Well-maintained Connecticut state & local parks offer outdoor fun

Connecticut > State > Outdoor Activities > State and Local Parks

State and local parks in Connecticut cover many different types of topography and plant life, and many have lakes or ponds with opportunities for boating and paddling.

Some are located in cities, deep in the woods, or on the shore, complete with saltwater beaches. The range of opportunities for outdoor sports or just enjoying a pleasant walk, is wide open, in every season of the year.

Historic Wethersfield

Acres of parkland make this historic town a must for outdoor-lovers of all ages

When visitors say historic Wethersfield is a breath of fresh air, they may well be referring to its more than 644 acres of scenic parkland. Start with Mills Wood Park, with its beach, outdoor swimming pond, picnic areas, off-leash dog park, bocce and basketball courts, soccer fields, lighted tennis courts, ice skating, fishing pond, skate park and (whew!) walking trails. Then there’s Mikey’s Place, a wheelchair-friendly community playground with accessible playscape for kids 2 to 12. Open-air activities in Wethersfield range from visiting with live animals in a nature center to bird-watching or biking and hiking its miles and miles of trails in meadows, forests and wetlands. Check the website for a series of brisk winter walks through Feb. 5.

Sleeping Giant State Park

200 Mount Carmel Avenue Hamden, CT, 06518 Phone: 203-287-5658

This park gets its name for a two-mile-long ridge of mountaintop that looks like a giant at rest. A two- mile walking trail leads to the observation tower on the peak of Mount Carmel, where hikers can experience an excellent view of Long Island Sound and New Haven. - Hiking Map (PDF)

Hammonasset Beach State Park

1288 Boston Post Road Madison, CT, 06443 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 include bathrooms, boardwalk, car top boat launch, concessions, nature center, picnic shelters, picnic tables, showers. - Hiking Map (PDF) - Camping Map (PDF)

Gillette Castle in East Haddam - Photo Credit Shutterstock

Gillette Castle State Park and Mansion

67 River Road 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. - Hiking Map (PDF)
Hours: Memorial Day to Labor Day, Thursdays through Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The grounds are open year round. Tours of the castle are offered; call for schedule.
Admission: There are no fees for parking or visiting the park grounds. A per person charge applies for Castle tours.

West Rock Ridge State Park

1134 Wintergreen Avenue New Haven, CT, 06514 Phone:

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. - Park Map (PDF)

Lighthouse Point State Park - New Haven, CT - Photo Credit Shutterstock

Lighthouse Point Park

2 Lighthouse Road New Haven, CT, 06512 Phone:

Lighthouse Point in New Haven is on New Haven Harbor. The park attracts visitors for swimming, fishing, boating (from a public boat launch), and picnicking. Lifeguards are on duty during summer.
The park is one of the most popular spots for bird watching along the East Coast. The East Shore Ranger program leads group tours of the lighthouse and offers programs about marine ecology, sailing history, and the history of the forts.
The Lighthouse Park Carousel is one of less than 100 in use today. The Lighthouse Park Splashpad is a series of fresh water fountains.
Hours: Open year-round, 7a.m. to sunset; Peak Season is from April to November.
Parking: New Haven registered vehicles admitted free ; Non-resident vehicles $25/day or $100/season.

Rocky Neck State Park

244 West Main Street (Route 156) East Lyme, CT, 06357 Phone: 860-739-5471

Bounded by a tidal river and a salt marsh, this popular summer park has a sandy beach for salt water swimming; walking trails to the marsh and to Baker's Cave, Tony's Nose and Shipyard; an elegant stone pavilion right on the water; and 160 wooded or open-air campsites. People can enjoy watching for wildlife and sea birds from platforms in the salt marsh. There is salt water fishing and crabbing. Visitors also enjoy plenty of places to have a picnic, and the park runs nature interpretive programs. - Hiking Map (PDF) - Camping Map (PDF)
Hours: Open year-round, daily from 8 am to sunset. Weekend/holiday and weekday parking fees apply from April to late September. There is also a camping fee at Rocky Neck State Park.

