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3 miles east of South Chaplin on Route 6. Follow the brown state forest signs. 1.2 miles west of the junction of Connecticut Highway 97 and US 6 is the access road, Potter Road which leads to a parking area across from park headquarters. (shown on map above)
General Description Both the Goodwin State Forest and Natchaug State Forest offer trails for hiking, cross country skiing, mountain biking and other outdoor activities. The name Natchaug means "land between the rivers". It refers to the land at the junction of the Bigelow and Still Rivers which join to form the Natchaug River, a designated Trout Park. Along the river, beautiful riverfront picnic sites set amidst groves of hemlock trees are the ideal places for a snack or lunch. On a hot weekend day in summer, the tables will be spoken for by lunchtime. The James L. Goodwin State Forest is conservation oriented. The Conservation Center, offers an education in the forest, wildlife and natural world around us. There is a butterfly garden and living display of forest practices common to Connecticut. A picnic pavilion, located on the east side of Potter Road at the trailhead for the white, red, and yellow trails, overlooks the 130 acre Pine Acres Pond.
The Trails The extensive multi-use trail and dirt road system within the two northeastern Connecticut State Forests pass through a forested landscape of tall hemlocks, white pines, hardwood wooded hills, streams, ponds and marshes teeming with wildlife. Beginners and those looking for easy, scenic cruising can enjoy cycling the Airline Rail Trail (North) which connects the two forests. The trail is highlighted by panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys and passes through meadows, woods and mountain laurel which makes for an ideal fall foliage mountain bike ride. Those looking for more challenging venues will find it on the network of gravel or dirt woods roads or double and singletrack trails. The Natchaug State Forest Silvermine Horse Camp is the trailhead for a number of moderate dirt and gravel trails with some rocky outcrops, many of which form closed loops. Many of the singletrack trails in the forest have rocky, technical sections. Stop at forest headquarters to ask for a detailed map, ride suggestions and directions. Officially the blue-blazed trails are off limits to bikes, but specific policies are established by the rangers.
Note: The Natchaug Trail is a 5.6-mile stretch of the Connecticut Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System. It passes north/south through the Natchaug and Goodwin State Forests. The statewide Blue-Blazed hiking trail system is maintained by the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, a private non-profit conservation organization, and presently these trails are closed to mountain bikers, as is the Appalachian Trail.
Historical Note: Of historic interest in Natchaug State Forest 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. The town of Hampton, CT located barely a mile or so from Goodwin State Forest, features colonial homes and a genuine general store.
For More Information: Natchaug State Forest Phone: (860) 928-6121
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