Tucked into the scenic rolling hills of the Western Highlands, 439-acre Black Rock offers a variety of outdoor activities. The Park features several forested trails along with a small network of footpaths around Black Rock Pond. Steep, wooded ledges covered with pine, hemlock, and oak provide the setting for Black Rock Pond. The Connecticut Forest and Parks Association Mattatuck Trail runs from northwest to southeast across the park before crossing over into Mattatuck State Forest on its way to Leatherman's Cave.
Both fact and legend account for the name "Black Rock." Early settlers to the Naugatuck Valley were given rights to mine graphite lead by the resident Native Americans around 1657. The description given the contrasting darker-colored rock material has persisted through the years.
Early use of the area by Native Americans has been confirmed by the arrowheads and stone implements. Artifacts unearthed at the park belonged to members of the Mohegan, Paugussett, and Tunxis tribes.
Black Rock was given to the people of Connecticut in 1926 through the efforts of Black Rock Forest, Incorporated, a citizen's conservation group interested in woodland preservation. Development of access roads and facilities later became part of the Civilian Conservation Corps' economic recovery program.
Hours: The park is open from 8 am to sunset. Gates are open on weekends only, from the second Saturday in April until Memorial Day, 8 am to sunset. From Memorial Day to October 1st, they are open daily between 8 am and sunset.
Alcoholic Beverages: Alcohol-free park. Please do not bring alcoholic beverages.
Water Quality: Current information on swimming water quality.
Pets: Pets on a leash are permitted in picnic areas and on hiking trails. Pets are not allowed on the beach or in the campground.
For more information, visit the CTDEEP State Parks website or contact:
From Route 8 north: take Exit 38. Turn left at the end of the exit ramp to first traffic light. Turn left at traffic light onto US Route 6 west. Park entrance is a 1/2 mile on the right on US Route 6.
From Route 8 south: take Exit 38. Go straight ahead at the end of the exit ramp to US Route 6 west. Park entrance is on the right.
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