Mattatuck trail, a 35 mile hike that wends its way up to Mohawk Mountain, in the Litchfield Hills.
Peterson Park offers basketball, tennis, volleyball, roller blading, skate park, paved walking trails around the park's open space. There are also two large play areas for younger children with play scapes for different age levels of children. There is a large picnic grove with many picnic tables and two pavilions.
Information: http://bit.ly/120wrzy
Pierrepont State Park
Route 116
Ridgefield, CT
Phone: 203-431-2577
State park with picnic areas, fishing, hiking and cross-country ski trails and ice skating.
Putnam Memorial State Park
Route 58
Bethel, CT
Phone: 203-566-2305
Southford Falls State Park
Quaker Farms Road
Oxford, CT
Phone: 203-264-5169
State park features fishing, hiking trails, sports fields, plus cross country skiing and ice skating in the wintertime.
Squantz Pond State Park
Route 39
New Fairfield, CT
Phone: 860-424-3200
This year-round recreation area features a boating and swimming area, fishing, ice skating, hiking and cross-country ski trails, and picnic areas.
Information: http://1.usa.gov/ZvDJel
Topsmead State Forest
Buell Road
Litchfield, CT
Phone: 860-567-5694
Topsmead is an English tudor mansion, the summer estate of Edith Morton Chase, set on 511 acres. During the summer the house is open for tours. The grounds are open year-round and feature hiking, sledding, cross country skiing, as well as picnic areas. Numerous trails and unpaved lanes are available for walking. In addition, the Edith M. Chase Ecology Trail offers a one-mile walk with interpretive signs.
Hours: The grounds are open from 8 a.m. to sunset.
Admission: Free
Information: http://1.usa.gov/15UuUP3
Barn Island State Wildlife Management Area
Palmer Neck Road
Pawcatuck, CT
The 1,013-acre Barn Island Wildlife Management Area is the state's largest coastal property managed for wildlife conservation. The property includes hilly uplands, farm and open fields, mixed hardwood forests and salt, brackish and freshwater tidal wetlands. The site is a popular hiking, wildlife observation and deer hunting in season. Nearly 4 miles of trails are available at this site.
Information: http://bit.ly/kNiqFd
Route 171
Union, CT
Phone: 860-684-3430
Bigelow Hollow State Park and the adjoining Nipmuck State Forest offer over 9,000 acres of recreation opportunities including miles of hiking trails and an 18-acre pond in Eastern Connecticut.
Activities include boating, picnicking, cross country skiing, pond fishing, hiking, scuba diving, hunting (forest only), and snowmobiling.
There are boat launches at Bigelow Pond and Mashapaug Lake.
There is a parking fee of $9 to $15 weekends and holidays in season.
Bluff Point Coastal Reserve
Depot Road, off US Route 1
Groton, CT
Phone: 860-444-7591
Bluff Point Coastal Reserve offers a hiking through woods and along a stony coastline along with viewing of wildlife and sea birds on Long Island Sound. The trail to the bluff passes through wooded and open areas until the view broadens as the bluff is approached. Here vegetation is more sparse and diminutive because of wind exposure. The long, narrow beach is a remnant of the continental glaciers. Activities include beach hiking , saltwater fishing, mountain biking, shell fishing. Parking is free.
A permit is required for shell fishing. Permits are issued by the Town of Groton. Town offices are located at Route 1 and Depot Road. Telephone: 860-441-6600.
Information: http://1.usa.gov/12qbkYR
Fenton-Ruby Park and Wildlife Preserve
Burma Road
Willington, CT
This 300-acre nature preserve and park offers ample opportunity for wildlife observation and bird-watching. A one mile, marked trail runs through the preserve. In addition, there are 4.2 miles of hiking trails. Pets must be leashed. Trash is carry in, carry out. Cross coutry skiing and snowshoeing allowed. Bicycling only on Burman Road. Map at http://bit.ly/WV1tGH
Hours: Dawn to dusk.
Fort Shantok State Park
Route 32
Montville, CT
Fresh water fishing and hiking trails available.
Haley Farm State Park
Brook Street, off Route 215
Groton, CT
Acres of hiking and scenery.
275 Great Neck Road / State Route 213
Waterford, CT 06385
Phone: 860-443-5725
This beachfront park on Long Island Sound, site of a former mansion is home to an unusual historic and beautiful experience. Enjoy a garden of heliotropes, bred from the plants grown on the site over a century ago.
