Peoples State Forest

Mountain bikers are welcome to use the snowmobile trails for some thrilling, challenging singletrack. The trails are typically muddy with advanced, tricky terrain and rock obstacles best suited for the expert riders. Nearby Nepaug State Forest is a better option for casual and novice riders, offering a mix of everything from beginner-friendly gravel roads to technical singletrack, jumps, and drops to excite the most experienced riders.

This stretch of the Farmington, a Wild and Scenic River designated by the National Park Service, is synonymous with canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. Along the river, find several spots for your craft in the water, like Whittemore Grove, the beach behind the baseball diamond, or Pleasant Valley Bridge. But be warned. Depending on the time of year, recent storms, and other factors, you could be in for a heart-thumping, white-knuckle ride or a more leisurely float. Use caution and check water levels before heading out.  

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Paddling Safety
• Paddling in Connecticut

For tent/RV campsites and rustic cabins, a campground is located across the river at nearby American Legion State Forest. 

Youth Group Camping

• 3 sites available, James Stocking Area accommodates up to 35 campers, Big Spring Area and Ullmann Grove Area accommodate up to 50 campers
• Open to qualified youth groups only
• Advance reservations are required 
• Youth Group Camping
   

The Farmington River’s cool flows and swirling pools are a magnet for fish, and, as a result, for anglers, too. The stretch of river that flows through Peoples is located downstream from the West Branch Reservoir, which sends a reliable supply of very cold bottom releases, maintaining the perfect temperature habitat for native aquatic life, particularly trout. In combination with DEEP’s regular stockings of adult trout, this section of the Farmington has the highest trout population density in the state — numbers that rival western streams.  

Types of fish: Trout, bass, pickerel, pike

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

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

• Farmington River Trout Stocking Map
• Licenses and permits, current regulations, and more
• Connecticut is Fishy Interactive fishing application
• Freshwater Fishing in Connecticut’s State Parks
• Farmington River Steward

A range of interconnected multi-use trails and blue-blazed hiking trails wind their way through Peoples State Forest’s rugged terrain, taking visitors past gurgling streams, iconic overlooks, waterfalls, and cultural and historic sites.

Jessie Gerard Trail (Yellow/Blue Blaze)

• 1.3-mile one-way climb with jaw-dropping river views
• Level of difficulty:  Moderate to difficult
• Start at the East River Road trailhead near the Barkhamsted Lighthouse site. The right trail fork heads north, up a series of steep switchbacks to some of the best scenic overlooks in the state, including Chaugham’s Lookout. The left trail fork is a more direct route to the overlooks, with a much steeper climb up 299 stone steps. Continuing north, the trail passes between the Veeder Boulders before ending at the Big Spring Recreation Area on Greenwoods Road. Head back the way you came, or via Quarry Road, or continue exploring on the Charles Pack Trail (Yellow/Blue Blaze).

Interested in Letterboxing? Get clues for the Jessie Gerard Trail.

Elliott Bronson to Walt Landgraf Trail (Red Blaze)

• 3.2-mile loop over Ragged Mountain and to the Indian Caves
• Level of  difficulty: Moderate to difficult
• Starting in the lot near Matthies Grove, this trail runs through the southern portion of the forest, crossing a 60-foot cliff; it takes a rugged climb over Ragged Mountain, and then leads to an area of rock ledges known as the Indian Caves. (For 1500 years, soapstone was quarried here by Native Americans.)

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Maps: Trail Map | Mobile 
• Peoples State Forest Nature Museum Trail Descriptions

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 (SEASONAL)

Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935, the historic Stone Museum features exhibits on native flora and fauna, local history artifacts, including relics from the Barkhamsted Light House site, rocks and minerals, an insect collection, and more. 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.
 

Set up for an hour or an afternoon and picnic amongst the towering 200-year-old white pine groves alongside the Farmington River in Matthies Grove or upriver in the Whittemore Recreation Area. Matthies Grove is also home to a picnic pavilion available for reservation, a large field, and other amenities.

Open-air picnic shelter rentals

• 30 x 60-ft. picnic shelter
• Space for 100 people, 10 picnic tables, one large working fireplace (may not be used for cooking), and access to nearby restrooms and parking 
• Electricity available
• Reservations available year round
• Rental Fee: $220 (plus $9 processing fee). Does not include parking
• Parking fee for out-of-state registered vehicles: Weekend/Holiday: $15 / Weekday: $10
• Learn more about our picnic shelter rental polices and reservation details

Reserve a picnic shelter

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

Snowmobilers will find a 13-mile series of looped trails using seasonal hiking trails and unplowed forest roads. The trails offer a range of difficulty, including a large open area near the parking lot at Matthies Grove, ideal for practicing, making the Forest a prime spot to snowmobile.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Cross-Country Skiing Map
• Snowmobile Map