11 State Parks to Explore in Litchfield County, Connecticut
Updated: Jul 16
Did you know that there are more than ten state parks in Litchfield County, Connecticut? In this corner of the state, you have an endless supply of beautiful trails to hike and explore. You can wander through the woods, relax by the water or climb up a trail to a view of rolling hills and mountains.
Connecticut State Parks
Connecticut punches above its weight when it comes to outdoor recreation. Whether you're a hiker or a casual nature enthusiast, there's a park for you. With over 110 state parks and forests crammed into its relatively small size, Connecticut boasts an impressive amount of green space for residents and visitors to explore. That's not all - nearly every resident lives within a 15-minute drive of a state park, making it easy to escape and immerse yourself in nature. Connecticut State parks offer a variety of activities, from hiking and fishing to swimming and picnicking. It's no wonder attendance keeps increasing, with over 10 million visitors enjoying the parks each year.
Packing For a Day Hike
Connecticut's state parks offer a chance to escape with nature, but being prepared is key to a safe and enjoyable experience. Here's a checklist for your day hike:
Comfortable Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support are important for navigating uneven terrain.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Pack layers you can adjust to changing temperatures. Opt for moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester or merino wool to stay dry. Don't forget a hat and sunglasses for sun protection, and a rain jacket in case of sudden rain (this happens more than you would think).
Hydration: Pack a reusable water bottle with a filter and plan to refill it throughout your hike.
Food: Pack enough high-energy snacks and a lunch to keep you full of energy. Nuts, granola bars, sandwiches, and fruits are all good options.
Protection: Sunscreen and insect repellent are a must to shield yourself from the sun's rays and all the pesky bugs.
First-Aid Kit: Be prepared for minor injuries with a small first-aid kit containing bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
Navigation: Having a map and compass or a charged phone with a downloaded trail map and GPS navigation app will help you stay on trail for your hike.
Extra Gear: Consider packing a whistle for emergencies, a hiking buff for sweat, and a small garbage bag to pack out any trash you generate (or find).
Trekking Poles: These can provide stability and support on uneven terrain, especially for longer hikes.
Camera: Capture the beautiful scenery and wildlife you encounter.
Daypack: A comfortable daypack will hold all your essentials and allow for easy access.
For more on packing check out my post Day Hiking Essentials Checklist.
Click to be taken to a specific State Park!
Black Rock State Park
2065 Thomaston Rd.
Watertown, CT 06795
"Excellent swimming, hiking, scenic views, and Indian legend all tucked into the rolling hills of the Western Highlands. From the steep, wooded ledges covered with pine, hemlock and oak shading sparkling Black Rock Pond to the commanding rock face offering views of Thomaston, Watertown, and Waterbury, Black Rock’s 444 acres offer no shortage of opportunity for adventure, solitude, and family fun." - CT Parks
Hiking
This state park offers some of the best views in the area. Take the Mattautck Trail which intersects with some of the parks trails up to the overlook for views of the Naugatuck Valley. Don't forget to check out Leatherman's Cave while you're in the area. Legend has it that a man, known as Leatherman and who wore a leather outfit, would circle through this area ever thirty days or so. He would hide out in caves along the trail, including this one. Pearl Jam even wrote a song about him!
Swimming
I can't think of anything better than dipping into the lake after a nice hike. What better way to cool off? This beach has on-duty lifeguards, changing rooms, and bathroom facilities during open season.
Camping
At this state park you have over 75 different campsites to pick from. All within walking distance to the walking trails and beach for swimming. At each site you have a picnic table and a fire pit to use. Open fields are free to use to games and picnicking. Facilities are also available for toileting and showering. To reserve a campsite visit Reserve America.
Burr Pond State Park
384 Burr Mountain Rd.
Torrington, CT 06790
"Swim, picnic, hike the trails—and learn about the history of Borden's condensed milk. Previously a manufacturing space powered by the pond’s dam, the park was the site of the world’s first condensed milk factory. Gail Borden, Jr., who discovered how to preserve milk by evaporation and condensation, invaluable to the Union Army during the Civil War, built the factory here in 1857. The mill was eventually destroyed by fire in 1877, but a bronze tablet still marks the factory’s original location. " - CT Parks
Hiking
Burr Pond State Park has over 439 acres of land with some great hiking trails running through it. Walcott Trail and John Murr Trail are two well traveled trails in this Connecticut State Park. The 2.5 mile Walcott Trail loops around the pond with pretty lake views, while the 2.1 mile John Murr Trail connects you with other trail systems that lead to Sunny Brook State Park and Paugnut State Forest.
