CT State Parks and Forests Main Page Park Location and Contact Information Chatfield Hollow State Park 381 Route 80 Killingworth, CT 06419 (860) 663-2030 {Link to Purchase a State Park Season Pass}   {Symbol for Handicapped Accessibility} ACCESSIBILITY This park offers: {Symbol for Handicapped Accessibility} Bathrooms {Symbol for Handicapped Accessibility} Parking {Symbol for Handicapped Accessibility} Picnic Tables HOURS: The park is open from  sunrise to sunset. Gates open at 8 am on the third Saturday in April, to coincide with opening day of fishing. They close the day after Columbus day, in October. WATER QUALITY: Current information on swimming water quality. PETS: Pets on a leash are permitted. Health regulations require that pets be kept off the beach and out of the water in the swimming pond. STATE PARKS CONTACT INFORMATION: Email: dep.stateparks@ct.gov  Telephone: (860) 424-3200 (866) 287-2757 (Toll Free in CT) Fax: (860) 424-4070

{Water Wheel at Chatfield Hollow State Park} Chatfield Hollow State Park Killingworth 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 pine woods at Chatfield Hollow State Park. Activities Facilities Geology Directions Map History Activities {Hiking} Hiking {Pond Fishing} Pond and Stream Fishing {Picnicking} Picnicking {Swimming} Swimming Fishing Chatfield Hollow is a designated Trout Park. Please see Trout Parks for important information. Facilities Bathrooms, Picnic Shelters, Picnic Tables Picnic Shelter Rental Information Note to Swimmers:  Please read the Beach Regulations and Swimming Safety Information before entering the park. {Chatfield Hollow State Park} Chatfield Hollow State Park, Killingworth Geology The Geology of Chatfield Hollow State Park Directions From Route 9: take Exit 9. Follow Route 81 south to Route 80 west and watch for park entrance signs. From I-95: take Exit 63. Follow Route 81 north to Route 80 west. Fees There are separate weekend/holiday and weekday parking fees at Chatfield Hollow  State Park. Gates open on the third Saturday in April, to coincide with opening day of fishing. They close the day after Columbus day, in October.   Information on Season Passes More Information Map Park Map (919 K) Color Park Map (920 K) Black and White History Chatfield Hollow Brook flows toward Long Island Sound between two high ridges covered with oak, beech, and hickory. In 1934, the Civilian Conservation Corps built an earth and stone dam across the brook, creating seven acre Schreeder Pond. Pines planted at the same time now form a green setting around the pond. In pre-Colonial times, Indians frequented the valley in considerable numbers for purposes of fishing and hunting. Many artifacts found in the vicinity of Indian Council Caves indicated that Native Americans sought refuge in the jagged ledges and held tribal gatherings amid the rock recesses and overhangs. An Indian trail paralleled the brook, winding through the trees and along what is now the park road. Early settlers made use of the stream for waterpower. Descendants of three Chatfield brothers, who arrived from England about 1639, were believed to have operated a gristmill along the brook. Occasional chunks of oddly shaped metal fragments found near the watercourse are evidence that an iron smelting furnace worked native ores into metal for implements. Other reminders of early history include several old building foundations, a restored waterwheel on the upper pond, and the covered bridge reproduction spanning Chatfield Hollow Brook Other Nearby State Recreation Areas Include: Haddam Meadows State Park, Haddam  Location: 3 miles south of Higganum off Route 154 Activities: Boating, Fishing, Picnicking Charge: None Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison Location: 1 mile south of Exit 62 from I-95 (Connecticut Turnpike) Activities:  Camping, Nature Center Programs, Picnicking, Saltwater Swimming, and Fishing Charge: Daily in season Wadsworth Falls State Park, Middletown Location: 2 miles southwest of Middletown on Route 157 Activities: Cross-Country Skiing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Picnicking, Stream Fishing, Swimming Charge: Daily Related Links Connecticut Tourism Information Fishing Information {Link to Top of Page}