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  • Connecticut National Forests

While in Connecticut, you may not come across any designated national forest but the state forests that seem to be filling the void. If you are aspiring to visit the state forests, then rest assured of ultimate foresting experience. Snowboarders and skiers find their way to Mohawk State Forest during winter as Mohawk Mountain Ski Area in this forest makes the perfect play area for snow adventures. Hunting is strictly prohibited but hiking and camping opportunities are immense in this forest.

Best known for its horse trails, excellent fishing and picnic sites along rivers, Natchaug State Forest is the wooded land at the meeting point of Bigelow Rivers. Nipmuck State Forest combines with the adjoining Bigelow Hollow State Park to offer fine recreation opportunities in 9,000 acres including number of hiking trails and the majestic 18-acre pond where you can have all the water fun including angling, boating, swimming or simply bird watching. Cockaponset State Forest is also quite popular, offering hunting, horse riding and snowmobiling apart from other adventures.

 
  • Pachaug State Forest
With the whopping spread of 24,000 acres covering six towns and encompassing two major recreation areas – the Chapman Area and Green Falls Area – Pachaug State Forest is the largest forest in Connecticut. The word “Pachaug” refers to bending or turning in the river. And the rich bounty drives you towards turning this word into loads of action. The Pachaug River, which flows from Beach Pond and culminates into Quinebaug River, is the centre of attraction at this forest. The area is mainly inhabited by the Pequot, Narragansett and Mohegan tribes. Miles of stone fence passing through the woods and old cellar holes are the reminiscent of the inhabitance of the tribes. Every brook has dams and old mill sites, however the farming and small industry has fallen prey to modern technology. But one thing still stands tall - the rustic feel of the forests. Boating, biking, camping, fresh water fishing and hiking are the favorite means of recreation here.
Pachaug State Forest
  • American Legion and People’s State Forests
Visit these forests in any season and you would be thrilled with exciting activities awaiting your arrival. American Legion and People’s State Forests, both located in the Pleasant Valley Section of Barkhamsted, offer the best fishing, hunting and winter sporting adventures in the area.

The rustic woods of these two forests feature historic attractions, water activities and scenic trails. Trout fishing, tubing, canoeing and kayaking makes up for the river recreation. Rugged terrains in American Legion offer magnificent views of rock formations and river valley. The Henry Buck Trail in this forest has two miles of wooded trail. There are over 30 campsites at Austin F. Hawes Memorial Campground by the riverside. Farmington River in People’s State Forest is the designated Wild and Scenic River. This forest also includes Matthies Grove flourished with white pine groves dating back to 200 years, Whittemore Recreation Area, mystic trails stretching over 11 miles, Barkhamsted Lighthouse and a series of historic sites.
American Legion and People’s State Forests