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.
Handicapped Accessibility Picnic Tables are available.
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.
Backpack Camping is available in Natchaug State Forest. More Information
Horse Camping is available in Natchaug State Forest. More Information
The Natchaug River is a designated "Trout Park" fishing area. Please see Trout Parks for important information.
Picnic Tables, Chemical Toilets (seasonal)
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.
This property was acquired and/or developed with the assistance of the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
For more information, visit the CTDEEP State Parks website or contact:
Pilfershire Road
Eastford
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.
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 1/10 mile after crossing Route 44 and 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 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.
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