Peoples State Forest
West River Road
Barkhamsted
(860) 379-2469
Park Hours:
Forest Recreation Areas: 8:00 a.m. – Sunset
Other Forest Areas: one-half hour before sunrise – one-half hour after sunset
Parking fee (weekends/holidays):
in-state $7; out-of-state $10
Camping fee:
Weekends/ Holidays: in-state $7; out-of-state $10
Camping fee:
$13/night (plus reservation processing fee) – www.reserveamerica.com
More Information
Directions:
Off Route 44: take Route 318 in Barkhamsted. Go across the steel bridge and take an immediate left onto West River Road. The recreation area is approximately 1 mile up on the left.
Peoples State Forest
Considered to be Connecticut's flagship Forest, Peoples State Forest is a recreational destination in northwest Connecticut. From fishing to hiking to biking to boating, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The forest was established in 1924 through the efforts of the Connecticut Forest and Park Association which coordinated subscriptions for donations, truly making it the peoples forest. The extensive trails crossing through the property are varied and each one is named for a person who aided in the development of the forest. Attractions in the densely wooded property include the Veeder Boulders – enormous rocks dropped by the last glacier – and white pines dating more than 200 years old in the Matthies Grove and Whittemore Recreation Areas. Visitors also enjoy the Stone Museum, a seasonal nature museum with a wide variety of exhibits. It was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression.
Activities
- Bicycling (Roads Only)
- Camping
- Canoeing and Kayaking (River)
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Fields Sports
- Freshwater Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Letterboxing
- Picnicking
- Snowmobiling
- Youth Group Camping
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