Hours: 8 a.m.-sunset. Mansion is open for tours weekends and holidays from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day. The first tour starts at 10 a.m. and the last at 2:15 p.m. Fees for parking.
Hartman Park
Gungy Road
Old Lyme, CT
Hiking trails available.
James L. Goodwin Forest
Route 6
Hampton, CT
Covering more than three square miles, this state forest offers a variety of trails for walking, bicycling, and cross country skiing as well as horseback riding. A two-thirds mile stewardship trail leaves the gardens and follows a loop through several forest areas. A brochure at the garden gazebo explains the types of forests along the trail.
For longer walks, 10 miles of white-, red-, and yellow-marked trails surround the 135-acre Pine Acres Lake and Brown Hill Pond. The Natchaug Trail follows the west bank of Pine Acres Lake, then passes Black Spruce Pond and Orchard Hill before returning to Natchaug River and Route 198. Trail maps are available at the site.
Hours: Year-round, daily, dawn until dusk.
Ledyard Glacial Park and Avery Preserve
Entrances at Avery Hill Road, Avery Hill Extension, Whalehead Road
Ledyard, CT
Hiking trails dot the landscape of this nature conservancy. Great for bird watching.
Lester B. Williams Memorial Forest
Herrick Road
Brooklyn, CT
1.5 mile trail, marked and maintained by the Eastern CT Forest Landowners Association. A map for this circular route is available in the mailbox at the start of the trail.
Mansfield Hollow Park
Bassetts Bridge Road
Mansfield, CT
Small park set on a 500 acre lake. Boating and fishing are allowed. The park is also available for hiking and cross-country skiing.
147 Wolf Den Drive
Pomfret Center, CT
Phone: 860-928-6121
Popular state park with facilities for camping, swimming, boating and a rest area with a food concession. Hiking trails and fishing areas are also available. There is a weekend/holiday parking fee of $9 to $15 and a campsite fee at Mashamoquet State Park.
Wolf Den Campground, 35 open sites. Bathrooms, showers, dumping station. Fishing, hiking, swimming nearby. No pets.
Mashamoquet Brook Campground, 20 wooded sites. Dumping station nearby. Fishing, hiking, swimming nearby. No pets. Open April through September.
Mohegan Park
Judd Road
Norwich, CT
Phone: 860-823-3791
Norwich is known as "The Rose of New England", and the formal rose garden in this park commemorates this and is dedicated to all veterans of foreign wars. Especially delightful in late spring and summer. The park also offers walking trails, pavilions and a beach for visitors to enjoy. Tennis players will enjoy free time on available on clay courts, which are lighted in the evenings.
Mohegan State Forest
Route 97
Scotland, CT
395 acre forest with hiking trails and hunting.
Pilfershire Road
Eastford, CT
Phone: 860-928-6121
Natchaug State Forest on Natchaug River is popular for its horse trails, outstanding fishing, and riverfront picnic sites. Of historic interest is a large stone fireplace and chimney that are the remains of the birthplace of General Nathaniel Lyon, the first Union general killed in the Civil War. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, hunting, backpack camping, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. The Natchaug River is a designated trout park fishing area. Facilities include picnic tables and pit toilets.
Nathan Hale Forest
South Street, off Route 31
Coventry, CT
This state forest sits on 1219 acres close to the homestead of the legendary Revolutionary War hero Nathan Hall. Hiking, fishing and hunting are available there.
Nehantic State Park
Route 156
Old Lyme, CT
Swimming, boating, fishing and hiking.
Nipmuck State Forest
Route 190
Union, CT
This forest is farmed for products. Hiking trails with hunting permitted.
Old Furnace State Park
Route 6 East
Killingly, CT
This small state park sits on the site of an iron mill built in the 18th century. Fishing is available in nearby Ross Pond, as well as several hiking trails.
Route 49
Voluntown, CT
Phone: 860-376-4075
Pachaug State Forest is the largest state forest in Connecticut encompassing 24,000 acres in five towns. There are two areas, the Chapman Area and the Green Falls Area.
Activities in the Chapman area include boating, hunting, backpack camping, motorcycling, camping, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, picnicking, freshwater fishing, scenic vistas, hiking, snowmobiling,
horseback riding, youth group camping, horse camping, and letterboxing. Mount Misery Campground offers 22 campsites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Water, fireplaces and pit toilets are provided.