Boating
A boat launch is located further down the road from the main entrance. Here you can put in your kayak, canoe or paddleboard. If you dont have your own, no worries, you can rent them through Clarke Outdoors.
Fishing
The pond is stocked with bass, perch and more in the spring and fall, making it a great destination for both experienced and novice fishers.
Picnicking
There are plenty of picnic tables and grills for families and friends to gather for a meal. If you would rather purchase food, you can head to the snack stand.
Swimming
After a hike or on a warm day, you can head over to Burr Pond, a natural pond fed by streams from the mountains. In season a lifeguard watches over the roped swim area.
Winter
During the winter, this CT state park is the perfect place to ice fish, cross-country ski, and snowshoe.
Kent Falls State Park
462 Kent Cornwall Road
Kent, CT 06757
"Wander across the covered bridge, hike the falls, and feel the mist on your face as water cascades 250 feet down on its way to the Housatonic River. From its headwaters in Warren, the water flows west to the big fall where it plunges approximately 70 feet in a dramatic cascade before tumbling down in a series of falls to the Housatonic River." - CT Parks
Hiking
An accessible path leads you through a wooden footbridge over the river and to the base of Kent Falls. You can then climb your way up the stairs and follow the trail to lookouts at different levels of the falls before turning around to head back.
Picnicking
There is ample space to gather at this state park for a picnic while you listen to the falls and watch the birds.
Fishing
This state park is a great place to try your luck at catching some trout!
Topsmead State Forest
Buell Road
Litchfield, CT 06759
"Go back in time to an era past. Come discover this hidden gem nestled into the pastoral Litchfield Hills. This location offers diverse landscapes, including bike and nature trails, formal gardens, unique bird habitats and an English Tudor style cottage. Be sure to visit the Orintas Family Butterfly Garden and Viewing Stand, the Edith Morton Chase Ecology Trail with interpretive signage." - CT Parks
Hiking
While not a traditional in the woods type of place, the gravel trails here are well maintained and it is. a beautiful place to take a walk. This is a great place to watch the sunset!
Photography
This Connecticut State Forest is a photographers dream. Between the cottage, tree lined gravel paths, and gardens, it's hard to not want to shoot here. Just be aware that this is a very popular spot on weekends, you won't be the only one with a camera!
Picnicking
While there is only one picnic table by the pond, the lawn in front of the English Tudor styled cottage is huge enough to lay down a picnic blanket for a more traditional style picnic.
Sunny Brook State Park
Newfield Rd
Torrington, CT 06790
Sunny Brook State Park is a is a relatively young and smaller park with limited amenities. It was established in 1970 when the original land, about 160 acres, was donated to the state by a dairy farmer. Be aware of bears here, I've run into them often. There are also many people who walk their dogs here.
Hiking
There are four different loop trails that you can hike here at Sunny Brook State Park. The longest trail is the blue trail that takes you past Testone boulder and past the pond. The Orange Flyer Pond Loop runs off the blue trail for added mileage. Inside there are two smaller loops that bring you along the river and over some short boardwalks.
Housatonic Meadows State Forest & Park
90 US-Route 7
Sharon, CT 06069
"Located in the rock-strewn valley of the Housatonic River amid the rugged hills of the northwestern uplands, Housatonic Meadows is an ideal setting for a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Camp under the tall pines on the riverbank for that genuine back-to-nature feeling. Test your skills on trout and bass in the clear, cold river water (catch and release fly fishing only, trout stamp required). A two-mile stretch of river (including the park shore) is limited to fly fishing. Housatonic Meadows State Forest’s over 10,000 acres of rocky mountain ridges, river gorges, and rugged forest, including some of New England’s most impressive white pine tree stands, make the ideal outdoor wonderland. " - CT Parks
Hiking
Pine Knob Loops is a well-known hike located in this state park. It is about miles long and has not one, but three great lookouts. You will circle around the forest and alongside the river. If you are looking for a shorter, but just as challenging hike Bread Loaf Mountain is a less traveled hike with more great views! Sunset was beautiful here.
Camping
If you are looking for a beautiful camping location, check out Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground. There are over 60 sites to choose from with the river running alongside the campground offering a place to tube, canoe, and fly fish. And yes, they have bathrooms with hot water! Reserve your site on Reserve America.
Fishing
Fly fishing can be done in this state park by permit and all catches must be released.
Snowmobiling
Take a 10.6 mile trail on your snowmobile. You can access the trail on Mount Easter Road.
