Geology

Geology of Connecticut

The State has three major geologic regions—the eastern and western highlands, each composed of older, metamorphic rock, and a central valley, largely composed of basalt overlain by sandstone.

Links

History

  • 1842 James Gates Percival – Report on the Geology of Connecticut
    • In 8 months surveyed the state East to West at 4 mile intervals. The resurveyed again East to West at intervals between the former to bring him in contact with each of the 4600 square miles of the state.
    • He collected estimated 8000 specimens, as well as noted dips, bearings, and formations making it likely the most accurate survey ever conducted of the state
    • However, despite two years of survey and he was “rushed” by the state legislature and wrote a “hasty outline” of over 500 pages
  • 1906 Manual of the Geology of Connecticut and Preliminary Geological Map by William North Rice and Herbert Ernest Gregory
  • 1924 H. H. Robinson – State Geological and Natural History Survey
  • 1977 The Connecticut Assembly names Garnet the state mineral
  • 1985 John Rodgers (compiler) Bedrock Geological Map of Connecticut

Geological Reports of Parks

This page is a work in progress if you’re interested in more information, shoot me an email (see bottom of the page) and let me know how this page could be of better use to you!

Banningwood Preserve

★★★☆☆

Banningwood Preserve, Lyme, CT, USA

Banningwood Preserve Lyme Land Trust 102 acres in Lyme, CT Parking: Small lot near 14 Town St, Lyme, CT Trail Map            Trails:…

West Mountain

★★★★☆

60 Westledge Road, West Simsbury, CT, USA

West Mountain / Cathles Falls Simsbury Land Trust 70 acres in Simsbury, CT Parking: South trailhead: Small lot near 60 Westledge Rd, West Simsbury, CT North trail:…

Campbell Falls State Park

★★★★☆

117 Old Spaulding Rd, Norfolk, CT, USA

Campbell Falls State Park Connecticut State Park 102 acres in Norfolk, CT Parking: Small lot near 117 Old Spaulding Rd, Norfolk, CT Trail Map.         …

Sherwood Island State Park

★★★☆☆

41.116614, -73.331589

Sherwood Island State Park Connecticut State Park 238 acres in Westport, CT Parking: Large lots near Sherwood Island Connector, Westport, CT Trail Map         Trails:…

Macedonia Brook State Park

★★★★☆

159 Macedonia Brook Rd, Kent, CT, USA

Macedonia Brook State Park Connecticut State Park 2,300 acres in Kent, CT Parking: Small lot near 159 Macedonia Brook Rd, Kent, CT Trail Map       …

Hammonasset Beach State Park

★★★★★

1288 Boston Post Rd, Madison, CT, USA

Hammonasset Beach State Park Connecticut State Park 919 acres in Madison, CT Parking: Large lots near 1288 Boston Post Rd, Madison, CT Trail Map       …

Kettletown State Park

★★★☆☆

41.424802, -73.208132

Kettletown State Park Connecticut State Park 605 acres in Oxford and Southbury, CT Parking: Several small lots at 1400 Georges Hill Rd, Southbury, CT Trail Map     …

Kent Falls State Park

★★★★☆

462 Kent Cornwall Rd, Kent, CT, USA

Kent Falls State Park Connecticut State Park 307 acres in Kent, CT Parking: Large lot for about 100 cars at 462 Kent Cornwall Rd, Kent, CT Trail…

Bluff Point State Park

★★★☆☆

55 Depot Rd, Groton, CT, USA

Bluff Point State Park Connecticut State Park 806 acres in Groton, CT Parking: Large lot near 55 Depot Rd, Groton, CT Trail Map         …

Southford Falls

★★★☆☆

41.458784, -73.163979

Southford Falls State Park Connecticut State Park 169 acres in Southbury and Oxford, CT Parking: Large lot near 175 Quaker Farms Rd, Southbury, CT Trail Map   …