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Connecticut
5

Connecticut State Parks

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USA Parks
Connecticut
Litchfield Hills Region
Housatonic State Forest
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Housatonic State Forest Approaching Deans Ravine © Angela Hansen
This is what the terrain looks like as you approach the Deans Ravine waterfall.
Housatonic State Forest Summer hikes with mom © Angela Hansen
A child pauses to look around while hiking in Housatonic State Forest
Housatonic State Forest Springtime in Deans Ravine © Angela Hansen
Just downhill from the Deans Ravine waterfall, water burbles happily over rocks
Housatonic State Forest Deans Ravine Waterfall © Angela Hansen
The Deans Ravine waterfall is quite impressive after a morning rain, and only a 5-minute hike from the road
Housatonic State Forest Pine Swamp Brook Waterfalls © Gary Jordan
Housatonic State Forest © Ben Prepelka
Housatonic State Forest Pine Swamp Brook Waterfalls © Gary Jordan
Housatonic State Forest Pine Swamp Brook Waterfalls © Gary Jordan
Housatonic State Forest Deans Ravine through the tres © Angela Hansen
There are occasional glimpses of the stream and small cascades as you approach the Deans Ravine waterfall
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HOUSATONIC STATE FOREST
HOUSATONIC STATE FOREST
Housatonic State Forest consists of nearly 10,000 acres in 5 towns. It is the only Connecticut state forest containing part of the world-famous Appalachian Trail (AT). This trail runs for over 2,100 miles, from Georgia to Maine.

More than 3,000 acres of original purchases for the state forest were from one iron company in 1927. This gives a hint of the region?s land use history. Most of the picturesque hills that make up the topography of Housatonic State Forest were once repeatedly clearcut to feed the charcoal demands of the iron industry. Abundance of charcoal mounds across the landscape (round, flat-top mounds approximately 20 feet across) is evidence of this history. Today, the trees have re-grown, and the rugged hills of the state forest provide a panoramic backdrop for the scenic Housatonic River, producing what is arguably the most beautiful region of Connecticut.

Today, this land is a multiple-use state forest. Housatonic State Forest is managed for its diversity of native wildlife, high quality forest products, watershed protection for the Housatonic River, scientific research, a variety of recreational activities, and for the aesthetic beauty that is hard to beat anywhere else in the state. The state forest is also home to two different Connecticut Natural Area Preserves: Gold?s Pines and the Canaan Mountain Natural Area Preserve. Natural Area Preserves are established to highlight areas of special significance to our state?s natural history and to serve as refuges for rare species of plants or animals, and tend to feature noteworthy examples of natural ecosystems. Some of these Preserves require active management such as cutting or prescribed fire to maintain the unique and valuable characteristics that led to their designation.
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.
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Area Campgrounds
Cozy Hills Campground
1311 Route 202 Bantam Road
Bantam, CT
860-567-2119
White Pines Campground
232 Old North Road
Barkhamsted, CT
860-379-0124
Lone Oak Campsites
360 Norfolk Road
East Canaan, CT
Hemlock Hill Camp Resort
118 Hemlock Hill Road
Litchfield, CT
860-567-2267

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Connecticut
5

Connecticut State Parks

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