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Connecticut
7

Connecticut State Parks

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USA Parks
Connecticut
Mystic Country Region
Quaddick State Forest
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QUADDICK STATE FOREST
QUADDICK STATE FOREST
The area which is now Quaddick State Park was once the site of Thompson's town farm where elderly residents of the village spent their reflective years. Prior to that, it had been a fishing area of the Nipmuck Indians. The cool reservoir water and the sandy beach draw frequent crowds during the warm summer months.
History of the Area
The state park was once the site of Thompson's town farm where elderly residents of the village spent their reflective years. Prior to that, it had been a fishing area of the Nipmuck Indians. In 1866 the town of Thompson granted the right to flow what was then Kings Pond to a higher level creating Quaddick Reservoir. The reservoir was heavily used as a source of power as well as water for processing textile materials in the plants in Killingly. In 1951, Quaddick was designated a state park after originally being developed as a Forestry recreation area.
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.
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.
15.1 miles from park*
Nearby Vacation Rentals
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Trails
1. Blue-Blazed Nipmuck Trail: This is a 36-mile long trail that runs through the forest, offering hikers scenic views of ponds and wildlife.

2. Quaddick State Park Loop: A moderate difficulty level loop trail spanning approximately 3 miles within the park boundaries with beautiful lake views.

3. Mashamoquet Brook State Park Trails: These trails are located near Pomfret Center in Connecticut featuring stunning wildflowers during springtime and suitable for all skill levels.

4. Air Line South State Park Trail from Putnam to Willimantic: An easy-level hiking path stretching over about 21 miles providing picturesque landscapes along an old railroad line route.

5. Bigelow Hollow Pond & Breakneck Pond Hike Route: It's a challenging hike covering around six miles round trip which includes rocky terrains, steep inclines but rewards with breathtaking water vistas.

6. The Ridge Nature Area Walking Pathway: Located on East Thompson Road this short walking pathway offers serene nature walks ideal for bird watching or leisurely strolls.

7. Quinebaug River WaterTrail: Although primarily used as canoeing/kayaking routes these also offer great opportunities for shoreline hikes alongside riverbanks teeming with local flora/fauna.

8. Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT): Part of it passes through Quaddick area; its flat terrain makes it perfect choice even for novice hikers.

9. Mashapaug Lake Viewpoint Track: Short track leading up to panoramic viewpoint overlooking Mashapaug Lake.

10. Woodstock Hill Preserve Paths: Though not directly inside state forest boundary they're nearby options presenting tranquil woodland paths amidst diverse habitats.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
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Area Campgrounds
Stateline Camping Resort
1639 Hartford Turnpike
East Killingly, CT
860-774-3016
Beaver Pines Campground
1728 Route 198
Woodstock, CT
860-974-0110
Chamberlain Lake Campground
1397 Route 197
Woodstock, CT
860-974-0567
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
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Hotels/Motels
Located on over 100 wooded lakefront acres, overlooking Ashland State Park. Right out our front door you get to truly enjoy the great outdoors. Easy access to trails for hiking, and an area for swimming. Come and enjoy all that Ashland State Park has to offer, and stay at the Warren Center right next door.
25.7 miles from park*

Directions
1. Start by heading onto I:395 N from your current location.
2. Continue on I:395 N for approximately 20 miles until you reach Exit 91 toward CT-12/Norwich/CT-Yantic.
3. Take the exit and merge onto CT:12 S/Yantic-Norwich Road towards Norwich.
4. Stay on CT:12 S for about 5 miles before turning left onto Plain Hill Road (signs for Sterling).
5. After around half a mile, turn right onto Ekonk Hill Road/Sterling Rd/CT:Rte14A/Rte165E (you will see signs indicating Quaddick State Park at this intersection).
6. Follow Ekonk Hill Road/CT:Rte14A/Rte165E for approximately 7 miles as it winds through scenic countryside areas.
7. Eventually, you'll arrive at the entrance of Quaddick State Forest located on your left:hand side.

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Connecticut
7

Connecticut State Parks

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