Haystack Mountain State Park

Route 272

Norfolk, CT

860-482-1817

Park Hours:

Daily 8:00 a.m. - Sunset

Directions:

From the North - Great Barrington or Pittsfield, MA: Travel south on Route 7 into Canaan. Take a left heading east on Route 44, then take a left onto Route 272 north. The park will be on the left.

From the South - Greater Danbury area: Travel north on Route 7 into Canaan. Take a right heading east on Route 44, then take a left onto Route 272 north. The park will be on the left. Greater Waterbury area: Travel north on Route 8. Merge onto Route 44, then take a right onto Route 272 north. The park will be on the left.

From the East - Hartford area: Travel west on I-84 and take exit 39. Continue west on Route 4 onto Route 179 going north. From Route 179 get on Route 44, then take a right onto Route 272 north. The park will be on the left.

Haystack Mountain State Park

Haystack Mountain State Park

With a peak that sits 1,716 feet above sea level, Haystack Mountain State Park offers breathtaking views of Long Island Sound, the Berkshires, and peaks in Massachusetts and New York. The park road takes visitors two-thirds of the way to the top of the mountain, but the remaining half-mile must be hiked on foot. The uphill walk quickly delivers its reward, though, as visitors arrive at the summit to take in spectacular views. A 34-foot high gray stone observation tower is situated here, constructed of rock quarried from the mountain as part of a Works Projects Administration project during the Great Depression. Stone steps lead into the tower and a wooden ladder brings explorers to the top level. During the fall, an expanse of colorful foliage strikes the landscape, while the summer months provide a spectacular display of mountain laurel. Mountain bikers are attracted to the steep terrain of this park, and picnickers relish the dramatic vistas while enjoying a pleasant meal.

Activities

• Hiking
• Mountain Biking
• Observation Tower
• Overlook
• Picnicking