CT State Parks and Forests Main Page Forest Location Pilfershire Road Eastford (Directions) Forest Contact Information Natchaug State Forest c/o Mashamoquet Brook State Park RFD #1 Wolf Den Road Pomfret Center, CT 06259 (860) 928-6121 {Symbol for Handicapped Accessibility} ACCESSIBILITY This forest offers: {Symbol for Handicapped Accessibility} Picnic Tables HOURS: The forest recreation areas are open from 8 am to sunset. Other forest areas are open one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. PETS: Pets on a leash are permitted in picnic areas and on hiking trails. STATE PARKS CONTACT INFORMATION: Email: dep.stateparks @po.state.ct.us Telephone: (860) 424-3200 (866) 287-2757 (Toll Free in CT) Fax: (860) 424-4070

{Photograph of historic chimney in Natchaug State Forest} Natchaug State Forest Eastford Natchaug State Forest is popular for its horse trails, outstanding fishing, and riverfront picnic sites. Activities Facilities Directions Map History Bridge Closure Information The Forest entrance road bridge off Route198 in Eastford will be closed  to both vehicles and pedestrians beginning November 1, 2005. The bridge will be closed indefinitely until structural repairs can be made.  General access to Natchaug State Forest will be available through the entrance located off of Pilfershire Road in Eastford.  Directions Parking for picnicking and fishing access along the Natchaug River will continue to be provided off Route 198.  Directions Activities {Camping} Backpack Camping {Camping} Horse Camping {Cross-Country Skiing} Cross-Country Skiing {Hunting} Hunting {Fishing} Fishing {Mountain Biking} Mountain Biking {Hiking} Hiking {Picnicking} Picnicking {Historic Site} Historic Site {Snowmobiling} Snowmobiling {Horseback Riding} Horseback Riding Letterboxing Fishing The Natchaug River is a designated "Trout Park" fishing area. Please see Trout Parks for important information. Camping Backpack Camping is available in Natchaug State Forest. More Information Horse Camping is available in Natchaug State Forest. More Information Facilities Picnic Tables, Pit Toilets {Natchaug State Forest} Natchaug State Forest, Eastford Directions Parking Off Route 198 Natchaug River Picnic Areas and Fishing From the East (Danielson area): Route 6 west to Route 198 in Chaplin. Take a right onto Route 198 north. Go north on Route 198 for approximately 5.4 miles. Forest entrance is on your right in Eastford. From the West (Hartford area): Route 84 east to Exit 69. At the end of the exit ramp, take a right onto Route 74 east. Go east on Route 74 until it ends. At the end of Route 74, take a left onto Route 44 east. Go east on Route 44 for approximately 5 miles to Route 198. Take a right onto Route 198 south. Go south on Route 198 for approximately 2.6 miles. Forest entrance is on your left in Eastford. From the North (Southbridge, MA area): Route 198 south. Go approximately 2.6 miles after crossing Route 44. Forest entrance is on your left in Eastford. From the South (Willimantic area): Route 6 east to Route 198 in Chaplin. Take a left onto Route 198 north. Go north on Route 198 for approximately 5.4 miles. Forest is on your right in Eastford. Forest Access Forest Headquarters, General Lyons Historic Site and Picnic Area, Silvermine Horse Camp, Hiking, Fishing at the Beaver Dam impoundment, Hunting and Snowmobiling From the East (Danielson area): Route 6 west to Route 198 in Chaplin. Take a right onto Route 198 north. Go north on Route 198 for approximately 7.5 miles (you will pass a Natchaug Forest entrance sign at 5.4 miles).  Take a right onto General Lyon Road.  Go 1/10 mile and take a right onto Pilfishire Road.  Go 1.7 miles and turn right onto Kingsbury Road.  Kingsbury Road leads into Natchaug Forest. From the West (Hartford area): Route 84 east to Exit 69. At the end of the exit ramp, take a right onto Route 74 east. Go east on Route 74 until it ends. At the end of Route 74, take a left onto Route 44 east. Go east on Route 44 for approximately 5 miles to Route 198. Take a right onto Route 198 south. Go south on Route 198 for approximately 1/10 mile.  Turn left onto General Lyon Road.  Go 3/10 mile and turn left onto Pilfishire Road.  Go 1.7 miles and turn right onto Kingsbury Road.  Kingsbury Road leads into Natchaug Forest. From the North (Southbridge, MA area): Route 198 south. Go approximately 1/10 mile after crossing Route 44 and turn left onto General Lyon Road.  Go 3/10 mile and turn left onto Pilfishire Road.  Go 1.7 miles and turn right onto Kingsbury Road.  Kingsbury Road leads into Natchaug Forest. From the South (Willimantic area): Route 6 east to Route 198 in Chaplin. Take a left onto Route 198 north. Go north on Route 198 for approximately 7.5 miles (you will pass a Natchaug Forest entrance sign at 5.4 miles).  Take a right onto General Lyon Road.  Go 1/10 mile and take a right onto Pilfishire Road.  Go 1.7 miles and turn right onto Kingsbury Road.  Kingsbury Road leads into Natchaug Forest. Fees There are no parking fees at Natchaug State Forest. More Information Map Trail Map History The name Natchaug means "land between the rivers" and refers to the land at the junction of the Bigelow and Still Rivers which join to form the Natchaug River. The Forest is popular for its horse trails, outstanding fishing, and riverfront picnic sites. Of historic interest is a large stone fireplace and chimney that are the remains of the birthplace of General Nathaniel Lyon, the first Union General killed in the Civil War. Other Nearby State Recreation Areas Include: Mansfield Hollow State Park, Mansfield Location: 1 mile east of Mansfield Center off Route 195  Activities: Boating, Cross-Country Skiing, Field Sports, Fishing, Hiking, Picnicking Alcohol Free Park: Please do not bring alcoholic beverages. Charge: None Mashamoquet Brook State Park, Pomfret  Location: 5 miles southwest of Putnam on Route 44 Activities: Camping (35 sites), Field Sports, Fishing, Picnicking, Swimming, Youth Group Camping Charge: Weekends and Holidays Related Links Connecticut Tourism Information Fishing Information {Link to Top of Page}