Man hiking along rock formation at Nehantic State Forest

Nehantic State Forest

Lyme, CT

Nehantic State Forest spans 4,400 acres and offers visitors trout-stocked ponds and streams, 12 miles of trails of varying difficulty, including the blue-blazed Nayantaquit Trail, a pondside picnic area, bird-watching areas, and picturesque views at the top of Nickerson Hill off the blue-blazed trail.

Nehantic is an experimental forest where DEEP uses controlled burns to manage the forest’s vibrant collection of habitats, mirroring the maintenance of its original inhabitants and namesake, the Nayanticks. 

European settlers cleared much of the forest for farming. As farms were abandoned, Mother Nature reclaimed the land, but you can still find stone walls, cellar holes, and wells throughout the second-growth stands of hardwoods and flourishing wooded understory. 

Views from the Park
A serene lake with shimmering water nestled beneath trees.
A runner energetically making their way through the autumn forest.
A colorful turtle chilling on the ground.
Tranquil lake embraced by colorful fall foliage and verdant grass.
Location

On Route 156
Lyme, CT 06371

Get Directions

Details

Open Daily
(8:00 a.m. – Sunset)

Park Maps
Contact

Main (860) 739-5471

A man on a bike cruising along a wooded road surrounded by green trees.
Activities

Overview

Know Before You Go

  • Buses seating more than 30 passengers not allowed at this park
  • 24-hr access for fishing only
  • Trail Map

Boating

Know Before you Go

Boat Launches

Fishing

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

Hiking

Connecticut Forest and Park Association Trail Descriptions 

Historic

Hunting

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

Nature

Other

Picnicking

Winter

Additional Park Info

Fees

Free

Accessibility

Boat Launch

Parking

Picnic Tables

Pets

Yes, on leash

A person relaxing in a tree branch by a lake.
While You’re Here
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