{"id":316,"date":"2012-06-30T18:06:15","date_gmt":"2012-06-30T18:06:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.websitefix.net\/clients\/Generic\/?page_id=316"},"modified":"2021-12-15T18:00:06","modified_gmt":"2021-12-15T18:00:06","slug":"parks-nature","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Connecticut3\/Weichert\/?page_id=316","title":{"rendered":"Parks & Nature"},"content":{"rendered":"

SPORTS & RECREATION \/ PARKS & NATURE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Throughout Connecticut are idyllic recreation sites, beautiful beaches, mountain retreats, deep forests, and lush parks. Several of the state\u2019s natural attractions also showcase celebrated historic sites and treasures from yesterday. At the Weir Farm National Historic Site, visitors can walk along the Historic Painting Sites Trail and stand in the same place as the Impressionist artists to compare paintings with the scenes that inspired them.<\/p>\n

For every imaginable outdoor activity, the state provides a panoramic backdrop and outstanding facilities. Winding bike trails, horseback riding paths, scenic hiking trails, modern and primitive campgrounds, cabins, delightful nature centers, exquisite gardens, and environmental education centers are never far from home.<\/p>\n

Hikers, walkers, and nature lovers will find it easy to discover the perfect places to enjoy Connecticut\u2019s natural beauty with seemingly endless miles of trails for beginners to the famous Blue Blazed trail system. On a state level alone, more than 100 parks and forests beckon the adventurous.<\/p>\n

Connecticut State Forests<\/strong>
\nThousands of acres of heavily forested land throughout the state have been preserved for public enjoyment and recreation. Popular activities are many and include picnicking, camping, canoeing or kayaking, fishing, hunting, swimming, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking, horseback riding, bird watching, motorcycling, and dog-sledding.<\/p>\n

American Legion <\/strong>
\n& Peoples State Forests<\/strong>
\nBarkhamstead 860-379-2469
\nCampground 860-379-0922
\n3,736 acres
\nwww.ct.gov\/dep<\/a><\/p>\n

Cockaponsett State Forest<\/strong>
\nHaddam 860-345-8521
\n15,652 acres
\nwww.ct.gov\/dep<\/a><\/p>\n

Mohawk Mountain State Forest<\/strong>
\nCornwall\/Goshen 860-491-3620
\n3,351 acres
\nwww.ct.gov\/dep<\/a><\/p>\n

Natchaug State Forest<\/strong>
\n& James L. Goodwin State Forest<\/strong>
\nEastford 860-928-6121
\n12,935 acres
\nwww.ct.gov\/dep<\/a><\/p>\n

Pachaug State Forest<\/strong>
\nVoluntown 860-376-4075
\n22,938 acres
\nwww.ct.gov\/dep<\/a><\/p>\n

Salmon River State Forest<\/strong>
\nColchester 860-295-9523
\n6,115 acres
\nwww.ct.gov\/dep<\/a> <\/strong>
\nShenipsit State Forest<\/strong>
\nSomers 860-684-3430
\n6,126 acres
\nwww.ct.gov\/dep<\/a><\/p>\n

Topsmead State Forest<\/strong>
\nLitchfield 860-567-5694
\n514 acres
\nwww.ct.gov\/dep<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Major State Parks<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bigelow Hollow State Park<\/strong>
\nStafford Springs 860-684-3430
\nwww.ct.gov\/dep<\/a>
\nThe park combines with adjoining Nipmuck State Forest to provide more than 9,000 acres of recreation opportunities including miles of hiking trails and an 18-acre pond.<\/p>\n

Black Rock State Park<\/strong>
\nWatertown 860-238-8088
\nwww.ct.gov\/dep<\/a>
\nBlack Rock offers excellent swimming, hiking, scenic views, and Indian legends all tucked into the scenic rolling hills of the Western Highlands.<\/p>\n

Bluff Point State Park<\/strong>
\nGroton 860-444-7591
\nwww.ct.gov\/dep<\/a>
\nBluff Point Coastal Reserve provides the visitor with a delightful mixture of wooded hiking and biking trails coupled with spectacular wildlife viewing along the Long Island Sound.<\/p>\n

Burr Pond State Park<\/strong>
\nTorrington 860-482-1817
\nwww.ct.gov\/dep<\/a>
\nHeavily wooded splendor with a lake offers swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, pedalboating, hiking trail, picnicking, fishing, and ice skating.<\/p>\n

Collis P. Huntington State Park<\/strong>
\nRedding 203-938-2285
\nwww.ct.gov\/dep<\/a>
\nLifelike sculptures of bears and wolves are on hand to welcome visitors to a peaceful setting of open fields and dense woodlands.<\/p>\n

Devils Hopyard State Park<\/strong>
\nEast Haddam 860-526-2336
\nwww.ct.gov\/dep<\/a>
\nNamed for the round holes in the falls that some call \u201cthe work of the devil,\u201d the park is ideal for bicycling, hiking, picnicking, birding, camping, and stream fishing.<\/p>\n

