The former summer estate and working farm of Edith Morton Chase is a peaceful retreat in the Litchfield hills. State 'forest' is misleading, as the part we walked is open fields and rolling hills with scenic vistas and a Cotswold/Tudor inspired mansion that was closed during our visit. The property is well-maintained and the garden areas around the house and the butterfly garden located two fields away still had blooming plants. Visitors enjoyed picnics on the expansive lawn around the house, walks, and kite flying but this beautiful park is a quiet, almost hidden gem. When the house tours resume next year, I will make a return visit.See more..
I go as often as I can. I like to enjoy the fresh air and the park has several trails, some shorts and another a little longer, any of them are great. I brought some friends and they really enjoy the park.See more..
I camped with three adult friends, and one 3year old. We all had an amazing time. The cabins were perfect, quaint, and a great shield from the rain! The river was a very short walk - we went tubing and some did some fishing. Facilities and sights were clean, and well maintained. Loved our stay.See more..
The cool breeze off of this river is refreshing for a stroll on a hot day. An attractive destination for a quick break.See more..
4.5Gurski Farm- Williams Park(6 reviews) - Nice Trails and country scenery at Gurski Farm Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water • Hiking Trails • Forests Peaceful, quiet, nature at its best when walking the trails thru the woods and farm land. You can park at the entrance at the bottom of the hill near the old Gurski barns and house, or proceed to the top of the dirt road. Parking is limited but usually does not present a problem as people come and go. You can see people planting their garden at the fenced in Lions Club community garden or walk your dog (please clean up after your dog does his/her job - thank you) or take the family for a leisurely walk thru the hills and grass covered trails.See more..
5.0Harry C. Barnes Memorial Nature Center(5 reviews) - Definitely worth visiting! Wednesday: Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails • Forests
Trails open 365 days a year, dawn to dusk. Visitor Center open Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10-4 & Sunday 12-4. New exhibits and activities, view our extensive collection of reptiles and amphibians, meet live birds of prey, try your hand at one of our many interactive exhibits, and by all means, explore our trails!See more..
4.0Paugussett State Forest(5 reviews) - Nice hiking trails Spent More than 3 hours Hiking Trails • Forests
This is such a beautiful state forest. There are plenty of hiking trails with beautiful views. The forest is well kept up. There was only one place we saw that you could tell kids hang out there. I suggest printing out a map of the forest so you don't get lost.See more..
Easy trails to follow, beautiful hike up to the top. Then found a path down to the river, which was raging due to a rainstorm. See more..
4.5Lewis Farm Bird Sanctuary(2 reviews) - DEER TICK EXPLOSION ON THE TRAILS! Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Forests Great walking trails for dogs, and nature buffs. Have been numerous times with my dog this summer, and it's a great place for both of us to get some exercise. However, BE WARNED! I went yesterday October 10, 2020 at 8:30AM. When I returned to my truck, my dog, who luckily is white, was covered in deer ticks. And I mean covered! I pulled at least 20 off of her. When I got home, I found some on my T-shirt that I wore underneath my sweatshirt. VERY SCARY! I could not figure out why my dog never had a tick on her all summer? I researched on Google and found the answer. The only thing that changed, was that the leaves have started dropping and covered the trails. According to resources, ticks will thrive in fallen leaves. Now I will wait until the leaves are covered with snow before I go back again.See more..
5.0Cockaponset State Forest(1 review) - Hiking, Swimming & Fishing Forests This is a massive forest that goes through multiple towns! Lots of trails to hike on and Pattaconk Lake is great for fishing (the lake is stocked each spring for opening day of fishing). There is a nice beach area and small pier for swimming, just be careful near the dam/waterfall area. It's also nice for kayaking, just be aware that you will need to walk the kayaks from the parking area (not too far) - there is no boat launch. Common place for picnics and dog walking as well.See more..
5.0Tunxis State Forest(1 review) - Great hiking Forests A great place to go for a walk, jog or a good hike. Be aware...not unusual to see some cool wildlife like a bear! See more..
5.0Enders State Forest(1 review) - Our own Niagara Falls Forests I really don't know how this is not more well known. It is a beautiful scenic spot with a series of 7 water falls I think. They are just beautiful. You can swim at the base of some of them. Warning though, this can be dangerous as well. Every year Life Star has to rescue 1 or more people who are perhaps being a little too adventurous, perhaps had a drink or two as well. Young kids need close supervision!See more..
4.0SIlvermine Fowler Preserve(1 review) - Drive by this road a lot and happened to on this day notice the clearing..... Spent < 1 hour Nature & Wildlife Areas • Forests The day we came upon this there had been an early morning shower and as the temperature was warming there was a slight fog in the air which gave this area a unique feel to it. There is parking for about 10 cars and is situated in a neighborhood. Paths clearly laid out for walking, hiking. Was a nice surprise to come upon this.See more..
