2007 Archive – Follow the Families

This park is home to many “sand barrens” that resulted from the retreat of the last glacier.

Hint 1

This park’s pond was a major fishing ground for the Mohegan Indians, who built stone fences in the water to direct fish into their nets.

Hint 2

The name of this park is derived from the textile factory that John Slater established on the land in 1828.

Hint 3

The park’s main attraction is its pond, which is actually the dammed section of the Pachaug River.

Park #7 Revealed

The name of the man-made lake at this State Park has an Algonquin translation of "land at the pond."

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL PROOF OF SELF-GUIDED PARK VISITATION IS DUE AT CHECK-IN FOR THE GUIDED EVENT ON JUNE 16. PHOTOS MUST BE PRINTED AND MARKED WITH THE TEAM NAME AND CAPTAIN’S FULL NAME – SIMPLY POSTING THE PHOTO TO THE WEBSITE WILL NOT SUFFICE AND WILL NOT BE CREDITED.

Hint 1

There is excellent fishing afforded at this State Park, with bass tournaments and fishing derbies often held here throughout the summer.

Hint 2

A three-foot wide and five-foot deep "Indian Paint Pot," or pothole, can be found in a rock formation located in this park. It was formed by glacial melt waters that scoured the rock in a drill-like fashion.

Hint 3

In 1952, the Army Corps of Engineers completed a dam on the Natchaug River to help alleviate the area's flooding problems.

Park #6 Revealed

The acreage of this large State Park was assembled largely through the efforts of volunteers.

At this park teams must hike to the top of the mountain, and either write down the names on the plaque inside the monument OR take a photo in front of the monument (remember to include one team member 18 years of age or older and one team member under 18 in the picture).

RECOMMENDED HIKE FOR TEAMS WITH YOUNG CHILDREN– Your best bet for little ones to reach the top of the mountain is The Tower Trail. This is a 1.6 mile road trail that can accommodate strollers and offers an easy hike to the top. Be sure to bring along a water bottle and pack a picnic lunch!

Hint 1

Native American legend claims the formation of this State Park has its roots in tales of diverted river waters and overzealous oyster-eating.

Hint 2

A castle-like tower is one of its most popular destinations.

Hint 3

Shhhh — you might wake him!

Park #5 Revealed

Along with two State Forests, this park helps form one of the largest unbroken forest areas in Connecticut.

Hint 1

In the 1880's, one of this park's ponds generated power for the region's industry.

Hint 2

The Nipmuck Tribe settled in this area because of the three ponds and abundant fish.

Hint 3

You've heard of "The Big Apple;" this park is "The Big Low."

Park #4 Revealed

A small paddlewheel steamboat is said to have sank in a large pond located here.

At this park teams must hike to "split rock" and take a photo in front of this geological feature (remember to include one team member 18 years of age or older and one team member under 18 in the picture). Full directions to "split rock" will be posted on Friday, but if you know where this landmark is located, feel free to head there anytime before then. The location of "split rock" is also posted on this park's rules and regulations board.

Hint 1

This State Park is named for a railroad tycoon.

Hint 2

Bears and wolves guard its entrance.

Hint 3

This State Park once housed a private estate known as "Stanerigg"

Park #3 Revealed & Directions to "split rock"
If you do not have Adobe Reader to view the map, you may download it here.

This State Park was preserved by a local resident known as "The Man who Measured the Mountains"

At this park teams must hike to the top of the mountain, and either take a rubbing of the survey marker OR take a photo in front of the tower (remember to include one team member 18 years of age or older and one team member under 18 in the picture).