The Naugatuck State Forest is managed for sawtimber, firewood, wildlife habitat, and recreational activities such as hiking, hunting, mountain biking, bird-watching, and cross-country skiing.
The blue blazed Quinnipiac Trail runs for about 2.5 miles along the western border of this Forest block, with a steep climb from the gravel road up to the summit of Mt. Sanford at 890 ft. of elevation. It passes the YMCA Camp Laurel at the south end of the Forest. Please note: The Quinnipiac Trail is foot travel only.
The blue/red Quinnipiac Connector trail and Cromie Road (forest road) offer an alternate loop, a less strenuous hike around Mt. Sanford. Additional Youth Camping off Cromie Road.
The White and Yellow Trails connect to Brooksvale Park in Hamden.
Most of the Mt. Sanford Block was acquired by the State in 1944 from George Cromie, a forester for the State Park and Forest Commission. Mr. Cromie improved the condition of his woodlands by practicing forest management. Overcrowded stands were thinned by removing trees of low quality due to disease, injury, or poor form. He felt the public should be allowed to enjoy the beauty of his forest, and in 1930, the Quinnipiac Trail, the first trail of the Blue Trail System, was created and passed through his property. Mr. Cromie died in 1956. The evergreens he planted in what is now the Youth Group Camping Area were dedicated as the “Cromie Memorial Pine Grove” in 1958. There is a sign marking the location.
This park is managed by the following CT DEEP Park Headquarters:
Parking is available in the cul-de-sac at 2620 Downs Road, Hamden, adjacent the entrance for the YMCA Camp Laurel. Please do not block the gate to the YMCA camp.
There is a small parking area for the Quinnipiac Trail (parking for five cars) where it crosses Route 42 (Bethany Mountain Road) near the Cheshire/ Prospect border.
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