Frog Hollow Horse Camp Area offers 18 campsites on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Green Falls area offers boating, camping, freshwater fishing, hunting, mountain biking, and hiking. The Green Falls Campground has 18 wooded campsites that are available from the third Friday of April until September 30. The campsites are first-come, first serve with no reservations accepted. Green Falls, Narragansett, Nehantic, and Pachaug trail sections pass through this area.
Quaddick State Park
East Putnam Road
Thompson, CT
Phone: 860-928-9200
Popular fishing and swimming area also features boating, hiking trails, and a rest area with food concession. Admission fee on weekends and holidays.
244 West Main Street (Route 156)
East Lyme, CT
Phone: 860-739-5471
The large stone pavilion, diverse trail systems, and gently sloping beach make this park ideal for families. Try crabbing or fishing. Look for hawks, cranes, and herons. Activities include camping, picnicking, hiking, saltwater fishing, interpretive programs, saltwater swimming. Facilities include bathrooms, food concession, pavilion, and picnic tables. Rocky Neck Campground offers 160 sites in both open and wooded settings. The camping season begins in May and ends September 30.
From Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day there are separate weekend/holiday and weekday parking fees. On weekends from April 17 through May 23 and again from September 11 through September 26, the weekday rate for parking will be in effect. There is also a camping fee at Rocky Neck State Park.
Roseland Park
Roseland Park Road, off Route 169
Woodstock, CT
Phone: 860-963-7690
This park has been an area favorite almost since it was opened in 1876. It consists of 60.3 acres of wooded land and waterfront along Roseland Lake. Although the park is private property, it is open to the public. The park includes lovely Roseland Cottage Roseland Cottage, operated by the Historic Society of New England. Hiking trails run through the park.
Hours: December 1-March 14, 8 a.m. to sunset; March 15-November 30, 7 a.m. to sunset.
Information: http://bit.ly/Ws9H9L
Ross Pond State Park
Ross Road, off Route 6
Killingly, CT
Enjoy the view from the cliffs in this park. Fishing and boating are also available.
Salmon River State Forest
Route 16
Colchester, CT
Fishing, hiking and a rest station available.
Schoolhouse Brook Park
Clover Mill Road, off Route 195
Mansfield, CT
Phone: Mansfield Recreation Department: 860-429-3015
Schoolhouse Brook Park is 455 acres or mostly woodlands and it includes Bicentennial Pond, Barrows Pond and Schoolhouse Brook. The park has are 8.54 miles of blazed hiking trails for walking and cross country skiing. Trails pass spring wildflowers, wetland habitat, signs of glacial activity, an old stone dam, quartz deposits, evergreen forest, stone wall junctures, marsh and plantation, hardwood forest, pond views, stone bridge, and old orchard remains.
Information: http://bit.ly/VM6AaT
Shelter Falls Park
Birch Road
Mansfield, CT
This 75-acre property managed by the state offer 1.7 miles of easy trail through hardwood forest and wetlands lined by stone walls. A short walk along Cedar Swamp Brook leads to a waterfall known as Shelter Falls. A large rock at the site makes a good place to stop for lunch or scenic viewing of the surroundings.
Information: http://bit.ly/YAGxnx
Stoddard Hill State Park
Route 12
Gales Ferry, CT
Boating, fishing and hiking.
Wauregan Reservoir State Park
Shepard Hill Road
Killingly, CT
A 25 acre park featuring the reservoir pond stocked with trout. Gas and oil motor boats are not permitted.
Wharton Brook State Park
Route 5
Wallingford, CT
Phone: 203-269-5308
Chatfield Hollow State Park
Route 80
Killingworth, CT
Phone: 860-566-2304
A 375 acre wooded hollow, featuring fascinating caves and rocky ledges. Visitors here will enjoy fishing, winter ice-skating, hiking trails and swimming. There are a telephone and restrooms on the site. An Admission fee is charged to enter the park.
East Rock Park
bounded by Livingston Street, Davis Street, State Street and the Mill River
New Haven, CT
Phone: 203-946-6086
75 Cliff Street at Whitney Avenue
New Haven, CT 06511
Beautiful history
Once an experimental mulberry orchard, this stately public park was the home of Eli Whitney, inventor of the cotton gin. Bought in 1906 by the Brewster family, the stately mansion stood near the great lawn of an estate designed to replicate an English landscape garden. Now a city park hosting many public cultural events.
