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Connecticut Route 138 runs through the heart of the forest. Reach the main entrance by taking exit 85 of I-395 to Route 138. Take Route 49 North off 138 for the main entrance and headquarters.
General Description: Pachaug State Forest in far eastern Connecticut may be broken up into a patchwork of private and state land, resembling several peices of a puzzle if viewed on a map, but at 24,000 total acres it is Connecticut's largest state forest. It is also adjacent to Hopeville Pond State Park and the huge Arcadia Management Area owned by the neighboring state of Rhode Island. The word Pachaug is derived from an Indian term meaning "bend or turn in the river". The Pachaug River, running from Beach Pond to the Quinebaug River, runs through the center of the forest. The Forest encompasses two areas, the Chapman Area and the Green Falls Area.
The Trails: Autumn is one of the best times to ride here. The black flies and deer flies are not much of a nuisance then. Over the rocky landscape, a network of mostly gently rolling, multi-use dirt woods roads and trails wind through forests of predominately white pine, oak and mountain laurel. Mountain bikes are permitted on the dirt roads and snowmobile trails. Please note that the Nehantic, Quinebaug and Pachuag trails pass through the area and are for foot/hiking only. There are a wide variety of trail types ranging from rocky and smooth single track to gravel doubletrack trails and dirt fire roads. There are enough easy sections that beginners will enjoy. Motorcycle trails connect the largest concentrations of dirt roads, offering lots of possible ride configurations. Watch out for motorized off-road vehicles. The trails, fire roads and singletrack crisscross the forest and cover a vast area. It's easy to get confused, especially if you are as directionally challenged as me (I was born without a direction gene). There are trail maps at the Pachaug State Forest Ranger Station. A road map will also help.
Chapman Area: The Chapman Area of the Forest is a nice area to mountain bike in. There are many route options beginning around the Mount Misery campground. (see simplified map above for route ideas). You can head north on Trail 1 for a picnic lunch at peaceful Phillips Pond or head south for a nine mile loop using interconnecting trails and roads. The possibilities are endless. Phillips Pond: Stop by the more secluded Phillips Pond for a picnic lunch. Mt. Misery Overlook: If you have got energy left after your ride, hike up to the Mount Misery Overlook, the highest point in the area at 441 feet. The best foliage views in the fall here are from this vantage point. Accessible by trail and or car (600 feet from a parking area). The Rhododendron Sanctuary: One of very few such areas in New England. The Rhododendrons are giant! In early July (usually around July 4th) take the time for a short scenic walk around the sanctuary when it has exploded into clouds of pink and white blossoms.
Green Falls Recreation Area: The main attraction in this area is the Green Falls Reservoir (also known as Green Pond). It's a man made impoundment on the Green Falls River. Feeder streams in the Pachaug State Forest empty into the clear water of the Reservoir. The Pachaug State Forest borders the entire Reservoir except for several acres of privately owned land on the southwest shore. It offers swimming in a beautiful natural setting. The Recreation Area is crisscrossed by a network of trails and unpaved fire roads. For an easier ride, mountain bike on down to the Reservoir via the unpaved dirt roads. Facilities at Green Falls Reservoir Recreaton Area include camping, swimming, hiking, and picnicking. The shoreline is undeveloped but a guarded swimming area is located on the southern shore of Green Falls Reservoir adjacent to the boat launch and camping area. A fee is charged on weekends and holidays.
Nearby: Hopeville Pond State Park: Adjoins Pachaug State Forest. After biking the many miles of forest roads and trails in Pachaug State Forest, go for a swim in Hopeville Pond. It's serene shores are surrounded by pine forest. The park is noted for its glacial geologic features. The beach is located at the 80 site wooded campground. Facilities include restrooms with flush toilets, changing houses, drinking water, a boat launch and concession.
Historical Note: Old cellar holes and miles of stone fence winding through the woods give evidence that the entire forest was once farmed or pastured. Abundant water encouraged the establishment of a mill industry as early as 1711. Nearly every brook has several old mill sites and dams.
For more information: STATE PARKS DIVISION: Phone: (860) 424-3200
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