Gay City State Park<\/strong>
\nHebron 860-295-9523
\nwww.ct.gov\/dep<\/a>
\nGay City State Park offers a glimpse into Connecticut\u2019s industrial roots with more than 1,500 acres of endless opportunities for outdoor fun. Historic sites exploration includes extinct mill-town ruins and rustic stone foundations.<\/p>\n

Hammonasset Beach State Park<\/strong>
\nMadison 203-245-2785
\nwww.ct.gov\/dep<\/a>
\nThe largest shoreline park features a beach, swimming, picnic areas, camping, saltwater fishing, scuba diving, hiking trails, nature study, and boating opportunities.<\/p>\n

Harkness Memorial State Park<\/strong>
\nWaterford 860-443-5725
\nwww.ct.gov\/dep<\/a>
\nThis former summer estate on Long Island Sound is a magnificent, 42-room mansion with formal gardens, picnic areas, a fine beach, and summer concerts.<\/p>\n

Hopeville Pond State Park<\/strong>
\nGriswold 860-376-2920
\nwww.ct.gov\/dep<\/a>
\nFish, swim, or camp along the shores of Hopeville Pond in a panoramic area that combines quality recreation with historic significance.<\/p>\n

Housatonic Meadows State Park<\/strong>
\nSharon 860-927-3238
\nwww.ct.gov\/dep<\/a>
\nThe hiking trail on Pine Knob Loop Trail joins the Appalachian Trail. Other activities include picnicking, flyfishing, canoeing, and riverside camping.<\/p>\n

Kent Falls State Park<\/strong>
\nKent 860-927-3238
\nwww.ct.gov\/dep<\/a>
\nWander across the covered bridge, hike the falls, and feel the mist on your face as water cascades 250 feet down on its way to joining the Housatonic River.<\/p>\n

Kettletown State Park<\/strong>
\nSouthbury 203-264-5678
\nwww.ct.gov\/dep<\/a>
\nThe refreshing waters of the Housatonic River make the park and Lake Zoar popular recreation destinations.<\/p>\n

Macedonia Brook State Park<\/strong>
\nKent 860-927-3238
\nwww.ct.gov\/dep<\/a>
\nHike the Blue Trail across Cobble Mountain and other peaks for outstanding views of the impressive Catskill and Taconic mountains and splendid foliage vistas.<\/p>\n

Mashamoquet Brook State Park<\/strong>
\nPomfret Center 860-928-6121
\nwww.ct.gov\/dep<\/a>
\nRich with history and legend and home of the Wolf\u2019s Den, the park offers hiking, camping, fishing, and swimming for the whole family.<\/p>\n

Mount Tom State Park<\/strong>
\nLitchfield 860-567-8870
\nwww.ct.gov\/dep<\/a>
\nHiking trails combine with opportunities for swimming, picnicking, fishing, boating, scuba diving, and ice skating \u2014 all around the spectacular 1,325-foot summit.<\/p>\n

Osbornedale State Park<\/strong>
\nDerby 203-735-4311
\nwww.ct.gov\/dep<\/a>
\nEnjoy hiking and fishing, then relax with a picnic or visit the environmental center.<\/p>\n

Penwood State Park<\/strong>
\nBloomfield 860-242-1158
\nwww.ct.gov\/dep<\/a>
\nVisitors enjoy more than 800 acres of four-season fun at this expansive park just a short drive from the capital city.<\/p>\n

Rocky Neck State Park<\/strong>
\nEast Lyme 860-739-5471
\nwww.ct.gov\/dep<\/a>
\nThe sprawling stone pavilion, diverse trail systems, and gently sloping half-mile beach make this a popular family destination.<\/p>\n

Sherwood Island State Park<\/strong>
\nWestport 203-226-6983
\nwww.ct.gov\/dep<\/a>
\nPark amenities encompass facilities and opportunities for swimming, fishing, scuba diving, field sports, interpretive programs, a picnic grove, and beach.<\/p>\n

Sleeping Giant State Park<\/strong>
\nHamden 203-287-5658
\nwww.ct.gov\/dep<\/a>
\nTwo miles of mountaintop that resemble a sleeping giant give this park its name.<\/p>\n

West Rock Ridge State Park<\/strong>
\nHamden 203-287-5658
\nwww.ct.gov\/dep<\/a>
\nFeaturing a ridge that is one of the most prominent features of the New Haven area, the park offers spectacular views.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Connecticut Wine Trail<\/strong>
\nVineyards and wineries can offer everything from wine tasting and picnic areas to scenic walks, musical festivals, and activities like maple sugaring. Some activities are year-round while others are seasonal.<\/p>\n

Chamard Vineyards<\/strong>
\n115 Cow Hill Road
\nClinton 860-664-0299
\nwww.chamard.com<\/a><\/p>\n

