The Constitution State
Connecticut
Dense hardwood forests, the Appalachian Trail, and state forests that rival any public land in New England.
Connecticut at a Glance
State Forests
Connecticut manages over 170,000 acres of state forest, including Pachaug, Natchaug, and Mohawk State Forests
Appalachian Trail
The AT crosses 51 miles through Connecticut, passing through several state forests with reliable campsites
Taconic Highlands
The Taconic Range in northwest Connecticut offers ridge walks above 2,000 ft with panoramic views into New York and Massachusetts
Rivers and Reservoirs
The Housatonic River corridor provides paddling and fishing through wooded valleys accessible from state forest land
Black Bears Returning
Black bears are now regularly spotted in Connecticut after a 100-year absence, with populations reestablishing in the northwest corner
Historic Trails
Connecticut's Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail system covers 825 miles across the state, maintained by the Connecticut Forest and Park Association since 1929
When to Visit
May through October for hiking. Fall foliage peaks mid-October. Spring brings muddy trails through April, so check conditions before going.
Top Activities
Gateway Cities
Litchfield
Northwest Connecticut hub near Mohawk State Forest and the Appalachian Trail corridor, with access to the Taconic Range and multiple state parks.
Willimantic
Eastern Connecticut gateway to Pachaug and Natchaug State Forests, with the Blue-Blazed trail network radiating outward in multiple directions.
Did You Know?
Connecticut's Pachaug State Forest at 27,000 acres is the largest state forest in Connecticut, with 35 miles of multi-use trails.
The Appalachian Trail through Connecticut is considered one of its more accessible sections, with road crossings every 5-10 miles.
Kent Falls State Park in the Housatonic Valley draws visitors to a 250-ft waterfall cascade that's one of the highest falls in New England.
The Metacomet Ridge, a 60-mile-long traprock ridge running north-south through Connecticut, is the backbone of the Metacomet Trail system.
Connecticut's forests have rebounded dramatically since the 1800s, when the state was 75% cleared farmland. Today, over 60% of the state is forested.