Backpacking

Backpacking in Connecticut

DEEP Official Page


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The Appalachian Trail offers some of the best backpacking in the state with 50 miles  of trail and a number of lean-tos and camping areas along the way.  Backpackers often combine the Appalachian Trail and the blue-blaze Mohawk Trail for a long loop hike through the north west hills.

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  • Pachaug State Forest – Hikes up to 32 miles can be achieved by linking the Quinebaug, Pachaug, Nehantic, and Narragansett Trails mostly within Pachaug State Forest. Four overnight shelters in the State Forest can be used by backpackers on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more info on the backcountry shelters and to reserve a space, click here.
  • Mohawk Trail – Four overnight backpacking shelters on the Mohawk Trail offer hikers the opportunity to enjoy the trail for overnight trips. These shelters are maintained by the CT DEEP. Please contact the CT DEEP Western District office for reservations or if you have questions about shelter availability. Backpackers often enjoy connecting the Mohawk and Appalachian Trails together for an extended, multiple night loop trip.
  • Nipmuck Trail – The 36 mile Nipmuck Trail is a good two day/one night hike with 2 primitive camping areas mid-trail and Lean-tos at the northern end in Bigelow Hollow.
  • New England Trail / Metacomet Trail – While there isn’t much support for thru-hikers of the 110 mile Connecticut section of the New England Trail there are a couple official sites at the northern end.  Stealth camping is discouraged due to proximity of private property along the trail.
  • Bigelow Hollow – Lean-tos and a camping area along Breakneck Pond allow for long hikes on the 35 miles of trails within the state park and forest here
  • Tunxis Trail and Tunxis State Forest – I haven’t yet explored these but have found sources for the primitive camps below
    • Hurricane Brook Shelter (SF)
    • Nepaug Campsite
    • Roaring Brook Campsite

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I’ve helped dozens of people plan trips so feel free to hit me up at the email link at the bottom of the page if you have questions or suggestions about what you were hoping to find on this page

Pachaug: Mt Misery & Rhododendron Sanctuary

★★★☆☆

Chapman Campground, Voluntown, CT, USA

Pachaug State Forest: Chapman Area Mt. Misery & Rhododendron Sanctuary Connecticut State Forest acres in Voluntown, CT Parking: Small lot near Cutoff Rd, Voluntown, CT Trail Map … Read more…

Metacomet: Peak Mountain

★★★★☆

41.959133, -72.739260

Metacomet: Peak Mountain and West Suffield Mountain Connecticut Blue Blaze Trail, Traprock Ridge Land Conservancy, and Suffield Land Conservancy 142 acres in East Granby and Suffield, CT… Read more…

Green Fall Pond

★★★☆☆

41.535437, -71.810033

Green Fall Pond Connecticut State Forest and Blue Blaze Trail 200 acres in Voluntown, CT Parking: Large lot near Green Fall Pond Rd, Voluntown, CT Trail Map … Read more…

Legend Wood

★★★☆☆

41.489036, -71.876836

Legend Wood / Wyassup Lake Connecticut State Forest / Blue Blaze Trail in North Stonington, CT Parking: West End: Small lot at Wyassup Boat Launch East End:…

Nepaug State Forest

★★★☆☆

41.824337, -72.972828

Nepaug State Forest Connecticut State Forest 1,373 acres in New Hartford, CT Parking: Small lot on Rt. 202 Trail Map              Trails: 18…

Nathaniel Lyon Memorial State Park

★★☆☆☆

41.847478, -72.083341

Nathaniel Lyon Memorial State Park Connecticut State Park 5 acres in Eastford, CT Parking:  Small lot along Kingsbury Rd Eastford, CT Trail Map        Trails:…

Nipmuck Trail: Marsh Road

★★☆☆☆

41.848349, -72.223530

Nipmuck Trail: Marsh Road Blue Blaze Trail in Willington and Ashford, CT Parking: North end – Shoulder parking near 298 CT-74 Ashford, CT South end – Spur…

Bigelow Hollow State Park

★★★★★

41.994655, -72.130835

Bigelow Hollow State Park Connecticut State Park / Nipmuck State Forest 516 acres in Union, CT Parking: Several large lots along the park’s road off CT-171. Trail… Read more…

Nipmuck Trail: Pixie Falls

★★☆☆☆

41.902388, -72.164776

Nipmuck Trail : Pixie Falls / Natchaug Trail: North Terminus Connecticut State Forest and Blue-Blaze Trail in Ashford, CT Parking: South End: Small pull-off near 32 Iron Mine…