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
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
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
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.
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.