Connecticut - Housatonic Meadows State Park

Housatonic Meadows State Park lies tucked away in the northwest quadrant of Connecticut, shielded by the bustle and noise of the highway by the vast and forested Housatonic State Forest. Cutting through the tall evergreens is the Housatonic River, a playground for water enthusiasts and campers alike.

Best known for its boating, fly fishing, and camping, the park’s trails co-mingle with the Appalachian Trail on its brief passage through Connecticut. The blue blazed state park and white blazed AT trails are home to hilly, forested terrain, with views of the Taconic Range and Catskill Mountains in the western distance, and the expansive Housatonic River Valley to the east. Visitors using the trails should be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots or sneakers that can stand up to the frequent ascents and descents of the terrain. Be prepared to cross several brooks and occasional rocky outcroppings. Because deer ticks are prevalent in the area, wear protective clothing or insect repellant.

Collis P. Huntington State Park

The Collis P. Huntington State Park stretches across portions of the three Connecticut towns of Bethel, Newtown, and Redding. The park contains 883 acres of wilderness that includes wide open fields and deep, dense wooded areas. The Collis P. Huntington State Park is named for the father of Archer M. Huntington, who donated the park to the state of Connecticut in 1973 upon the death of Archer’s wife, Anna Hyatt Huntington, the matriarch of the family. The Huntington family lived on the property for over 40 years before leaving it to the state.

Wilderness Sculptures

Burr Pond State Park

Burr Pond State Park is located about 5 miles north of Torrington, Connecticut and is compromised of approximately 436 acres. This park includes a lovely beach, footpath around the pond, concession stand, picnic tables, boat launch, and canoe and kayak rentals. There are also many trails and viewpoints for hiking and mountain biking around the park to enjoy the pond and its surrounding plants, animals, and birds.

Burr Pond was created by Milo Burr in 1851. He created a dam, Burr Pond Dam, to generate power. He used this waterpower to operate a tannery and a few sawmills. The trees that were cut down to make room for the tannery and sawmills were used to fuel the country’s steadily growing lumber needs. These clearings also became homesites, further proving how important Connecticut was to the advancement of industry in this country. A few years later, Gail Borden created the world’s first condensed milk factory at Burr Pond. Condensed milk was a necessity to soldiers fighting in the civil war and he eventually established Borden Incorporated. In 1877, the factory burned down in a fire, however its stone foundations remained intact and can be seen just off of Burr Mountain Road.

Bigelow Hollow State Park

Located inside the Nipmuck State Forest, Bigelow Hollow State Park can offer over 9,000 acres of pristine nature for visitors to enjoy. Miles of excellent hiking trails are available to explore as well as an 18 acre pond. The first parcel of land that makes up the park was acquired in 1905. Over the years, surrounding towns of Stafford, Ashford, Willington, and Woodstock have added to the forest land. The State Park and Forest Commission established the Bigelow Hollow State Park in 1949.

Bigelow Hollow State Park probably draws in the most visitors because of the sheer variety of landscape to be found there. The hilly landscape is contrasted by a mix of rocky, grassy and forested areas. This variety of landscape draws visitors back again and again to enjoy the varied natural beauty available. This variety in the landscape also makes the park ideal for a number of outdoor activities, including boating, picnicking, and swimming. On weekdays there is no admission to enter the park, but there is an entrance fee charged on weekends and holidays.

Black Rock State Park

Located in Watertown, Connecticut, the Black Rock State Park offers a wide variety of campsites and recreational activities on its 496 acres of gorgeous scenic land. The park contains a total of 96 campsites and offers numerous activities including hiking, pond fishing, picknicking, swimming and field sports.

In addition to being a beautiful park with countless terrain to explore, the Black Rock brings with it a great deal of history and mystique. The name “Black Rock” is said to have originated from the charcoal colored rock which local Naugatuck settlers had discovered while mining.