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. Free admission.

Indian Well State Park
Shelton, CT

State park with boating, fishing, swimming area, picnicking and hiking trails.

Mill Hill Historic Park
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.

Sherwood Island State Park
Off I-95 at Exit 18
Westport, CT
Phone: 203-566-2305

State park features a one-and-a-half mile beach, fishing areas, food concession, bathhouse, and swimming areas. Parking fee: weekdays, $7 for in-state vehicles and $10 for out-of-state vehicles; weekends, $10 for in-state vehicles and $15 for out-of-state vehicles. Open Memorial Day - Labor Day.

HARTFORD/CENTRAL top of listings

Cockaponset State Forest
Route 148
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.

Connecticut Audubon Center
1361 Main Street
Glastonbury, CT
Phone: 860-633-8402

Open: Tues-Fri, 1-5 pm; Sat, 10 am-5 pm; Sun, 1-4 pm; Closed the last week in December.

Maintained by the Audubon Society of CT, this science and nature center features exhibits on area wildlife and plants, and a hands-on area for children. A gift shop and programs are available year-round. The center is located next to Earle Park, a 48-acre outdoor setting with numerous walking trails.

Devil's Hopyard State Park
3 miles north of Route 82 and Route 156
East Haddam, CT
Phone: 860-873-8566

Open: April 15 - September 30

The centerpiece of this beautiful park are the 60 foot Chapman Falls. A popular hiking and camping area, the park also has areas for fresh-water fishing, as well as some scenic picnic spots.

Dinosaur State Park
400 West Street
Rocky Hill, CT
Phone: 860-529-8423

Open: Daily, 9 am - 4:30 pm

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.

Elizabeth Park Rose Gardens
Corner of Prospect Avenue and Asylum Avenue
Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-231-9443

World famous rose garden

Friends of Elizabeth Park
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.
Open: Daily all year, dawn to dusk.

Gillette Castle State Park
67 River Road, off Route 82
East Haddam, CT 06423
Phone: 860-526-2336

Open: Mansion is open Memorial Day weekend - December, hours vary; park open year-round

See Map

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. Tours are given on days that the mansion is open (call for exact times). The park itself is set on the Connecticut River and features fishing areas, short hiking trails and picnic spots.

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.

Hubbard Park
West Main Street
Meriden, CT 06450
Phone: 203-630-4259

See Map

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

Open: Tuesday - Friday, year-round

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.

Hurd Park
Route 151
East Hampton, CT
Phone: 860-526-2336

An 884 acre park on the east bank of the Connecticut River. Canoeing, including facilities for canoeing, camping, fishing, hiking and cross-country ski trails, and picnic areas are available.

Lock 12 Historical Park
487 North Brooksvale Road (Route 42)
Cheshire, CT 06410
Phone: 203-272-2743

Open: Biking trail and picnic area open year-round, call for museum schedule.

See Map

Restored section of Farmington Canal (1828-48). Park also includes museum, lockkeeper's house, helicoidal bridge, 2.9-mile hiking/biking trail, picnic area. Admission: Free.

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.

Stratton Brook State Park
Simsbury, CT

Popular year-long park, includes ice-skating pond and cross-country skiing in the winter. Available warm-weather activities include fishing, hiking, scuba diving, sports fields, and picnicking. The park also has a rest area with picnic shelters and food concession.

Talcott Mountain State Park
Route 185
Simsbury, CT
Phone: 860-242-1158

Open: Mid April - End August, Thurs - Sun; Sept - Oct, Daily; 10 am - 5 pm

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.

Tomasso Nature Park
Granger Lane
Plainville, CT
Phone: 860-747-6022

Open: March 15 - November 15, dawn to dusk

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. Free admission.

Wharton Brook State Park
Route 5
Wallingford, CT
Phone: 203-269-5308

This 96 acre park offers visitors a wooded environment for swimming, hiking, fishing, winter ice skating and more. A food concession stand as well as full toilet facilities are also found on the site. There is an entrance fee.

