The East Block of Naugatuck State Forest is approximately 1,230 acres, located in the towns of Beacon Falls, Bethany, and Naugatuck. The primary hiking trail in this block is the blue-blazed Naugatuck Trail, managed by Connecticut Forest & Park Association.
On the east side of the block, the trail begins narrowly and follows contour lines through mountain laurel. Mossy rock benches dot the trailside for a picnic or a rest. Occasional balds along the ridge are home to seasonal wildflowers. On the west end, straighter and flatter sections of trail travel through forest, with sights of vernal pools and a gorge. There is a steeper section here along Egypt Brook near Route 8 - the Naugatuck River Valley's eastern slope.
On the eastern boundary of the State Forest, an old town road connects Routes 42 and 63. However, this trail is not actively maintained, and there is no parking at either end. Use parking for the Blue Trail off Andrasko Road or Beacon Road instead.
This Block is open to hunting as per CT DEEP regulations.
Most of this block was acquired by Harris Whittemore in the 1920s, after the woodlands had been damaged by fires started by sparks thrown off by trains in the Naugatuck Valley. Whittemore planted pine trees on the eastern slope above what is now Route 8 and built roads for fire control and forestry activities. After his death, his family donated the land to the State in 1931. There were timber harvests on the property several decades ago, but access is poor and much of the parcel is rocky with shallow soils.
Parking access for the Naugatuck Trail is off Andrasko Road/Route 63 in Naugatuck in the northwest, and from Beacon Road/Route 42 in Bethany in the southeast.
From Naugatuck town center, take CT-8 South toward Bridgeport. Take Exit 24 toward Cross Street. Turn left onto Cross Street, and then turn right on Andrasko Road. The trailhead and small parking area are on the right.
From Beacon Falls town center, take CT-8 North. Take Exit 24 toward Cross Street. Turn right onto Cross Street, and then turn right onto Andrasko Road. The trailhead and small parking area are on the right.
From Naugatuck town center, go Southeast on South Main Street to CT-63 South/New Haven Road. Follow CT-63 South for 3.2 miles, and then turn right onto CT-42 West/State Highway 703. Take another right onto CT-42 West/Beacon Road. In 1.3 miles, the trailhead and roadside parking are on the right, across from Bethany Veterans Memorial Park.
From Beacon Falls town center, head Northwest on State Highway 852/North Main Street toward Burton Road. Turn right onto Burton Road. In 2 miles, turn left onto CT-42 East/Lasky Road. Follow for 1.5 miles. Then, roadside parking and the trailhead will be on the left, across from Bethany Veterans Memorial Park.
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