Cockaponset State Forest (South)

The southern section of Cockaponset State Forest offers over twenty miles of trails for cross country skiing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and snowmobiling.

Details

Description

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 Quinimay 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).

Other Information

History

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.

Rules

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 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.
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 the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP).
The state forest also provides hunting and fishing access.

Trail Manager

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

CT DEEP: Cockaponset State Forest
18 Ranger Road
Haddam, CT 06438
(860) 345-8521

deep.stateparks@ct.gov

https://portal.ct.gov/deep/state-parks/listing-of-state-parks

Nearby GeoCaches

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Trail Tips

Respect Wildlife

Keep your pets under control at all times, to protect both them and wild animals, fragile environments, and the enjoyment of other visitors.

Directions

Trailhead Information

To the Pattaconk Recreation Area From Middletown

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.

To the Pattaconk Recreation Area 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.