There are over twenty miles of trails available for cross country skiing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and snowmobiling in Cockaponset State Forest.
The Blue-Blazed Cockaponset Trail, Blue/Red Wildwood Trail, Blue/Red North, and South Pattaconk Trails are foot travel only and combined provide 9.3 miles of walking trails. All other trails in Cockaponset State Forest are non-motorized multi-use trails. The Cockaponest Trail is just over 7 miles in one direction and can be moderate to advanced hiking in some sections.
The Qinimay Trail maintained by the Bridle Path Conservancy (BPC) is a north/south trail that traverses the forest from Westbrook to Haddam that provides excellent equestrian trail access. This trail was officially recognized by the state of Connecticut in 2008 as a multi-use Bridle Trail open to non-motorized trail use. Look for the tan and green plastic multi-use markers placed above the colored trail blazes. The Quinimay Trail was conceived and is maintained by members of the BPC, Lower Connecticut River Valley Horsemen’s Club (LCRHVC), in cooperation with the Connecticut Forest & Park Association and the New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA).
Cockaponset, named after an Indian chief who's buried in the Ponset section of Haddam, is the second-largest state forest in Connecticut. The development of this area for recreational purposes allows visitors to fully enjoy the attractiveness of the land, woods, and streams within the forest.
Hours: The forest recreation areas are open from sunrise to sunset. Other forest areas are open one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. There is a parking fee for out-of-state registered vehicles between April 1 and October 30.
Pets: Pets on a leash are permitted in picnic areas and on hiking trails. Pets are not allowed on the beach or in Pattaconk Lake from April 1 through October 31.
Note to Swimmers: Please read the Beach Regulations and Swimming Safety Information before entering the park.
Pattaconk Reservior Recreational area provides access to an unprotected swimming and paddling area and the trailhead is the main recreational area within the forest. There are four youth group camping lean-tos available through coordination with CT DEEP. The state forest also provides hunting and fishing access.
For more information, visit the CT State Parks website or contact:
To the Pattaconk Recreation Area
From Middletown area: Take Exit 6 off Route 9 South. Turn right off the exit ramp and go west on Route 148 for approximately 2 miles. Take a right onto Cedar Lake Road and drive approximately 2 miles. Take a left at the Pattaconk Lake sign.
From Old Saybrook area: Take Exit 6 off Route 9 North. Turn left off the exit ramp and go west on Route 148 for approximately 2 miles. Take a right onto Cedar Lake Road and drive approximately 2 miles. Take a left at the Pattaconk Lake sign.
To the Ranger Headquarters
From the North: Take Exit 8 off Route 9 South. Turn left onto Beaver Meadow Road. Take the second right onto Ranger Road. The headquarters is on the left.
From the South: Take Exit 8 off Route 9 North. Turn right onto Beaver Meadow Road. Take the second right onto Ranger Road. The headquarters is on the left.
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