East Rock Park

41 Cold Spring Street New Haven, CT, 06511 Phone: 203-946-6086

This 425-acre park offers nature and walking and bicycling trails, playgrounds, recreational areas, a bird sanctuary, and a spectacular view of Long Island Sound. Recreational opportunities include baseball fields and basketball courts; bicycling on paved roads; paddling on the Mill River; fishing and crabbing; football and soccer fields; ice skating; picnicking and playgrounds; an 800-foot self-guided nature trail; sledding. The park is open sunrise to sunset.
Highlights of the park are climbing to the Summit of East Rock, which is accessible by foot, bicycle or car; the Trowbridge Environmental Center; the Pardee Rose Garden and Greenhouse (203-946-8142); and the Soldiers & Sailors Monument. - Park Map (PDF)

Harkness Memorial State Park

275 Great Neck Road - CT Route 213 Waterford, CT, 06385 Phone: 860-443-5725

This park is on the edge of Long Island Sound, occupying the property of the former Harkness family estate. The 230 acres include vast lawns, trees and wonderful gardens. Also, the family’s summer mansion known as Eolia. It is a Roman Renaissance Classical Revival-style mansion with 40 rooms, a pergola, and a carriage house (support complex). Lush gardens, including an Alpine rock garden, surround the mansion, which is open for tours from Memorial to Labor Day.
Property is open year-round, daily, from 8 a.m. to sunset. Parking fees are charged. The Verkades gate is for pedestrian access only. - Park Map (PDF)

Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area

4 Straits Turnpike Middlebury, CT, 06762 Phone: 203-729-8840

This nice day park is centered upon Hop Brook Lake. The lake has a sandy beach and is open for swimming, paddling, rowing, and fishing. Fishing may be done on the lake and its streams, which are stocked with brown, brook, and rainbow trout. Bass and panfish are also found in the lake. Hikers will find over seven miles of trails winding through the woods and meadows at Hop Brook Lake. An 11-hole disc golf course is also located within the park. Facilities include flush toilets, drinking water, ball fields, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pit.
Camping Dates & Fees: Open mid-May to mid-September. Check website for availability and fees.

Kettletown State Park

1400 George's Hill Road (Off I-84 at Exit 15) Southbury, CT, 06488 Phone: 860-424-3200

Visitors can enjoy nature programs, fishing, hiking trails (including one for the handicapped), swimming and picnic areas. The adjacent Housatonic River and nearby Lake Zoar make this park popular for water sports and fishing. Also, Kettletown Campground offers 63 sites in both open and wooded settings. - Trail Map (PDF) - Camping Map (PDF)
Admission: Parking fee is $9 for state-registered vehicles and $15 for out-of-state vehicles.

Shelter Falls Park

Birch Road Mansfield-Storrs, CT, 06268 Phone:

This tract of parkland is very close to the University of Connecticut at Storrs, offering an easy getaway for workers, students, and visitors to the university. It contains hardwood forest, wetlands, stone walls, and a nice hike along Cedar Swamp Brook to the waterfall at Shelter Falls. Nice place to stop for lunch and enjoy the peaceful woods. - Trail Guide (PDF)

Trail Marker - American Legion & Peoples State Forest - Barkhamsted, CT - Photo Credit Cara MacDonald

American Legion & Peoples State Forests

Between Center Hill Road (CT Route 181) and East River Road Barkhamsted, CT, 06063 Phone: 860-379-2469

These two adjacent state forests are located along the west branch of the Farmington River, named a wild and scenic river by the National Park Service. The two parks offer year-round outdoor activities, including trout fishing, canoeing, kayaking and tubing on the river; several extensive hiking trails around rocky formations and old mills; 30 campsites (at the American Legion Forest); and the Barkhamsted Lighthouse (in Peoples State Forest). There are lots of places for picnicking and field sports. Winter activities include cross country skiing and snowmobiling. - Trail Map (PDF) - Campground Map (PDF)

Housatonic Meadows State Park

US Route 7 Sharon, CT, 06069 Phone: 860-927-3238

Housatonic Meadows offers many outdoor activities, with an emphasis on fly fishing for trout and bass in the Housatonic River. A two-mile stretch of river (including the park shore) is limited to fly fishing. Camp sites are located in groves of tall pine trees. Housatonic Meadow Campground has 95 sites; the camping season begins in mid-May and ends September 30. Campground has bathrooms and showers. - Hiking Map (PDF) - Camping Map (PDF)

Mount Tom State Park

Route 202 at Mount Tom Road Washington Depot, CT, 06794 Phone: 860-567-8870

This park is for two main purposes: fresh-water swimming, fishing, scuba diving, or non-motorized boating in the lake; and hiking to a lookout tower atop Mount Tom, 1,325 feet above sea level. Facilities: bathrooms, concession, change houses. - Park Map (PDF)
Admission: Parking fee is $10 to $15.

