Collis P. Huntington State Park

Sunset Hill Road

Redding, CT

203-938-2285

Park Hours:

Daily 8:00 a.m. - Sunset

Directions:

Off I-84: Take exit 5. Take Route 53 south for 3.4 miles, then follow Route 302 east for 1.6 miles. Turn onto Route 58 south and travel for 4.6 miles. Take a left onto Sunset Hill Road and the park is 0.8 miles on the right.

Off Merritt Parkway: Take exit 42. Take Route 136 north for 5.2 miles, then follow Route 58 for 7 miles. Take a right onto Sunset Hill Road and the park is 0.8 miles on the right.

Putnam Memorial State Park can be found at the intersection of Routes 58 and 107.

Collis P. Huntington State Park

Collis P. Huntington State Park

Spreading 883 acres over fields and dense woodlands, Collis P. Huntington State Park is a peaceful and tranquil setting in Fairfield County. The land was donated to the state by the famed Huntington family. Philanthropist and financier Archer Huntington, son of railroad tycoon Collis P. Huntington, bought the property in 1939 and lived there with his wife Anna Vaughn Hyatt, a famous sculptor. They named the estate "Stanerigg," a Scottish word meaning "stony ridge." Anna's statues of howling wolves and a family of bears can be found at the park entrance. The property was willed to the citizens of Connecticut in 1973, and affords fantastic areas for hiking, biking and horseback riding, along with five man-made ponds that are great for fishing and boating. Winter enthusiasts will enjoy the cross country skiing when the trails are covered in snow, while sledders flock to the hill near the entrance for great sliding fun.

Putnam Memorial State Park is not far from Collis P. Huntington State Park, and offers a window into America's Revolutionary heritage. Named for Israel Putnam, an American army general who fought in distinction at the Battle of Bunker Hill, the state park is the site of Putnam's Continental Army encampment during the 1778-79 winter. Although Putnam never quite attained the national renown of famous heroes like Davy Crockett, he was known far beyond Connecticut's borders through the circulation of folk legends celebrating his exploits. Visitors can enjoy a newly restored pavilion, interpretive museum and historical monuments at this park.

Activities

• Canoeing
• Cross-country skiing
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback riding
• Mountain Biking