Connecticut State & National Parks

1. Bigelow Hollow State Park

Along with the adjoining Nipmuck State Forest, Bigelow Hollow State Park offers over 9,000 acres of beautiful outdoor space which you can explore. Bigelow Hollow, on its own, was established in 1949 and only spans 516 acres. There is an 18-acre pond, miles and miles of hiking trails, and a plethora of recreational opportunities you can participate in. Amenities include designated picnicking facilities and a boat launch; this allows for boating and fishing. You can fish for native trout, pickerel, and small and largemouth bass in both the summer and the winter (ice fishing). Other activities include hiking, snowmobiling, and backcountry camping.

Bigelow Hollow State Park, Address: 166 Chestnut Hill Road, Stafford Springs, Connecticut, 06076, Phone: 860-684-3430

2. Black Rock State Park

Black Rock State Park is a public recreational area that was established in 1926 and is open to the public every year during the warmer months. The state park adjoins Mattatuck State Forest and comprises 444 acres of land for visitors to explore. Much of the state park comprises large rock face, hence the name ‘Black Rock’. You can take in scenic views as you hike through the endless trails, go swimming in Black Rock Pond, go fishing for numerous species of fish, or enjoy camping in the beautiful outdoors in one of their 78 campsites.

Black Rock State Park, Address: 2065 Thomaston Rd, Watertown, CT 06795, Phone: 866-283-8088

3. Campbell Falls State Park

Spanning only 102 acres, Campbell Falls State Park may be one of the smallest nature preserves and public recreation areas in the state but it is also one of the most beautiful. The state park was established in 1923 and its natural beauty has been preserved impeccably throughout the years. You can spend your time hiking, viewing an array of wildlife, stream fishing, taking stunning natural photography, and viewing the park’s namesake waterfall which cascades over 100 feet into the Whiting River. Be sure to stop by the iconic stone monument inside of the park which marks the border between Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Address: 385 Burr Mountain Road, Torrington, Connecticut, 06790, Phone: 860-482-1817

4. Chatfield Hollow State Park

Since it was established in 1949, Chatfield Hollow State Park is a 412-acre natural space that can be found right beside Cockaponset State Forest. There are several unique attractions and features in the park including the 6.67-acre Schreeder Pond, a restored water wheel, a reproduction covered bridge, Indian caves, and several other historic sites. You can spend your time picnicking, hiking the trails, mountain biking, rock climbing, swimming at the pond, and fishing for trout and other species of fish. The 825-foot Paul F. Wildermann Boardwalk is one of the best ways to cross an inland swamp and really get up close and personal when exploring your surroundings.

Chatfield Hollow State Park, Address: 381 CT-80, Killingworth, CT 06419, Phone: 860-663-2030

5. Dennis Hill State Park

Established in 1935, Dennis Hill State Park is a gorgeous public recreation area which was once the estate of Dr. Frederick Shepard Dennis. The park spans 240 acres and is now on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Amenities include designated parking, a lovely picnic area, and a web of hiking trails which will take you through all of the breathtaking scenic views in the park. One of the park’s main features is the Tamarack Lodge Bungalow, which was originally built as a summer lodge and is now a significant example of local estate architecture.

Dennis Hill State Park, Address: 385 Burr Mountain Road, Torrington, Connecticut 06790, Phone: 860-482-1817

6. Devil's Hopyard State Park

Established in 1919, Devil's Hopyard State Park is a public recreation area that spans nearly 1,000 acres. It is extremely popular with local residents and visitors, especially during the summer months, as there are an array of things you can see and do. Some of the activities you can partake in while exploring the state park include picnicking, hiking, bicycling, fishing, and camping. There are several attractions you should visit while visiting Devil’s Hopyard. For example, Chapman Falls is considered the principal feature of the park and displays a stunning 60-foot drop over a series of unique stone formations. Other attractions include Vista Point Cliff, Eightmile River, and three historic bridges which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Devil's Hopyard State Park, Address: 366 Hopyard Rd, East Haddam, CT 06423, Phone: 860-424-3200

7. Dinosaur State Park & Arboretum

Dinosaur State Park & Arboretum is an 80-acre U.S. National Natural Landmark which was established in 1968. The natural history preserve protects one of the largest dinosaur track sites in the United States. You’ll be able to see Jurassic-era fossil tracks embedded in sandstone; these date back to over 200 million years.

The dinosaur tracks were discovered in 1966 and is one of the largest fossil discoveries made in the state. The site opened as a state park two years later at the same time the dinosaur trackway was honored as a Registered National Landmark. Other aspects you’ll see are a geodesic dome which encloses and preserves other dinosaur tracks, an arboretum with over 250 species of plants, and over 60 miles of hiking trails located within the park.

Dinosaur State Park & Arboretum, Address: 400 West St, Rocky Hill, CT 06067, Phone: 860-529-8423

8. Gay City State Park

Managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Gay City State Park is more than just an outdoor public recreation area. The 1,569 acre park, which borders Meshomasic State Forest, was established in 1944 and is home to deep forests, marshlands, millponds, and the historic remnants of a mill town that occupied the site during the 19th century. The village, which was named Factory Hollow, housed a sawmill, a wool mill, a paper mill, and 25 families, many of whom had the surname Gay. One of the last descendants sold the property to the state, and a year later, the state park was established. Today, visitors can partake in picnicking, swimming, hiking, pond fishing, and camping within the state park.

Gay City State Park , Address: 386 North St, Hebron, CT 06248, Phone: 860-295-9523

9. Gillette Castle State Park

Gillette Castle State Park is a wonderful outdoor space for the entire family to explore while in Connecticut. The park houses the remnants of the namesake castle, which was originally a private residence designed and commissioned by an American actor who famously portrayed Sherlock Holmes on stage, William Gillette. He lived in it from 1919 to 1937 until the state purchased it in 1943; it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1986. The park receives over 100,000 visitors annually, all of whom come to explore the park’s beautiful surroundings, visit the castle turned museum, and to enjoy the many theatrical celebrations which are hosted there throughout the year.

Gillette Castle State Park, Address: 67 River Rd, East Haddam, CT 06423, Phone: 860-526-2336

10. Haddam Meadows State Park

Occupying 175 acres on the west bank of the Connecticut River, Haddam Meadows State Park is one of the most popular public recreation spaces in the area. You can spend your time there walking the extensive park trails which will take you through a diverse array of riverside landscapes from sand bars and marsh beaches to hardwood forests and meadow lands. There is a boat launch which allows for boating and fishing on the river, as well as several picturesque picnicking sites for a relaxing lunch. Prior to the park’s creation in 1944, it played a role in the agricultural economy of the area as well as an important shipping point.

Haddam Meadows State Park, Address: 381 Route 80, Killingworth, Connecticut, 06419, Phone: 860-663-2030