Topsmead State Forest
615 acres in Litchfield, CT
Parking: Large lot near 141 Buell Rd, Litchfield, CT
Trail Map Trails: 6.2 miles Rating: ★★★☆☆
Perched ‘top of the meadow’ this State Forest is meant to capture the charm of New England’s countryside. Originally the summer estate of Miss Edith Morton Chase, the daughter of a prominent industrialist, this property was bequeathed to the people of Connecticut to enjoy its natural beauty. At the crest of the hill stands an English Tudor-style cottage, surrounded by wildflower meadows, woodlands, and well-maintained trails. Visitors can explore the picturesque grounds year-round, partake in guided tours of the historic home during select times, and enjoy activities like hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking.
Blue – Bernard Stairs Trail – 0.5 miles
- Following the paved Chase Road all the way to Rt.118 will reach the start of the Bernard Stairs Trail, named for the former farm manager of the property. The trail is blazed with blue wood blocks painted with a silver lion, a classy detail even here. It follows the road for a stretch through a sea of ferns until turning uphill along a stone wall to join Jefferson Hill Road
Red – Red Trail – 1 mile
- Easily the most popular trail in the park, it heads south from the cottage at the crest of the property down a tree lined lane. Passing through stonewalls it then crosses a field to reach the butterfly garden and viewing platform (more of a viewing cottage). Both are incredibly well maintained. The red trail then does a large loop to the backside of the field to return to Jefferson Hill Road.
Green – Edith Chase Ecology Trail – 0.7 miles
- Unexplored
Yellow – Golding Trail – 0.5 miles
- The yellow trail heads down a hill just off the end of the red trail through the stonewalls and down the side of another field. It enters the wood line and takes a winding path through an old pine plantation. At the bottom of the trail is a marsh with a small picturesque pond. One more quick jaunt through the pines takes you back to Jefferson Hill Road.
Acquired by the state when Edith Chase left her beloved country estate to the people of Connecticut in 1972.
The parks has been featured in the 2017, 2022, and 2024 Sky’s the Limit Challenges.
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Last updated November 10th, 2024
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