The central section of Cockaponset State Forest is located south of Route 9.
The Quinimay Trail runs through this section of the forest, connecting to the central section of Cockaponset State Forest. The complete Quinimay Trail extends from Westbrook to Higganum through the Cockaponset State Forest. This trail was officially recognized by the state of Connecticut in 2008 as a multi-use Bridle Trail. Look for the tan and green plastic multi-use markers placed above the colored trail blazes. The Quinimay Trail was conceived and is maintined by members of the Lower Connecticut River Valley Horsemen’s Club (LCRHVC), in cooperation with the Connecticut Forest & Park Association and the New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA).
The blue-blazed Cockaponset Trail, and blue/red-blazed Wildwood trails in the central section of Cockaponset State Forest are open to foot travel only. All other trails are designated non-motorized multi-use trails and allow biking, equestrian and other non-motorized use as well as foot travel.
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.
This park is managed by the following CT DEEP Park Headquarters:
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.
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.
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.
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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