Letterboxing
The hike to this hidden letterbox is one of 32 in the second series called the “Seedling Series”, sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Division of Forestry. Find the details here.
Camp Columbia State Park
West Street
Morris, CT 06763
Camp Columbia started as a summer camp for engineering students at Columbia University in 1903. For nearly 80 years, students learned practical skills like surveying. During World War I, it even became a training ground for soldiers. Today, it's a state park where you can hike and explore this historic location.
Hiking
Several easy trails wind through the 600-acre park. There is still a stone building up, but it has been vandalized pretty badly. Keep going up the trail and you will soon find the tower where the soldiers practiced surveying. If the door is open, take the climb to the top for a pretty view.
Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
In the winter, the trails are perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Plus, this Connecticut State Park is lightly used, so you will most likely have it to yourself.
Horseback Riding
Bring your own horse and enjoy the wide horse trails through this state park.
Campbell Falls State Park
Old Spaulding Road
Norfolk Historic District, CT 06058
This undeveloped park offers a glimpse into the natural beauty of Litchfield County. Formed by the cascading waters of the Whiting River, the Connecticut State Park shows off a nearly 100-foot waterfall as its centerpiece. Established in 1923, through a collaboration between Connecticut and Massachusetts, you have the chance two stand in two states at once!
Hiking
The main attraction is the very short hike leading to the namesake Campbell Falls. It's can be very steep and wet, so please wear proper shoes!
Dennis Hill State Park
519 Litchfield Rd.
Norfolk, CT 06058
"Hike to the 1,627-foot summit of Dennis Hill estate for panoramic views stretching across Litchfield County and beyond. Or, in season, hop in your car and take the easier way up. On a clear day, see all the way to Haystack Mountain, Mt. Greylock, the Green Mountains, and even parts of New Hampshire. The unique summit pavilion, formerly a summer residence, then a World War II lookout, is a popular spot to soak in the vista or have a picnic. The views are spectacular all year long, but especially when fall foliage turns Dennis Hill into an autumn wonderland." - CT Parks
Hiking
A short, easy loop trail takes you to to a pretty view from a gazebo. There are also many old building remains along the trail if you keep your eyes out. This is a great place to visit during peak foliage because you are right at some of the tree tops, so it will be right in your face!
Picnicking
A big pavilion sits at the top of the paved road at this state park. From inside you have great views into the forest. There is a bathroom, fireplace, and picnic tables. You can rent this spot out for parties, but there is no electric outlets.
Lovers Leap State Park
178 Short Woods Road
New Milford, CT 06776
"With views for days, industrial history, and Native American lore about star-crossed lovers, Lovers Leap packs a big punch for its relatively small size. Straddling the Housatonic River along the northern edge of Lake Lillinonah, the 160-acre park is jam-packed with hiking trails, dramatic vistas of the river gorge, and historic ruins." - CT Parks
Hiking
There are plenty of things to see along the trails at this Connecticut State Park such as historic ruins and four different scenic views. If you are lucky, you may catch a crew race from the iconic red bridge.
Macedonia Brook State Park
159 Macedonia Brook Road
Kent, CT 06757
"Head to 2,300-acre Macedonia Brook State Park for big hikes, big views, and big fish. And with camping available, keep the adventure and fun going even longer. The park’s more than 10 miles of trails show off the range of terrain, including some of the most challenging ascents and some of the most spectacular vistas in Connecticut. Hike the Blue Trail across Cobble Mountain and several other peaks for outstanding views of the Catskill and Taconic mountains — a wonder all year long, but even more dazzling in fall when the leaves change. Numerous springs and streams along the way only add to the park’s beauty." - CT Parks
Hiking
The best trail for views here is the Macedonia Ridge Trail where you can hike to four different lookouts, including Cobble Mountain. This trail can get difficult, so if you would like an easier trail than check out the other side of the park.
Camping
Have your pick at over 50 rustic sites at this beautiful and secluded Connecticut State Park. Portable toilets are available but you will find no running water, other than the river that runs through the park. Feel free to have a fire in the ringor hang out at your picnic table. You will need to leave your pets at home if you plan to spend the night here.
Litchfield County, Connecticut is the cure! With more than 11 amazing state parks, you'll find waterfalls, scenic hikes, and peaceful lakes. Hike, bike, swim, or just relax - there's something for everyone.
Plus, Connecticut's packed with parks, so you're never far from nature. Pack a backpack, some snacks (don't forget the cookies!), and get ready to explore! Litchfield County's state parks are waiting for you to adventure. Happy exploring!
Tell me in the comments below! Which Litchfield County State Park are you most excited to explore?
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