Wickham Park
1329 West Middle Turnpike
Manchester, CT 06040
Phone: 860-528-0856

See Map

215 acre park set on a former estate. Gardens, walking trails, an aviary, playgrounds, sports facilities and more await visitors.

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.

LITCHFIELD/NORTHWEST top of listings

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.

Bear Mountain State Park
Route 37
Danbury, CT
Phone: 860-424-3200

Set on scenic Candlewood Lake, this park has many trails for hiking and picnic areas.

Black Rock Park
Route 6
Thomaston, CT
Phone: 860-677-1819

Park is on the site of a colonial era graphite mine. Visitors here can enjoy swimming, stream fishing, pond fishing, boating, hiking and cross-country ski trails, and winter ice skating.

Black Rock State Park
Watertown Road (Route 6)
Thomaston, CT
Phone: 860-283-8088

96 wooded and Open sites. Concession, dumping station, bathrooms, showers, fishing, swimming. No pets. Alcohol-free park. Cost: $13/night/campsite plus a processing fee. Open May through September.

Burr Pond State Park
Route 8
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.

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
Bethel, 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
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. Along the falls visitors can utilize a staired path which allows views from top to bottom. The park also has picnic areas, hiking trails and fishing areas. There is a charge for admission on weekends and holidays.

Kettletown State Park
Off I-84 at Exit 15
Southbury, CT
Phone: 203-264-5169

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 the history of the parkland: Settlers purchased the territory from the natives for the price of one brass kettle.

Lake McDonough Park
Route 219
Barkhamsted, CT
Phone: 860-379-3036

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
Off Route 334
Seymour, CT

This park offers visitors scenic views to enjoy while engaging in vigorous, often challenging hiking trails. Bike trails are also available.

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 Forest
Thomaston Road
Thomaston, CT

A section of the Blue Trail runs through the forest, open to hikers only.

Mohawk State Park
Route 4
Cornwall, CT
Phone: 860-927-3238

Mohawk State Park features 1,683 foot Mohawk Mountain. The Mohawk trail is available for hiking, there are cross-country ski trails, snowmobiling, fishing and picnic areas. There is a charge for skiing.

Mt. Tom State Park
Route 202
Litchfield, CT

Mount Tom rises to a height of 1,325. At the top of the mountain, hikers can reach the notable stone tower. 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. There is an admission charge.

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: 860-379-2469

Along the Farmington River, this forest features hunting areas, fishing areas, hiking and cross-country ski trails, snowmobiling, and sports fields. Of particular interest is the Mathies Grove picnic area, set among great pines that are over 2 centuries old. A campground is also available.

Peterson Park
Mad River Road
Wolcott, CT

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.

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: 860-424-3200

This historic park has facilities for picnicking, hiking and cross-country skiing trails and a pond for ice skating.

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.

Topsmead Park
Buell Road
Litchfield, CT
Phone: 860-567-5694

Topsmead is an English tudor mansion 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.

MYSTIC/EASTERN top of listings

Airline State Park Trail
Route 6
Willimantic, CT

A twenty mile trail along an old rail line that runs between Willimantic and Putnam.

Albert E. Moss Forest
Junction of Routes 195 and 275
Mansfield, CT

This wildlife sanctuary is used as an outdoor laboratory by the University of Connecticut. Open to the general public.

Barn Island State Wildlife Management Area
Palmer Neck Road
Stonington, CT

Fishing, hiking trails available.

Bigelow Hollow State Park
Route 197
Union, CT
Phone: 860-928-9200

Woodland park set on Mashapaug Lake. 513 acres with fishing, hiking, boating, hunting, horse trails. Snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter. Rest area, admission on weekends and holidays.

Bluff Point Coastal Reserve
Depot Road, off US Route 1
Groton, CT

Fishing along the coastline, hiking trails available.

Fenton-Ruby Park and Wildlife Preserve
Burma Road
Willington, CT

This nature preserve and park offers ample opportunity for wildlife observation and bird-watching. A one mile, marked trail runs through the preserve.

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.

