Barbara Sinotte - Connecticut: A Guide to the State Parks & Historic Sites

Hiking is by far the most popular activity in state and national parks. Most of the trails are clearly marked. Off-trail travel (commonly referred to as bushwhacking) is practiced by the more adventurous hikers especially in the less-populated areas.

Trails in many state parks have been rated by taking into consideration the length of the hike and the degree of difficulty. If you are not sure which trails are appropriate for you and your family, talk to a park ranger. If you do not exercise regularly, start on beginner trails and increase your distances gradually. Trail maps are usually available either at the trail head or at the ranger station.

While trail signs vary widely, there are a few common markings that everyone should be familiar with. Periodic paint blazes on trees or rocks are clearly the most popular indication of a trail. Plastic markers are often nailed to trees or metal signs or attached to their own wooden posts. Where there are no trees, trails are often marked with piles of rocks.

Watch for trail markers and make a habit of looking for them for your own safety and the safety of those hiking with you. It does not take away from the enjoyment of hiking and will soon become just another natural thing to do.

If you want to go bushwhacking, be careful. Make your first attempts in open areas with limited undergrowth such as a desert area where the terrain is a little easier to tackle. Bushwhacking through areas of dense vegetation is for the more experienced hiker and should only be attempted with map, water, and compass in hand.

Whether you are bushwhacking or following marked trails, set a comfortable pace for yourself. You are not in a race and can better take in the surroundings if you dont rush your excursion. Attempting to go too fast can ruin all the fun and burn you out before you are half-way through your hike. Stumbling or tripping is a clear sign that you may indeed need to slow down.

Remember to take frequent rest stops. Dont wait for fatigue to tell you its time to slow down. A 10- to 15-minute stop every hour or so is a good idea when you begin. After a while, you will know what is best for you.

Dont speed over the rough areas of a trail. Watch out for tree roots and old logs that may be damp and slippery. If you are not sure of your footing, it is wise to crouch just a bit, lowering your center of gravity to reduce the likelihood of falling. Steep trails have caused many hikers to loose their balance and take a tumble. Descending tends to be more hazardous than ascending and requires a little more attention. Hold onto small trees or rocks. When in doubt, sitting and easing your way down on your rear might be the way to go.

It is important to choose a trail that is comfortable for everyone. Younger children should be introduced to hiking with short walks. It is more fun and educational if they can be involved in planning the hike.

Hiking boots

Day pack

Water bottle

Waterproof poncho

Extra sweater

Snack foods

Toilet paper

Plastic litter bag

2 pairs of hiking socks

Liner socks

Long pants

Long-sleeved shirt

Shell parka or windbreaker

In summer you should include:

T-shirt

Shorts

Extra water

Bug repellant

Sunscreen or lotion

Sun hat

In cool or cold weather add:

Additional layers

Cap or hat

Thermal underwear

When hiking without a group of friends add:

Map

Trail guidebook

Compass

First aid kit

Flashligh

Pocket knife

Matches

Watch

Hiking Safety

• Hike with a friend.
• Take plenty of drinking water.
• Let someone at the camp or at home know where you are going and when you plan to return.
• Dont take shortcuts on a switchback trail.

Connecticut measures 90 miles east to west, 75 miles north to south, with the Connecticut River cutting the state in half. It is rolling and hilly and ever changing. It is tiny, to say the least, but this wonderful state offers some of the best kept parks and forests anywhere and will not disappoint you. Some of the parks are only as big as your back yard, but they offer sanctuary for birds and wildlife and even city-weary urban dwellers.

State Agencies

The Department of Environmental Protection maintains all of the states natural resources. For further information contact them at: 165 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT 06106.

The Office of State Parks and Recreation is responsible for recreation areas in State Parks and State Forests. You can reach them at tel. (203) 566-2304.

Algonquin State Forest

Location: From Winsted, head north on SR 8 for 1 miles and follow the signs.

You may wonder why anyone would visit this state forest. It is closed to hunting and has few, if any, respectable fishing streams. There are no trails to speak of. Bushwhacking is the only way to go. But the birds! Its described in Billards Places to Look for Birds as a good place to see warblers in spring and fall. It is a sight to behold, and birdwatchers will have trouble finding a more perfect, unspoiled location.

For further information contact: Office of State Parks and Recreation, 165 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT 06106. tel. (203) 566-2304.

Bluff Point Coastal Reserve

Location: From I-95, Exit 88 to Route 117 S.

The Reserve is a bluff overlooking Mumford Cove, Long Island Sound, and the Poquonock River. The wooded highland descends to tidal wetlands. A long, narrow sandspit curves westward, ending at Bushy Point, a small island.

For further information contact: Office of State Parks and Recreation, 165 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT 06106. tel. (203) 566-2304.

Campbell Falls State Park

Location: On the Connecticut/Massachusetts border off Route 272 N.

A short trail through a delightful hemlock forest leads right into Massachusetts at Campbell State Park. The 50-ft. falls on Ginger Creek drop into a narrow ravine.

For further information contact: Office of State Parks and Recreation, 165 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT 06106. tel. (203) 566-2304.

Chatfield Hollow State Park

Location: From I-95 at Clinton, exit 63 N or SR 81 to Killingsworth.

This small park adjoins part of the Cockaponset State Forest and offers 18 miles of hiking trails, including the blue-blazed Chatfield Trail. A seven-acre pond provides fishing and swimming.

For further information contact: Office of State Parks and Recreation, 165 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT 06106. tel. (203) 566-2304.

Cockaponset State Forest

Location: From Chester, 3 miles west on SR 148.

The states second largest State Forest extends for about 10 miles north to south on both sides of SR 9 in the western Connecticut River Valley.

Camping: 25 sites.

Hiking: The blue-blazed Cockaponset Trail runs north to south in the Turkey Hill block.

Hunting: Grouse, cottontail, deer, squirrel, raccoon, and waterfowl.

Fishing: Trout fishing.

Ski touring: Trails and unplowed roads.

For further information contact: Office of State Parks and Recreation, 165 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT 06106. tel. (203) 566-2304.