Connecticut's Litchfield region has fine state and local parks

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

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.

Mount Tom State Park

Route 202 Litchfield, CT Phone: 860-567-8870

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. Activities include paddling, picnicking, fishing, scuba diving, hiking, Swimming, canoe and kayak rentals. Facilities: bathrooms, concession, change houses. There are separate weekend, holiday. and weekday parking fees at Mount Tom State Park.

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: 203-566-2305

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.

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.

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

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.
There is a daily parking fee in season. 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 31st, they are open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. Campsite fees are charged separately.

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 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

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.