A man skiing through the woods (Instagram@ctvisit)

Naugatuck State Forest

Naugatuck/Oxford/Beacon Falls, CT

Nagatuck State Forest is almost 5,000 acres of wild, undeveloped woodlands, grasslands, rivers, lakes, ravines, and swamp in the scenic Naugatuck River valley. The forest is crossed by several blue-blazed Trails including the Quinnipiac Trail and Naugatuck Trail (including the Whittemore spur), a mountain biking trail network, including miles of singletrack in the Quillinan Block, the Larkin Bridle Trail, and miles of trails for snowmobiling, cross country skiing, trail running, hiking, and more. Along with the trails, the forest is home to a target shooting range, spectacular waterfalls, and some of the best birdwatching in the state.

The massive forest is spread across Naugatuck, Beacon Falls, Oxford, Bethany, Hamden, Cheshire, Ansonia, and Seymour and organized into five Blocks, named West, East, Mt. Sanford, Quillinan Reservoir, and Great Hill.

Views from the Park
A view of the river and fall trees
A couple on a winter hike (Instagram@mayaer)
An aerial view of fog over autumn trees (Instagram@jizzo01)
A woman standing on a bridge with yellow rails (Instagram@newnglandergal)
A bridge in the woods (Instagram@shinyydaysss)
A couple hugging with fall trees in the background (Instagram@hapahana)
A pond reflecting fall trees and sky (Instagram@bellemarematt)
A father hiking with daughter on his back (Instagram@olivia.blueblue)
A stream flowing over rocks in the woods (Instagram@chrisreillyphoto)
Location

Naugatuck/Oxford/Beacon Falls, CT

Get Directions

Details

Open Daily
(8:00 a.m. – Sunset)

Park Maps
Contact

Main 860-424-3200

Highway going through snowy mountains at night (Instagram@dronesoverthevalley)
Activities

Overview

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Biking

Boating

Camping

Youth Group Camping 

  • One site available, accommodates up to 40 campers 
  • Open to qualified youth groups only
  • Advance reservations are required 
  • Youth Group Camping

Fishing

Hiking

Connecticut Forest and Park Association Trail Descriptions 

Hunting

Nature

Bird Watching

eBird Hotspot

Other

Picnicking

Winter

Additional Park Info

Fees

Free

Accessibility

N/A

Pets

Yes, on leash

An aerial view of fog over autumn trees (Instagram@jizzo01)
While You’re Here
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