Hopeville Pond State Park

929 Hopeville Road Griswold, CT, 06351 Phone: 860-376-2920

Hopeville Pond is open to fishing and swimming. The pond has a boat launch. Picnic tables and bathrooms are available.
Hopeville Pond Campground has 80 camping sites in the woods. The season is April to September 30. The recreational field area is open all year. Pets are allowed on leash in picnic areas and on hiking trails; not in campground or on the beach. There is a weekend/holiday parking fee and a campsite fee. - Hiking Map (PDF) - Camping Map (PDF)

Kent Falls State Park

462 Kent Cornwall Road (Route 7) Kent, CT, 06757 Phone: 860-927-3238

Kent Falls is a series of waterfalls that descends in stages from a height of 200 feet to drain into the Housatonic River. Lots of interesting rocky stream beds to explore. The flow is heaviest in spring, but the falls are dramatic year-round. Great places for picnics. There is an authentic covered bridge to explore. Mapped hiking trails surround the area. Swimming prohibited. Alcoholic beverages prohibited. Park has bathrooms and grills and picnic tables. Park is open 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Parking fee weekends and holidays is $9 to $15. No charge to park on weekdays. - Hiking Map (PDF)

Trail Marker - Cockaponset State Forest - Haddam/Chester, CT

Cockaponset State Forest and Pattaconk Lake Recreation Area

Cedar Lake Road Chester, CT, 06412 Phone: 860-424-3200

Cockaponset's name derives from a deceased Indian chief. The second largest state forest in Connecticut has it all: Areas for fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, hiking and cross-country ski trails, fresh water swimming and picnic areas. Seasonal weekend/holiday parking fee at Pattaconk Recreation Area, $20 (non-residents). Free parking on weekdays. Amenities include pit toilets. - Trail Maps:

Black Rock State Park

2065 Thomaston Road Watertown, CT, 06795 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. - Hiking Map (PDF) - Campground Map (PDF)
Hours: Gates are open on weekends only, from the second Saturday in April until Memorial Day, 8am to sunset. From Memorial Day to October 1st, they are open daily between 8am and sunset.

Mashamoquet Brook State Park

276 Mashamoquet Road Pomfret Center, CT, 06259 Phone: 860-928-6121

Popular state park with facilities for camping, swimming, and boating. Two campgrounds are open, offering a total of 73 campsites. Camping season is April to mid-October. Hiking trails and fishing areas are also available. Famous features of this park are the Wolf Den, and two natural rock formations: Table Rock and Indian Chair. An old grist mill remains of a little patch of mill buildings and shops that were mostly washed away in the 1938 flood. - Trail Map (PDF) - Campgrounds Map (PDF)

James L. Goodwin Forest

23 Potter Road - Off US Route 6 Hampton, CT, 06247 Phone:

This state forest has an extensive trail system and lots of opportunity to see nature and animal life. Open for walking and hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding and boating on Pine Acres Lake. Trails begin at the Goodwin Conservation Center, off of Route 6 at 23 Potter Road in Hampton. The property includes a boat ramp on Pine Acres Lake. Property is open year-round, daily, dawn until dusk.
Hiking trails include wildlife gardens, a loop trail through woodlands, the Natchaug Trail, 10 miles of marked trails surround 135 acres of ponds and an orchard. Letterboxing is done here. Air Line State Park Trail is a level trail, good for hiking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding. - Trail Map (PDF)

