American Legion State Forest

Designated as a Wild and Scenic River by the National Park Service, the West Branch of the Farmington River is a world-class destination for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. Depending on water flow, head to the river for anything from a relaxing float to cool down on a hot summer afternoon to a whitewater ride to get your adrenaline pumping. Use caution and check water levels before heading out.  

Know Before You Go

• Paddling Safety 
• Paddling in Connecticut 
• Farmington River Watershed Association River Map
   

The Austin F. Hawes Memorial Campground offers 30 spacious campsites and six rustic cabins are located amongst pine woods alongside the scenic Farmington River. The camping season begins in mid-April and ends on Columbus Day, with rustic camping permitted during the off-season. Youth group camping is available to qualifying youth organizations. 

The Austin F. Hawes Memorial Campground

• 2025 Season:  Opens Friday, April 11 and closes Monday, October 13 at noon
• Campground Office: (860) 379-0922 
• Closes 5:30 p.m. daily, (May-September)
• Campground Map

30 RV/Tent Sites

Daily Rate: 

• $17 resident/$27 non-resident plus processing fee
• Wooded sites with picnic table, fire ring, and grate
• Two accessible campsites available by reservation
• Six-person maximum per site
• Maximum stay: 14 days

6 Rustic Cabins

Daily Rate: 

• $50 resident/$60 non-resident – plus processing fee, 15% occupancy tax, and refundable $50 security deposit 
• Two-room cabins with double bed and two bunk beds 
• Comfortably sleeps four people with space up to six
• Cabin renters must be on-site to check in by 5:30pm. 
• Minimum rental: two nights.
• Processing Fee: $9 for reservations or $3 for walk-ins.

Amenities

• Bathhouses with hot showers, dishwashing, and potable water 
• Firewood and ice available on-site
• Sports fields 
• Dumping station
• One pet/site permitted
• Portable toilets available
• *Early season is designated as rustic camping only - no bathrooms, showers or running water

Reserve a Campsite

• Online: Visit Reserve America
• By phone: 1-877-668-CAMP (2267)

Know Before You Go

• Camping in Connecticut State Parks & Forests

American Legion State Forest’s rugged and scenic beauty, wildlife viewing, and miles of trails make it a popular hiking destination.

Henry Buck Trail (Blue Blaze)

• 2.1-mile loop
• Level of difficulty: Strenuous

The park’s signature trail and one of our letterbox sites, this blue blazed trail winds through rugged forest, historic mill sites, and towering hemlock and white pine trees before climbing the Tremendous Cliffs for a scenic overlook of the Farmington River. With steep, rocky inclines and rugged terrain, this challenging hike is ideal for those looking for a good workout and even better views. Find the trailhead on West River Road, near the stone foundation for an old bridge.

Turkey Vultures Ledges Trail (Blue Blaze) via Legion Road 

• 0.8-mile out-and-back trail 
• Level of difficulty: Easy

This short hike leads to a ridge offering stunning views of the Farmington River, People’s State Forest, and nearby Ski Sundown (look to your right). Find the trailhead 1.5 miles up Legion Road (gated during winter) during warmer months. In the winter, start at the base of Legion Road, adding three miles to your climb.

Know Before You Go

• Trail Map 
• Mobile Map
• Interested in Letterboxing? Get clues for the Henry Buck Trail.
   

Many areas across the forest are open to public hunting and trapping, with both firearms and archery permitted. Depending on the season, hunting is permitted for: 

• Small game
• Waterfowl
• Fall deer/turkey
• Spring and fall firearms turkey
• Muzzleloader deer
• No-lottery shotgun deer

Know Before You Go

Consult DEEP for more information on the latest rules and restrictions by season. 

• Hunting Map
• Connecticut Hunting and Trapping 
• Interactive Connecticut Hunting Area Maps
   

Nature Museum Programs (Seasonal)

Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935, the historic Stone Museum features displays on forestry, native flora and fauna, native, local history artifacts, rocks and minerals, and insects. Programs are offered throughout the summer. The Museum is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Know Before You Go

The museum is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, Friday through Monday 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Discover all the adventure, but an even more peaceful retreat, when the temperatures go down. From snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice climbing, to cross-country skiing—there are over 12 miles of cross-country skiing trails across American Legion and nearby People’s State Forest—you’ll find plenty of activities to “scratch the itch” for the outdoors no matter the season.

Know Before You Go

• Cross Country Skiing Map