Connecticut State Parks Offer Summer Fun For Everyone

Summertime is synonymous with outdoor fun. Look no further than Connecticut’s state parks and forests to find trails for biking and hiking, ponds for fishing and swimming, and beaches for camping and boating. Check out the list below for details on featured activities this season along with some suggested parks to enjoy these adventures.

Biking

• Mansfield Hollow State Park, Mansfield – Bike trails abound in Tolland County. Take in the water views while peddling, and stay for an afternoon of fishing in Mansfield Hollow Lake.

• Haley Farm State Park, Groton –The Haley Farm Bike Trail, which is wheelchair accessible, is part of a 7.5-mile town-owned bikeway routed from Mystic to Groton on local roadways. The park’s 0.8-mile bike trail winds its way through the scenic old shoreline farm.

• Airline State Park Trail, East Hampton – Panoramic views of the surrounding Connecticut hills and valleys characterize the Airline State Park Trail, a 50-mile trail beginning in East Hampton and ending in Putnam.

• Stratton Brook State Park, Simsbury – Old railroad tracks cutting through the park now make an impressive bike path, which travels over scenic brooks and is shaded by white pines.

Boating

• Burr Pond State Park, Torrington – Canoe and kayak rentals are available by the hour or by the day from Memorial Day through Labor Day. After spending time on the water, have a picnic at Burr Pond then hike the trails in search of the bronze tablet marking Connecticut's role in the Civil War and the Industrial Revolution.

• Indian Well State Park, Shelton – Boaters can enjoy all that the Housatonic River has to offer by launching from this park in Fairfield County. In addition, the park's scenic waterfalls, splash pool and shaded picnic grove at the water's edge make it a great place to spend a lazy summer day.

Camping

Reservations for all state campgrounds are available online at www.reserveamerica.com or by calling toll free 1-877-668-CAMP (2267).

• Rocky Neck State Park, Old Lyme – Family camping within walking distance of saltwater bathing is popular at Rocky Neck with 160 wooded and open campsites offering weekenders and vacationers attractive overnight accommodations. The large stone pavilion, diverse trail systems and gently sloping beach make this park ideal for families.  Try crabbing or fishing, and look for hawks, cranes and herons.

• Kettletown State Park, Southbury – With 68 partly wooded and open campsites, this park is a beautiful place to spend overnight in New Haven County. The cool waters of the Housatonic River make Kettletown State Park and Lake Zoar popular recreation destinations.

• Salt Rock State Park, Sprague – Covering 120 wooded acres in a rural setting that was once farmland, this park offers 71 tent and RV sites. Located in eastern Connecticut, the campground is near many tourism destinations including Mystic and New London attractions.

• Natchaug State Forest, Eastford (horse camp area) – The Lost Silvermine Horse Camp reserves 22 campsites for people and their horses. The facilities are basic – campers are responsible for cleaning sites and carrying out all trash. For information, contact (860) 974-1562.

• Pachaug State Forest, Voluntown (horse camp area) – The Frog Hollow Horse Camp offers 18 semi-wooded sites around an open field. For information, contact (860) 376-4075.

Fishing

Fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 years of age or older and can be obtained at any town hall, designated tackle shop or by phone at (860) 424-3700.

• Stratton Brook State Park, Simsbury – Best known for its trout fishing, swimming and bikeways, this park features two ponds – a "swimming hole" and a fishing pond frequently stocked with trout. Connecticut’s only fully handicap-accessible state park.

• Chatfield Hollow State Park, Killingworth – Schreeder Pond offers a great setting for trout fishing in Middlesex County. Stay at the park to hike the trails in search of Indian caves, explore the jagged rocky ledges and recesses or relax by the cooling waters, or picnic in the soft pinewoods. The reconstruction of the Paul Wildermann Swamp Walk takes visitors through a vibrant wetland giving them an intimate experience with wetlands habitat, flora and fauna.

Hiking

• Bigelow Hollow State Park, Union – Miles of hiking trails can be found in Windham County, as Bigelow Hollow State Park and the adjoining Nipmuck State Forest offer over 9,000 acres of recreation opportunities. The contrast of rock, water and mixed deciduous/evergreen woodland provide ample beauty for the many visitors this park receives.

• American Legion and People’s State Forest, Barkhamsted – With a number of marked trails averaging around two miles each, there are many opportunities for visitors to explore these forests. Several guided hikes are offered from May through October through the Stone Museum programs. Visitors can also enjoy letterboxing activities, which involve finding a hidden container in the forest.

Horseback Riding

Bring your own horse and enjoy horseback riding on the following trails.

• Airline State Park Trail, East Hampton – A beautiful trail to explore in eastern Connecticut. For information on the north section, contact Mashamoquet Brook State Park at (860) 928-6121. For information on the south section, contact Salmon River State Forest at (860) 295-9523.

• Bluff Point State Park, Groton – A loop with views of Long Island Sound and beach rides. For information, contact (860) 445-1729.

• Larkin State Bridle Trail, Southbury – This 11-mile wildlife corridor of scenic and historic areas was dedicated by the late Charles Larkin to the State of Connecticut as a designated State Bridle Trail. For information, contact (860) 424-3200.

Swimming

• Hopeville Pond State Park, Griswold – Once boasting several successful mill operations, the site now offers a fine mix of quality recreation and local history. Two long beaches backed with a large picnic area make this park a terrific place to enjoy a swim in eastern Connecticut.

• Silver Sands State Park, Milford – Connecticut’s newest shoreline state park, Silver Sands offers a half mile of beachfront where visitors can swim and sunbathe.

• Mount Tom State Park, Litchfield – One of the oldest parks in the state park system, it is named for the mountain within its boundaries. Head to this retreat in Litchfield County to enjoy the crystal-clear, spring-fed waters of Mount Tom Pond, situated beneath the mountain’s 1,325-foot high peak.

Tubing

• Satan’s Kingdom State Recreation Area, New Hartford – Take a cool, exciting and relaxing ride on the Farmington River from Memorial Day through mid-September. Participants must be able to swim, be at least 4’5" tall and at least 10 years old. Visit www.farmingtonrivertubing.com.

The state of Connecticut operates 137 state parks and forests. The state park system dates back to the early years of the 20th century. These lands include:

• 19 swimming areas and beaches;
• Nine historic sites of significance;
• More than 800 miles of hiking trails;
• 230 lakes and ponds;
• 2,000 miles of rivers and streams;
• 1,300 campsites at 14 state parks for both tent and RV camping;
• More than 100 public boat launch areas.

To learn more visit www.dep.state.ct.us/stateparks.

For more information about Connecticut’s state parks, pick up a copy of A Shared Landscape, A Guide & History of Connecticut’s State Parks, compiled by the Friends of Connecticut State Parks, a non-profit advocacy group. The guidebook offers everything you need to know about our public lands. To order a copy visit www.friendsctstateparks.org.