Hours: Open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year. The conservatory is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. every day except major holidays.
Edgewood Park
Edgewood Avenue
New Haven, CT
Phone: 203-946-8028
Edgewood Park is an important and well-loved outdoor resource for the people and visitors of New Haven. The park offers places to walk and jog, watch birds, do some cross-country skiing, play tennis, skateboard at Coogan Pavilion, or just relax by a lovely pond. The park includes:
Coogan Pavilion & Gazebo, a playground, several ponds and the city's West River, many walking trails and a sensory trail, a skate park, a dog run, and wetlands viewing station, and more.
Hours: Open year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset
Information: http://bit.ly/10JUU9E
1288 Boston Post Road
Madison, CT
Phone: 203-245-2785
Connecticut's largest shoreline park offers over two miles of beach to enjoy swimming, strolling along the boardwalk, or just relaxing in the sun and surf.
Activities include saltwater swimming, fishing, picnicking, hiking, fishing, paddling, bicycling, and camping. The Meigs Point Nature Center offers programs and activities for park visitors on a limited year round basis.
Facilities: Bathrooms, boardwalk, car top boat launch, concessions, nature center, picnic shelters, picnic tables, showers.
Park fees: Weekends, $20 for Connecticut residents and $30 for non-residents; weekday fees are $14 and $20. All days, $10 after 4 p.m.
Hammonasset offers over 550 grassy campsites. Open for the season from May 21 through October 30 (203-245-1817).
Lighthouse Point Park
Lighthouse Road
New Haven, CT
Phone: 203-946-8019
Lighthouse Point in New Haven is at the eastern point of New Haven Harbor. Now dark, the lighthouse protected ships in New Haven harbor for 73 years. Today, the park attracts thousands of people to the public beach for swimming, fishing, boating (there is a public boat launch) picnicking, and play. Lifeguards are on duty during summer season, times as posted. Lighthouse tours can be arranged by appointment.
Located on the Atlantic flyway, the park is one of the most popular spots for bird watching along the East Coast. The park is the headquarters of the East Shore Ranger program, which offers programs about marine ecology, sailing history, and the history of the forts. The ranger station houses a salt water hands-on touch tank and several smaller aquariums. Other displays include a sailing ship's deck with a ship's wheel, sailor's hammock, and moveable sails. The East Shore Rangers lead group tours to the top of the Lighthouse by advance reservations only. To plan a tour, call the East Shore Ranger at 203-946-0790.
Several water-based adventure programs, including canoeing, kayaking are conducted at Lighthouse. For information on either of these or the Canoe New Haven schedule, call the Outdoor Adventure Coordinator of the New Haven Park Rangers at 203-944-6768.
The Lighthouse Park Carousel is one of less than 100 in use today. It includes 72 figures on a 60 foot platform. The carousel is also available for private functions. For rental information email: sbruno@newhavenct.net . The Carousel operated Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m. The Lighthouse Park Splashpad is a series of fresh water fountains.
Hours: Gates open year-round, 7 a.m. to sunset; season is from April 1 to November 1.
Parking fees: New Haven registered vehicles, free; non-resident vehicles, $20/day, $100/season
Information: http://bit.ly/17ffDal
Sleeping Giant State Park
Hamden, CT
Hiking and fishing are the main reasons to visit this park. Picnic areas.
Wadsworth Falls State Park
Route 157
Middlefield, CT
Phone: 860-566-2304
285 acre park with a waterful and laurel groves. Picnic areas, fishing, hiking and cross-country ski trails, swimming are all available to visitors. The park also has toilet facilities and telephones. There as a daily admission charge to enter.
West Rock Ridge State Park
Wintergreen Avenue
Hamden, CT
West Rock Ridge is a major feature of the New Haven region skyline, offering vast views of New Haven harbor and Long Island Sound. This small state park has areas for paddling, fishing, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, and picnicking.
Hours: The park is open for walk-in access from 8 a.m. to sunset. The south overlook drive to the summit is open for vehicles from Memorial Day through October.
Admission: no parking fee
Information: http://1.usa.gov/16N3iqW
