James L. Goodwin State Forest

Route 6

Hampton

860-455-6534

Park Hours:

8:00 a.m. – Sunset

Directions:

From the junction of Routes 198 and 6 in Chaplin, proceed east on Route 6 for 3 miles and turn left into the forest.

More Information:

James L. Goodwin State Forest

James L. Goodwin State Forest

This forest was a gift to the state of Connecticut from James L. Goodwin, who developed the land as a private tree farm and planted his first crop of Christmas trees in 1921. Goodwin sold a crop every year from 1924 until the property was donated to the State in 1964. His farmhouse, located at 23 Potter Road in Hampton, is now the site of the Goodwin Conservation Center, an interpretive museum established to explain the natural sciences of the art of forestry. Visitors can enjoy programs at the center, or head out on one of the many trails that are perfect for snowshoeing or cross country skiing. The blue-blazed Natchaug Trail is a popular path that leads from the Conservation Center past Pine Acres Lake, which was formed in 1933 when a dam was built on Cedar Swamp Brook. The lake is large, though it is shallow in places making it difficult for boats to pass. Electric motors are allowed, though gasoline motors are prohibited. Fishing is popular on the lake, particularly for bass, bluegill and bullhead. Hikers can traverse throughout 2,076-acre forest to find a letterbox, a pavilion for picnicking, and spots for youth camping.

Activities

• Boating
• Cross Country Skiing
• Fishing
• Goodwin Conservation Center
• Hiking
• Letterboxing
• Museum
• Picnicking
• Youth Camping