Shenipsit State Forest

166 Chestnut Hill Road

Stafford Springs

860-684-3430

Park Hours

8:00 a.m. — Sunset

Directions:

From the junction of Routes 190 and 83 in Somers, proceed east on Route 190 for 2.6 miles to the Forest entrance on the right. For the observation tower, follow to the end of the road. For the CCC Museum, continue on Route 190 for 0.7 miles east of the forest entrance and turn right.

Shenipsit State Forest

Encompassing the towns of Ellington, Somers and Stafford, this sprawling 7,000-acre forest is a wonderful destination to view the vibrant fall foliage. There is an abundance of recreation opportunities at Shenipsit State Forest, with the two main attractions being the wonderful hiking along the Shenipsit Trail, and the amazing views from the Soapstone Mountain observation tower. As one of only two observation towers in Eastern Connecticut (the other being the monument at Fort Griswold State Park in Groton), the vistas afforded from this vantage point are spectacular as visitors can take in scenes from the Connecticut River Valley to the Springfield skyline. Shenipsit State Forest is also home to the Eastern States Civilian Conservation Corps Museum, where tools and equipment from the former "Camp Conner" are on display. The camp gave work to boys ages 17 to 24 during the Great Depression, mostly building forest roads and various structures, many of which are still used today. Photographs of camp life and work can also be found at the museum. Operating hours for the museum are weekend afternoons 12:00 to 4:00 Memorial Day to Labor Day and by appointment. From fishing to picnicking to even snowmobiling during the winter months, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this State Forest.

Activities

• Cross Country Skiing
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Hunting
• Letterboxing
• Museum
• Observation Tower
• Picnicking
• Snowmobiling