Create a hands-on history lesson with a visit to Putnam Memorial State Park, site of the Continental Army's 1779 winter encampment in Bethel, Connecticut.

Hiking, Fishing, Letterboxing , Youth Group Camping, Hunting

The area which is now Quaddick State Park was once the site of Thompson's town farm where elderly residents of the village spent their reflective years.  Prior to that, it had been a fishing area of the Nipmuck Indians.  The cool reservoir water and the sandy beach draw frequent crowds during the warm summer months.

Boating, Fishing 

The Quinnipiac River flows 38 miles from its headwaters in Plainville to its mouth in New Haven. Nearly six of those miles and 323 acres of floodplain are protected in this park, which is an assemblage of four sections. The most accessible of these is the southernmost which is crossed by Connecticut’s blue blazed trail system.

The bluffs overlooking the Connecticut River give this park a perspective that is unique among all others in the state park system. From the vantage point 150 feet above the water the view up and down stream is outstanding making every trip to this northern Cromwell location time well spent.

Hiking

The large stone pavilion, diverse trail systems, and gently sloping beach make this park ideal for families.  Try crabbing or fishing.  Look for hawks, cranes, and herons.  Rocky Neck provides something for all members of the family.

Boating, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting

Get a glimpse of earlier times as you walk through one of Connecticut's covered bridges.  Enjoy a day of fishing and a picnic along the Salmon River.

Covering 149 wooded acres in a rural setting that was once farmland, Salt Rock offers walking trails, river and fishing access in addition to its 71 tent and RV sites. Located in eastern Connecticut, the campground is near many tourism destinations including Mystic and New London attractions.

Hiking, Canoeing, Kayaking, Tubing

Birding, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting

This island park is accessible only from the water. Formerly home to a farm and a stone quarry, it was cut off from the mainland by the powerful runoff in the spring of 1854. As an island, this unique park offers four boating camp site areas.

Come see the many different habitats and excellent overlooks on the trails at Seth Low Pierrepont State Park Reserve.

Enjoy the views or step back in history at the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) museum in Shenipsit State Forest.   The Forest contains 11 parcels spread over 7,000 acres in northeastern Connecticut. 

Connecticut's first state park is still one of its finest. Have a leisurely lunch in the shade of the picnic grove, swim in Long Island sound, or view marsh life from the observation platform at Sherwood Island.

Could Captain Kidd really have buried his treasure on Charles Island in 1699?  Visit Silver Sands for a fun-filled day in the sun and make up your own mind about this legend.

Two miles of mountaintop resembling a sleeping giant give this park its name, and make it a distinguishing feature on Connecticut's skyline

Have a day of family fun at Southford Falls State Park. Spend your day enjoying field sports, or try your luck at catching trout.

Squantz Pond offers four season enjoyment with steep, wooded slopes, a cool, blue pond and colorful foliage to delight visitors throughout the year.

Boating, Fishing Hiking

This small, 55 acre park in Ledyard is made up of two sections with its main 48 acre segment being the most used.  The entranceway leads to a parking area that has a ramp for car-top boat launching on the five acre tidal estuary.  The park boasts nearly 2,000 feet of frontage on, and access to, the Thames River, though access to the river is under the railroad bridge which could have restricted use during high tides.  While most activity is down by the water, the park’s high point of 183 feet above sea level can be reached via a trail from the parking area.  The trail leads to the top which was once an Indian lookout during times of conflict.  Look for the stone walled Stoddard family cemetery in the woods 500 feet north (upstream) from the parking area.

Stratton Brook is a completely wheelchair accessible park offering swimming, picnicking and interpretive programs in a beautifully wooded setting.

Fishing, Hiking, Picnicking, Hunting