Bigelow Hollow State Park - Union, CT - Photo Credit CT DEEP

Bigelow Hollow State Park & Nipmuck State Forest

298 Bigelow Hollow Road - Route 171 Union, CT, 06076 Phone: 860-424-3200

Bigelow Hollow State Park and the adjoining Nipmuck State Forest offer beautiful areas for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying nature in a forested area. The property encompasses Mashapaug Lake and Bigelow, Breakneck, and Griggs ponds. Boating and pond fishing are allowed. There are boat launches at Bigelow Pond and Mashapaug Lake. The Beaver Pond Campground is near Griggs Pond, off Eastford Road (Route 198).
Marked trails from Bigelow Hollow to the Breakneck area do not include a loop, so hikers should prepare to walk the full six miles. However, trails west of the park road both form loops. In winter, the trails are usable for cross country skiing and snowmobiling. - Hiking Map (PDF)

Squantz Pond State Park

178 Short Woods Road New Fairfield, CT, 06810 Phone: 203-312-5023

This year-round recreation area is centered upon a cool, blue pond where visitors enjoy boating, fishing, swimming from a sand beach, picnicking, and, in winter, ice skating and cross country skiing. Hiking trails travel through the adjacent woods. - Hiking Map (PDF)

Edgewood Park

Edgewood Avenue New Haven, CT, 06511 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 has the 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.

Lake Waramaug State Park

30 Lake Waramaug Road New Preston, CT, 06777 Phone: 860-868-0220

Beautiful lake for swimming, paddling (car-top boating), and picnicking

This beautiful blue lake welcomes visitors for water sports, including swimming and car-top boating. Dozens of campsites are situated in wooded and open settings at Lake Waramaug Campground. The campground has concessions, dumping station, bathrooms, showers. Pets not allowed. The camping season is from mid-May to September 30. - Camping and Park Map (PDF)
Admission: There is a weekend/holiday parking fee and a campsite fee at this park.

Talcott Mountain State Park

CT Route 185 (Hartford Road) at Summit Ridge Drive Simsbury, CT, 06070 Phone: 860-242-1158

Heulbein Tower is popular for hiking, picnicking

The main attraction of Talcott Mountain State Park is 165-foot high Heublein Tower, a scenic historical landmark which offers hikers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, as far as Long Island Sound. Discover the region’s wildlife including deer, fox, rabbits, and birds. Amenities include picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and a picnic shelter. Free parking. - Park Map (PDF)
Hours: Park is open year-round, 8am - Sunset; Heublein Tower is open seasonally and hours vary, Please call for up-to-date information.

Mansfield Hollow State Park - Mansfield, CT - Photo Credit John McAvoy

Mansfield Hollow Park

31 Old Willimantic Road Mansfield, CT, 06235 Phone:

Mansfield Hollow Lake is a 500-acre lake for boating and fishing. People also enjoy the water views from trails in the park. Swimming is not allowed because this lake is a source of drinking water. There is a boat launch ramp, picnic tables, and pit toilets. No parking fees. - Park Map (PDF)

Pachaug State Forest (Chapman & Green Falls areas)

Entrance off Route 49 Voluntown, CT, 06384 Phone: 860-376-4075

Pachaug State Forest is composed of two sections, the Chapman Area and the Green Falls Area. Activities in the Chapman area include boating, hunting, camping, camping, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, picnicking, freshwater fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, horseback riding, horse camping, and letterboxing.
The Green Falls area offers boating, camping, freshwater fishing, hunting, mountain biking, and hiking. The Green Falls Campground has 18 wooded campsites; no reservations. Green Falls, Narragansett, Nehantic, and Pachaug trail sections pass through this area. - Chapman Area Map (PDF) - Green Falls Area Map (PDF)

Devil's Hopyard State Park

366 Hopyard Road East Haddam, CT, 06423 Phone: 860-873-8566

The centerpiece of this beautiful park is the 60-foot Chapman Falls. Activities include bicycling, birding, camping, hiking, picnicking, and stream fishing. You can horse around in the horseshoe pit, and picnic at any of five sites along Hopyard Road. Also, 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. - Park Map (PDF)

