Tunxis State Forest

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Quick Facts

Tunxis State Forest

Connecticut

(860) 424-3200

Map Directions

Things To Do

Overview

Tunxis State Forest spans Granby, Barkhamsted and Hartland, Connecticut. It is approximately 9,152 acres divided into sections on both sides of the Barkhamsted Reservoir. It contains large areas of unbroken forest and many types of wildlife can be seen at Tunxis. Hurricane Brook is a scenic perennial stream that has fast flowing cold water that rushes down a series of interesting chutes, slides, and waterfalls created by ledge and rock outcroppings that seem erratically layered and strewn in the path of the flow. The gate to Hurricane Brook Road presently is closed year-round due to road conditions. Park just outside the gate, safely off Route 20, but please do not block the gate. Wearing bright orange is strongly recommended during hunting season, October through December. Additionally, many cell phones do not have service in this area.

Map of Tunxis State Forest (CT)

Latitude, Longitude: 42.001601, -72.977886

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Activities

  • Boating

    Howell's Pond has 10 parking spaces for trailered vehicles and is open year-round. Use of internal combustion engines is prohibited on the 14.3 acre pond. There are no docks available. To get there: Route 20, north on West Street, left on Dish Mill Road, launch is on the right.

  • Bicycling

    Trails and service, logging and other roads are open to non-motorized, multiple use activities (foot travel, mountain biking, equestrian) unless posted closed. Connecticut Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails and the National Park Service Appalachian Trail are limited to hiking except where they overlap a multiple use trail.

  • Fishing

    Fishing is allowed in Hurricane Brook and Howells Pond, though certain state permits and regulations apply. Call 860-424-3105 for more information.

  • Hiking

    Hiking is plentiful in Tunxis State Park. Be sure to wear orange or reflective material during hunting season (October through December).

  • Hunting

    Hunting is permitted in the park, though state laws and licensing regulations apply. More information is available from the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, which can be contacted at (860) 424-3000. Types of Hunting: Small Game, Waterfowl, Spring Turkey, Fall Archery (Deer/Turkey), Fall Firearms Turkey, Muzzleloader Deer, No-Lottery Deer (A-Season), No-Lottery Deer (B-Season)

  • Winter Sports

    Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular sports, but the hillside is likely to be much more slippery due to snow or ice. Even the road surface itself can be a slippery walk in winter. This area is known for having some of the heaviest winter snow cover in the state, which can start as early as November and persist until nearly May.

Park Partners

Directions

Driving

1) Head east on CT-183/US-44 toward Case Ave 0.5 mi 2) Turn left at CT-8 N/Park Pl E. Continue to follow CT-8 N 1.8 mi 3) Slight right at CT-20/Riverton Rd 2.2 mi 4) Turn right at CT-20/Main St 0.1 mi 5) Turn left at CT-20/E River Rd. Continue to follow CT-20 3.5 mi 6) Turn left at Center St/CT-20

All of the major features of Tunxis State Forest are located on or near Routes 20 and 179. From the junction of Route 20 and Route 181 in Hartland, proceed east on Route 20.

For Howell's Pond, proceed east one mile and turn left on West Street; follow for 1.4 miles and turn left on Old Mill Road (on some maps as Dish Mill Road); follow 0.2 mile and turn right at the dam.

For the Falls Brook Trail proceed 3.4 miles and park in the small pull-off on the right.

For the Tunxis Trail, proceed 7.4 miles and park at the trail marker.

For Hurricane Brook, follow 7.7 miles and turn left on Hurricane Brook Road; park so as not to block the gate, and follow the path uphill.

For the CCC ski area, follow 8.0 miles and turn right on Balance Rock Road. Follow to the end of the road and park, being careful not to block the cul-de-sac (used by school buses to turn around). Follow the roadbed into the woods. After crossing the Blue Blazed Tunxis Trail, look for the ski cabin on the right.

For the northern terminus of the Tunxis Trail, follow Route 20 8.8 miles and turn left on Old Town Road. Follow Old Town Road 0.6 miles, and turn left on Pell Road and go about 2.5 miles north to the end of road.

Phone Numbers

Primary

(860) 424-3200

Links