Running water view from Nye-Holman State Forest (Instagram@jesse_sinclairb)
Alert

The Nye Holman State Forest Field Archery Range in Tolland will be CLOSED TO ALL TARGET SHOOTING as it will be undergoing major repairs beginning July 18, 2024. This Range Closure will not affect the ability to secure youth group camping permits through Eastern District Headquarters. Any questions regarding the project can be directed to deep.shenipsit@ct.gov

Nye-Holman State Forest

Tolland, CT

Once voraciously logged for timber to feed the industrial revolution’s unrelenting demand for wood products, today, the majestic forest is a haven for outdoor adventurers and a habitat for a bevy of flora and fauna—and a model for maintaining a forest’s ecosystem. Babbling brooks lace the deciduous and evergreens woodlands, but the Willimantic River steals the show—not only for its natural beauty but also as a trout management area and hot spot for novice fly fishing.

The 818-acre forest sprawls across several sections of Ellington, Tolland, and Willington. The northern, largest section is an uninterrupted swath of undeveloped forest, ideal for hiking and hunting. Head south to Tolland to find the archery range and youth campground.

Fun fact: The forest was once the location of the Eastern District Headquarters and Nursery, responsible for nurturing hundreds of thousands of seedlings, now trees, found throughout Connecticut today. 

Views from the Park
Location

On Rte. 74
Tolland, CT 06084

Details

Open Daily
(8:00 a.m. – Sunset)

Contact

Main (860) 684-3430

Hunting target in distance at Nye-Holman State Forest (Instagram@jaybecher)
Activities

Camping

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Youth Group Camping

The forest has one site available that can accommodate a maximum of 50 campers and includes: 

Important Information: 

  • Hunting is permitted in this area. 
  • Water is not available at this campsite. Groups must provide their own water and restroom. 
  • There is no snow removal in this area. 
  • Season dates: Opens the third Saturday in April and closes the last weekend in February of the following calendar year. 
  • Reservations: Eastern District Office, 209 Hebron Road, Marlborough, CT 06447. 
  • Contact: (860) 424-4116 or deep.eastdistrict@ct.gov.

Youth group camping is available to qualifying youth organizations. 
 

Fishing

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The Cole-Wilde Trout Management Area located within the forest was created to encourage novice fly fishers with an accessible catch-and-release only area. Starting at the mouth of Roaring Brook and heading downstream to the Route 74 bridge, fishing  area offers three miles along the Willimantic River for year-round fly-fishing.

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

Hiking

Hunting

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  • Sections adjacent to the field archery range in Tolland are closed to all firearms hunting and are designated deer bow-hunting only areas. 
  • Youth camping area is closed to all hunting.

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

Other

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Archery Range

The Nye Holman Archery range has been available for general public use since the 1980s and involves a primarily one-way walking course of free-standing archery targets that extend through a variety of wooded terrain and field conditions. A separate practice area is included to allow shooters to practice their skills before entering the walk-through course.

  • Available for general public use during daylight hours seven days per week, except when posted for special events. 
  • Archers are restricted to target field points on arrows. 
  • Broadhead hunting-type arrows are strictly prohibited to preserve the longevity of the targets. 
     

Picnicking

Additional Park Info

Fees

Free

Accessibility

N/A

Pets

Yes, on leash