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Connecticut
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Connecticut State Parks

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USA Parks
Connecticut
Mystic Country Region
Natchaug State Forest
Natchaug State Forest Hampton Reservoir Natchaug St. Forest © Janeen Rose
Bob and Buster on trail ride in Natchaug State Forest at the Hampton Reservoir
Robin © stateparks.com
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NATCHAUG STATE FOREST
NATCHAUG STATE FOREST
Natchaug State Forest is popular for its horse trails, outstanding fishing, and riverfront picnic sites.
History of the Area
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 Forest is popular for its horse trails, outstanding fishing, and riverfront picnic sites. Of historic interest is a large stone fireplace and chimney that are the remains of the birthplace of General Nathaniel Lyon, the first Union General killed in the Civil War.
Passes
Connecticut has made state parks, forests, trails, historic sites and beaches more accessible to our residents so they can enjoy the many attractions and beauty they offer. Under the Passport to the Parks program, parking fees are now eliminated at Connecticut State Parks for those with Connecticut registered vehicles. You can view the CONNECTICUT PASSPORT TO THE PARKS web page to learn more.
Camping
1. Natchaug State Forest Campground: This is a primitive campground located within the forest itself, offering basic camping facilities such as picnic tables and fire rings.

2. Nickerson Park Family Campground: Located nearby in Chaplin, this family-friendly campsite offers amenities like swimming pools, playgrounds for kids and fishing areas.

3. Charlie Brown Campground: Situated close to the state forest in Eastford, it provides full hook-up sites with electric & water connections along with recreational activities including hiking trails leading into the woods.

4. Beaver Pines Campgrounds: A quiet woodland retreat near Union which has spacious campsites equipped with electricity and water supply points plus restroom facilities on site.

5. Odetah Camping Resort: It's not too far from Natchaug State Forest where you can enjoy luxury tenting or RV-ing experience complete with heated pool access, mini-golf course etc.

6. Wilderness Lakefront Cabins And RV Sites: They offer both cabin rentals if you prefer glamping style vacation or traditional wooded rv/tent sites.

Nearby Accommodations
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Friendship Valley Inn - Brooklyn, CT
BBs / Inns
A Bed Breakfast in the Quiet Corner of Northeast Connecticut on Route 169, a National Scenic Byway.
13.8 miles from park*
Nearby Vacation Rentals
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Trails
1. Natchaug Trail: This is the longest trail in the forest, stretching over 19 miles from Eastford to Chaplin. It offers a moderate hike with diverse terrain including hills, valleys and river crossings.

2. CCC Loop: A short but scenic loop of about 3 miles that takes hikers through dense woods and past remnants of Civilian Conservation Corps campsites.

3. Pine Acres Lake Trail: An easy-to-moderate level hiking path around Pine Acres Lake offering beautiful views across water bodies along its approximately two-mile length.

4. Bigelow Hollow State Park Trails: Although technically part of an adjacent park, these trails connect directly to those within Natchaug Forest providing additional options for longer hikes or backpacking trips; they include Breakneck Pond loop (6 miles) and Mashapaug Viewpoint trail (5-7miles).

5 James L Goodwin State Forest Trails: Another neighboring area connected via trails where you can explore more than three dozen marked paths ranging between half:a-mile up to five mile loops featuring ponds, wetlands & wildlife sightings.

6 Nathan Hale Loop: Named after Connecticut's state hero this roughly four:and-half mile long route provides glimpses into history as well as nature's beauty.

7 Air Line Rail Trail: Partly running alongside edge of Natchaug forest it gives opportunity for extended treks on flat surface originally used by trains till mid:twentieth century.

8 Horse Riders' Pathway: Specifically designed keeping equestrians in mind though also open for walkers who prefer less crowded routes.

9 Blue Blazed Hiking System: These are series interconnected footpaths covering hundreds:of-miles throughout CT maintained by CFPA which pass through parts of Nachuag too allowing access further beyond if desired.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
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Area Campgrounds
Sun Valley Beach Club
51 Old Springfield Road
Stafford, CT
860-684-5861
Mineral Springs Family Campground
135 Leonard Road
Stafford Springs, CT
860-684-2993
Brialee RV & Tent Park Inc
174 Laurel Lane
Ashford, CT
Nickerson Park Campground
1036 Phoenixville Road
Chaplin, CT
860-455-0007
Stateline Camping Resort
1639 Hartford Turnpike
East Killingly, CT
860-774-3016
Charlie Brown Campground
98 Chaplin Road
Eastford, CT
860-974-0142
Peppertree Camping
146 Chaplin Road
Eastford, CT
860-974-1439
Highland Campground
42 Toleration Road
Scotland, CT
860-423-5684
Beaver Pines Campground
1728 Route 198
Woodstock, CT
860-974-0110
Chamberlain Lake Campground
1397 Route 197
Woodstock, CT
860-974-0567
Roaring Brook Cooperative Campground
Route 190 8 South Road
Stafford Springs, CT
860-684-7086

Directions
From the East (Danielson area): take Route 6 west onto Route 198 in Chaplin. Take a right onto Route 198 north. Go north on Route 198 for approximately 5.4 miles. Forest entrance is on your right in Eastford.

From the West (Hartford area): take I-84 east, Exit 69. At the end of the exit ramp, take a right onto Route 74 east. Go east on Route 74 until it ends. At the end of Route 74, take a left onto Route 44 east. Go east on Route 44 for approximately 5 miles onto Route 198. Take a right onto Route 198 south. Go south on Route 198 for approximately 2.6 miles. Forest entrance is on your left in Eastford.

From the North (Southbridge, MA area): take Route 198 south. Go approximately 2.6 miles after crossing Route 44. Forest entrance is on your left in Eastford.From the South (Willimantic area): take Route 6 east onto Route 198 in Chaplin. Take a left onto Route 198 north. Go north on Route 198 for approximately 5.4 miles. Forest is on your right in Eastford.

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Connecticut
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Connecticut State Parks

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