A man fishing in a river with a fly rod.

Natchaug State Forest

Eastford, CT

Home to the blue-blazed Natchaug Trail, the CCC Loop, rivers, a trout park, a bevy of bridle paths, an equestrian campground, and more, Natchaug has something for everyone but is especially popular with equestrians, anglers, backpackers, and riverfront picnickers. Of historical interest is a large stone fireplace and chimney — the remains of the birthplace of General Nathaniel Lyon, the first Union general killed in the Civil War.

Fun fact: The name Natchaug means "land between the rivers" and refers to the land at the junction of the Bigelow and Still rivers, which join to form the Natchaug River.

The park ambles through a range of topography, terrain, towns, and ecosystems. Established as a state forest in 1917, back when large swaths of uninhabited land were available, the forest boasts some of the largest undeveloped tracks of open space in the state. The combined land areas of Natchaug, Goodwin and Nipmuck State Forests, Mashamoquet Brook State Park, and other adjacent preserved lands, create one of the largest contiguous tracts of forest in the region. This seclusion makes it not only a sanctuary for wildlife, but for humans seeking out some solitude as well. Keep your eyes peeled for a menagerie of birds, turtles, beavers, and other wildlife.

Views from the Park

Two riders on horses galloping through a vibrant green forest.

A mom and her baby wearing matching hats, exploring the woods together.

A misty river flowing through a colorful forest.

A man enjoying nature, sitting on a rock in the peaceful woods.

A butterfly perched on a pink flower with lush green leaves.

Two little kids playing in the water on a sunny day.

Three women riding bikes together on a sunny day in fall.

A rustic metal sign hanging on a tree in the serene woods.

A majestic hawk soaring through the clear blue sky.

Location

On Rte. 198
Eastford, CT 06242

Get Directions

Details

Open Daily
(8:00 a.m. – Sunset)

Park Maps

Contact

Main (860) 974-1562

A bunch of folks cycling on a dirt path in the woods.

Activities

Overview

Know Before You Go

Hunting season is very busy. Please use caution.
Park Trails Map
Horse Trails Map

Biking

Boating

Camping

Backpacking

Head into the backcountry and stay in one of the park’s three backpacking campsites, available by reservation only.

Natchaug State Forest Trail Campsites:

To reserve a permit, submit your application at least two weeks before your intended stay. Campground is located near public lands open to hunting. Please use caution. Learn more about backpacking in Connecticut State Parks and Forests .

Horse Camping

Not only can you cover much of the forest on horseback, you also can stay overnight at Silvermine Horse Camp, Natchaug’s equestrian campground.

15 wooded sites
Open from early spring to Thanksgiving
Basic facilities only—campers are responsible for cleaning sites and carrying out all trash
No water available
Pets permitted (on leash)
Available on a first-come, first-served basis
Campground is located near public lands open to hunting. Please use caution.

For more information, contact the Mashamoquet Brook State Park Office at (860) 928-6121.

Fishing

The Natchaug River is a designated "Trout Park" fishing area.

Before heading out, be sure to check the latest river conditions and fishing regulations.

Hiking

Connecticut Forest and Park Association Trail Descriptions

Historic

Horseback Riding

Goodwin-Natchaug State Forest Horse Trail Map

Hunting

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

Multi- Use Trails

Picnicking

Winter

Snowmobiling

When the snow starts falling, 17 miles of Natchaug Forest’s unplowed forests roads and seasonal hiking trails open up to snowmobiles. The variety of hilly terrain traverses a wooded country scene. Please use caution when crossing town roads or where two-way traffic signs are posted.

To reach the trailhead, from a point on Route 198 halfway between Phoenixville and Chaplin, turn easterly at the sign indicating Forest Headquarters. Proceed across the Natchaug River and uphill to a "T" intersection. At 0.7 miles, turn left to find parking for 25 vehicles.