Burr Pond State Park

384 Burr Mountain Road Torrington, CT, 06790 Phone: 860-482-1817

Visitors can enjoy swimming from the beach, picnicking, hiking the perimeter of the pond, and boating at this pretty park. Visitors may rent canoes and kayaks. - Trail Map (PDF)

Hubbard Park

999 W. Main Street Meriden, CT, 06451 Phone: 203-630-4259

Hubbard Park has 1,800 acres of parkland ]for year-round use. The park includes the East/West Peak, also known as Hanging Hills of Meriden. It is part of the Metacomet Ridge. The park includes woodland, lake and stream, flower gardens, and picnic areas, and Mirror Lake.
Activities: Hiking and biking are permitted. Fishing is allowed in Mirror Lake for youth age 15 and younger. Picnic tables are available. Swimming, rock climbing, and boating are prohibited.
Directions and Parking: Take I-91 South to I-691 West to the exit for Southington/Route 322. At the exit off ramp, turn left onto West Main Street. Hubbard Park is a mile down the road on the left. Parking is at the park at the start of the trail head adjacent to Mirror Lake.

Mohegan Park

189 Mohegan Park Road Norwich, CT, 06360 Phone: 860-823-3798

Norwich is known as the Rose City and the formal rose garden in this park commemorates this. The park has walking trails, pavilions and a swimming beach. Tennis players will enjoy free time on available on clay courts, which are lighted in the evenings. Open air ball field adjacent and horseshoe pit. Park is open daily, 9am - Sunset. - Trail Map (PDF)

Roseland Park

205 Roseland Park Road Woodstock, CT, 06281 Phone: 860-963-7690

This park includes 60 acres of wooded land and waterfront along Roseland Lake and Roseland Cottage, a historic home operated by Historic New England. Open daily, early morning to sunset.
Roseland Cottage is open for tours Wednesday to Sunday, June 1 to October 15.

Sherwood Island State Park

Interstate 95 at Exit 18 Westport, CT, 06880 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, visitors are urged to wear beach shoes. East Beach, which has lifeguards on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Surf and shore fishing are allowed outside of swimming areas. - Hiking Map (PDF)

Stratton Brook State Park

149 Farms Village Road - CT Route 309 Simsbury, CT, 06070 Phone: 860-242-1158

Stratton Brook State Park is completely handicap-accessible. Enjoy biking, field sports, walking & hiking, picnicking, and swimming. There is a scenic bike trail through a pine forest and past bubbling brooks and streams. Amenities include restrooms, rentable picnic shelters, and picnic sites. - Park Map (PDF)
Hours: Open year-round, 8am - Sunset.

Topsmead State Forest

Buell Road Litchfield, CT, 06579 Phone: 860-567-5694

Topsmead has a 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. - Park Map (PDF)
Hours: The grounds are open from 8 a.m. to sunset.
Admission: Free

Indian Well State Park

1 Indian Well Road Shelton, CT, 06484 Phone: 203-735-4311

Located on the Housatonic River, this park has a nice waterfall and swimming area, as well as a picnic grove in the shade. Visitors enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, and hiking some nearby trails along the river. A boat launch is open April through September. - Park Map (PDF)

Bluff Point State Park - Groton. CT - Photo Credit CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Bluff Point Coastal Reserve

Depot Road, off US Route 1 Groton, CT, 06340 Phone: 860-444-7591

Walking in wooded peninsula and along rocky coast; seabird watching; shell fishing allowed

Bluff Point Coastal Reserve is a wooded peninsula extending into Long Island Sound. The property offers both hiking in the woods and along a spectacular rocky coastline. Good for seaside views and watching seabirds. Plants at the headland are native beach plum, beach pea, and shore roses. This is protected property; access is only on foot. A permit is required for shell fishing. Permits are issued by the Town of Groton, at Route 1 and Depot Road. - Park Map (PDF)

Lake McDonough Recreation Area

Off CT Route 219 Barkhamsted, CT, 06063 Phone: 860-379-3036

Swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking on a Braille-marked trail (by reservation only); boat launch. Fishing allowed through November. Boat rentals are $5 per hour. The park is open daily, 10am - 8pm. Boating and shore fishing: late April- Labor Day.

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Well-maintained Connecticut state & local parks offer outdoor fun

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