DiGrazia Vineyard & Winery<\/strong>
\n131 Tower Road
\nBrookfield 203-775-1616
\nwww.digraziavineyards.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Haight-Brown Vineyard & Winery<\/strong>
\n29 Chestnut Hill Road
\nLitchfield 860-567-4045
\nwww.haightvineyards.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Hopkins Vineyard<\/strong>
\n25 Hopkins Road
\nNew Preston 860-868-7954
\nwww.hopkinsvineyard.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Jonathan Edwards Winery<\/strong>
\n74 Chester Maine Road
\nNorth Stonington 860-535-0202
\nwww.jedwardswinery.com<\/a><\/p>\n

McLaughlin Vineyards<\/strong>
\n14 Albert\u2019s Hill Road
\nSandy Hook 203-426-1533
\nwww.mclaughlinvineyards.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Priam Vineyards<\/strong>
\n11 Shailor Hill Road
\nColchester 860-267-8520
\nwww.priamvineyards.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Sharpe Hill Vineyard<\/strong>
\n108 Wade Road
\nPomfret 860-974-3549
\nwww.sharpehill.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Stonington Vineyards<\/strong>
\n523 Taugwonk Road
\nStonington 800-421-WINE
\nwww.stoningtonvineyards.com<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Natural Wonders<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ansonia Nature & Recreation Center<\/strong>
\n10 Deerfield Road
\nAnsonia 203-736-1053
\nwww.ansonianaturecenter.org<\/a>
\nMiles of nature trails in a 104-acre park includes native fern and wildflower gardens as well as butterfly and hummingbird gardens.<\/p>\n

Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens<\/strong>
\n151 Brookdale Road
\nStamford 203-322-6971
\nwww.bartlettarboretum.org<\/a>
\nMore than 60 acres of natural woodlands and cultivated gardens are complemented by ecology trails, a swamp walk, a pond, and a greenhouse.<\/p>\n

Devil\u2019s Den & Nature Conservancy<\/strong>
\n33 Pent Road
\nWeston 203-226-4991
\nwww.nature.org<\/a>
\nNature preserve with historical features includes more than 20 miles of hiking trials on 1,720 lush and wooded acres.<\/p>\n

Lighthouse Point Park<\/strong>
\nNew Haven 203-946-8027
\nwww.cityofnewhaven.com<\/a>
\nLong Island Sound recreation area covers 82 acres to offer swimming, natural history displays, nature trails, picnic areas, bird sanctuary, and antique carousel.<\/p>\n

Mohegan Park & Memorial Rose Garden<\/strong>
\nJudd Road
\nNorwich 860-823-3759
\nwww.norwichct.org<\/a>
\nOpportunities for swimming, picnicking, and fishing combine with nature trails and gardens with brilliant seasonal rose blooms.<\/p>\n

Ocean Beach Park<\/strong>
\n98 Neptune Avenue
\nNew London 860-447-3031
\nwww.ocean-beach-park.com<\/a>
\nMajor recreation area offers saltwater and pool swimming, bathhouses, carousel, playground, miniature golf, picnic areas, boardwalk, and arcade.<\/p>\n

Pardee Rose Gardens<\/strong>
\n180 Park Road
\nHamden 203-946-8142
\nwww.cityofnewhaven.com<\/a>
\nMore than 50 varieties of roses in East Rock Park bloom in June and July; annuals, perennials, and herbs delight visitors throughout the seasons.<\/strong><\/p>\n

White Memorial Foundation & Conservation Center<\/strong>
\nRoute 202
\nLitchfield 860-567-0857
\nwww.whitememorialcc.org<\/a>
\nMore than 4,000 acres makes this wildlife sanctuary the state\u2019s largest with 35 miles of multi-purpose trails for four-season recreation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Parks & Recreation Contacts<\/strong><\/p>\n

Connecticut State Parks & Forest System<\/strong>
\nState Headquarters
\nHartford 860-424-3200
\nwww.ct.gov\/dep<\/a><\/p>\n

Boating Information<\/strong>
\nOld Lyme 860-434-8638<\/p>\n

Boating Courses & Certifications<\/strong>
\nOld Lyme 860-434-8638<\/p>\n

Bureau of Outdoor Recreation<\/strong>
\nHartford 860-424-3200<\/p>\n

Forestry Division<\/strong>
\nHartford 860-424-3630<\/p>\n

Inland Fisheries<\/strong>
\nHartford 860-424-3474<\/p>\n

Marine Fisheries<\/strong>
\nHartford 860-434-6043<\/p>\n

Wildlife Division<\/strong>
\nHartford 860-424-3011<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

SPORTS & RECREATION \/ PARKS & NATURE Throughout Connecticut are idyllic recreation sites, beautiful beaches, mountain retreats, deep forests, and lush parks. Several of the state\u2019s natural attractions also showcase celebrated historic sites and treasures from yesterday. At the Weir Farm National Historic Site, visitors can walk along the Historic Painting Sites Trail and stand […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Connecticut3\/Weichert\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Connecticut3\/Weichert\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Connecticut3\/Weichert\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Connecticut3\/Weichert\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Connecticut3\/Weichert\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=316"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Connecticut3\/Weichert\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":759,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Connecticut3\/Weichert\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316\/revisions\/759"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Connecticut3\/Weichert\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=316"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}