Harkness Memorial State Park
275 Great Neck Road / State Route 213
Waterford, CT 06385
Phone: 860-443-5725

See Map

Beachfront park on Long Island Sound, features picnicking and fishing. No swimming.

Hartman Park
Gungy Road
Old Lyme, CT

Hiking trails available.

James L. Goodwin Forest
Route 6
Hampton, CT

2002 acre conservation center with displays representing different types of woodlands. The conservancy also has fishing areas, cross-country skiing, hiking trails and a rest area.

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.

Mashamoquet Brook State Park
Route 44
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 an admission fee in season.
Wolf Den Campground, 35 open sites. Bathrooms, showers, dumping station. Fishing, hiking, swimming nearby. No pets. Cost: $11/night/campsite plus a processing fee.
Mashamoquet Brook Campground, 20 wooded sites. Dumping station nearby. Fishing, hiking, swimming nearby. No pets. Cost: $11/night/campsite plus a processing fee. 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.

Moosup Valley State Park Trail
River Street, off Route 14
Plainfield, CT

This trail runs for 8 miles along the bed of an old railroad. The walk will take you to the Rhode Island border.

Natchaug Forest
Route 198
Eastford, CT

The forest is popular for horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and hunting. A rest area with toilets is available. In the winter, snowmobiling is permitted in certain areas.

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.

Pachaug Forest
Route 49
Voluntown, CT
Phone: 860-376-4075

This very large 23,115 acre forest features fishing, hiking, boating, hunting, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

Pachaug State Park
Route 49
Voluntown, CT

Forested park features freshwater fishing and hiking trails.

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.

Riverside Park
Riverside Drive, Route 12
North Grosvenordale, CT

A half mile looping trail by the French River. Lit for evening walks.

Rocky Neck State Park
244 West Main Street, Route 156
Niantic, CT

Connecticut's busiest state park in the area, on Long Island Sound. Features beaches, swimming, saltwater fishing, scuba diving, showers, hiking trails, food concessions.

Roseland Park
Roseland Park, off Route 169
Woodstock, CT
Phone: 860-963-7690

This park has been an area favorite almost since it was opened in 1876. Hiking trails run through the park, which has an admission fee on the weekends.

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

18 trails (for walking or cross-country skiing) around Bicentennial Pond. The park is maintained by the town of Mansfield.

Shelter Falls Park
Birch Road
Mansfield, CT

This wooded trail takes a somewhat rocky path that meanders past two waterfalls.

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

Yale Forest
Route 197
Union, CT

Yale University uses this forest for study and field work. Fishing is available in the forest. The blue-marked Nipmuck trail runs through the forest for hiking.

NEW HAVEN/SOUTH CENTRAL top of listings

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
East Rock Road
New Haven, CT
Phone: 203-946-6086

This park offers a nature trails, playgrounds, recreational areas, a bird sanctuary, and a spectacular view of Long Island Sound.

Edgerton Park
75 Cliff Street at Whitney Avenue
New Haven, CT 06511

Beautiful history

See Map

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

Enjoy nature walks around the duck pond, tennis courts, basketball courts and a ranger station. The park is also the site of the Holocaust Memorial and the Spanish American War monument.

Hammonasset State Park
Route 1
Madison, CT
Phone: 203-245-1817

The largest beach in Connecticut also has one of the state's largest public campsites. Full-facility camping with 550 sites. There is a camping fee and a fee to use the beach at the park.
William F. Miller Campground. 558 open sites. Concession, dumping station, bathrooms, showers. Salt water swimming and fishing. Individual fireplaces not provided. No pets. Cost: $15/night/campsite plus a processing fee. Open May through October.

Lighthouse Point Park
Lighthouse Road
New Haven, CT
Phone: 203-946-8005

Open: Memorial Day - Labor Day, 6 pm - sunset

This 82 acre park on Long Island Sound features exhibits on natural history, swimming areas, nature trails, a bird sanctuary and an antique carousel. There is a parking fee.

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 Park
Hamden, CT

Small state park with fishing area and hiking and cross country ski trails.