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Natchaug State Forest

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Natchaug State Forest is popular for its horse trails, outstanding fishing, and riverfront picnic sites.
Trail Activity
Hiking Cross-country skiing Mountain biking Snowmobiling Horseback riding
Length
18.9 miles, Network
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate
Town
Eastford
Surface
Packed Earth/Dirt, Rock/Ledge, Grass
Pets
Permitted on leash
Fees
No

Description

The Natchaug State Forest is a park of great activities and historic sites. This park offers its patrons an enjoyable hike in vibrant forests. The Hampton Reserve can be spotted along the gravel road on Fayette Wright Road to the east. The CCC Trail follows the Natchaug River towards the west, giving way to view nature and bits of an old stone wall. The river boasts a fantastic fishing spot for trout, scenic picnicking, and amazing horse-riding trails. This park is fun for family and friends, as well as going for a hike with pets. One of its popular attractions is a large lone standing stone chimney and fireplace, the only remains from a house fire of Union General Nathaniel Lyon. 

Other Information

trail Amenities:

  • Handicap accessible picnic tables, chemical toilets (seasonal)

History:

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. Natchaug was established as a state forest in 1917.

Rules:

  • The forest recreation areas are open from 8 am to sunset.
  • Other forest areas are open one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
  • Pets on a leash are permitted in picnic areas and on hiking trails.
  • The Natchaug River is a designated "Trout Park" fishing area.
  • Horse Camping is available in Natchaug State Forest.
  • Backpack Camping is available in Natchaug State Forest. 

This property was developed with the assistance of the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

Trail Manager

This park is managed by the following CT DEEP Park Headquarters:

CT DEEP: Mashamoquet Brook State Park
147 Wolf Den Drive
Pomfret Center, CT 06259
(860) 928-6121
https://portal.ct.gov/deep/state-parks/listing-of-state-parks

Trail Tips

Respect Wildlife
Keep wildlife wild: do not feed, follow, approach, or otherwise harass wild animals. Doing so may alter their natural behaviors.

Trailhead Information

Natchaug River Picnic Areas and Fishing:

From the East (Danielson area):

Route 6 west to 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):

Route 84 east to 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 to 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):

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):

Route 6 east to 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.

Forest Access:

From the East (Danielson area):

Route 6 west to Route 198 in Chaplin. Take a right onto Route 198 north. Go north on Route 198 for approximately 7.5 miles (you will pass a Natchaug Forest entrance sign at 5.4 miles). Take a right onto General Lyon Road. Go 1/10 mile and take a right onto Pilfishire Road. Go 1.7 miles and turn right onto Kingsbury Road. Kingsbury Road leads into Natchaug Forest.

From the West (Hartford area):

Route 84 east to 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 to Route 198. Take a right onto Route 198 south. Go south on Route 198 for approximately 1/10 mile. Turn left onto General Lyon Road. Go 3/10 mile and turn left onto Pilfishire Road. Go 1.7 miles and turn right onto Kingsbury Road. Kingsbury Road leads into Natchaug Forest.

From the North (Southbridge, MA area):

Route 198 south. Go approximately 0.1 mile after crossing Route 44 and turn left onto General Lyon Road. Go 0.3 mile and turn left onto Pilfishire Road. Go 1.7 miles and turn right onto Kingsbury Road. Kingsbury Road leads into Natchaug Forest.

From the South (Willimantic area):

Route 6 east to Route 198 in Chaplin. Take a left onto Route 198 north. Go north on Route 198 for approximately 7.5 miles (you will pass a Natchaug Forest entrance sign at 5.4 miles). Take a right onto General Lyon Road. Go 1/10 mile and take a right onto Pilfishire Road. Go 1.7 miles and turn right onto Kingsbury Road. Kingsbury Road leads into Natchaug Forest.

Legend
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