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Connecticut
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Connecticut State Parks

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USA Parks
Connecticut
Mystic Country Region
Nehantic State Forest
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NEHANTIC STATE FOREST
NEHANTIC STATE FOREST
Visit Nehantic State Forest and discover what the first forest in New London County has to offer.
History of the Area
Nehantic was the first state forest in New London County, and has all been purchased since 1925. Considerable difficulty was experienced in selecting the site. Although there is a great deal of wooded land in the county, it is so cut up by open farm lands that large areas of forest in one block are difficult to find. The land is mostly covered with a second growth of hardwoods. There are a number of good trout streams in the forest.

The forest takes its name from the Nehantic Indians, whose ranging grounds once extended from Wecapaug Brook, in what is now Rhode Island, to the Connecticut River. Shortly before the settlers arrived the Pequots had invaded Nehantic territory and annexed about half of the land claimed by the tribe.
Passes
Connecticut has made state parks, forests, trails, historic sites and beaches more accessible to our residents so they can enjoy the many attractions and beauty they offer. Under the Passport to the Parks program, parking fees are now eliminated at Connecticut State Parks for those with Connecticut registered vehicles. You can view the CONNECTICUT PASSPORT TO THE PARKS web page to learn more.
Nearby Accommodations
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BBs / Inns
Located along the CT Shoreline midway between New York City and Boston, and only one hour from Hartford, with tons of local attractions both on the Long Island Sound and the Connecticut River.
4.9 miles from park*
Nearby Vacation Rentals
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Trails
1. Nayantaquit Trail: This is a 6-mile loop trail that offers moderate difficulty, perfect for intermediate hikers. It features beautiful wildflowers and wildlife sightings.

2. Green Fall Pond Loop: A scenic 7-mile hike around the pond with opportunities to spot various bird species and other local fauna.

3. Mount Misery Overlook Trail: An easy-to-moderate level hiking path of about 5 miles leading up to an overlook point offering panoramic views of the forest below.

4. Pachaug-Nehantic Crossover Trail: Approximately a four-hour long trek covering both Nehantic State Forest and neighboring Pachaug State Forest; it's ideal for experienced hikers looking for longer trails in Connecticut's wilderness areas.

5. Rhododendron Sanctuary Pathway: Short but sweet, this half mile walk takes you through one of New England's largest rhododendron sanctuaries where these plants bloom spectacularly during late June or early July.

6. The Narragansett/Nayantaquit Connector Trails: These are two separate yet interconnected paths totaling approximately five miles which offer diverse terrain including rocky outcrops, wetlands as well as dense woodland sections.

7. Yellow Blazed Hiking Route: This route covers roughly three:and-a-half miles within Nehantic state park featuring several small streams along its course making it particularly attractive after rainfall when water levels rise significantly creating mini-waterfalls across rocks strewn throughout their beds.

8. Blue:Blazed Richard Goodwin Multi-useTrail: Named after renowned ecologist Dr.Richard Goodwin,this multi-purpose pathway stretches over six kilometers providing ample opportunity not only walking enthusiasts also mountain bikers who prefer off-road cycling experiences amidst natural surroundings rather than paved city streets or suburban bike lanes.
Things To Do in the Area
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Boating
Explore the Connecticut River aboard the R/V River Quest, an environmentally friendly 64', 60 passenger vessel docked at Eagle Landing State Park, Haddam, CT.
15 miles from park*

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
July 4 bring a gps device by Parks maven
park review stars; one to five The map from the State Parks Department is less than useless. Only one trail is marked (barely) and there are absolutely no markings on any of the other trails. There are no identified landmarks anywhere other than the main road, which itself has few signs. Bring a cell phone.
December 13 A Nice Eastern forest by Rich Taber
park review stars; one to five Nehantic State Forest provides a large acreage of eastern woodland for visitors to play in. It maintains a very wild atmosphere yet is fairly close to suburban areas. It offers excellent opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking, bird watching, cross country skiing, and in general enjoying an excellent example of the eastern hardwood forest.
June 9 Quiet little place
park review stars; one to five Peaceful and not as busy as some of the other parks. You can park fairly close to where the picnic and swimming area is. People that go there are real friendly.
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Area Campgrounds
Pequot Ledge Campground
157 Doyle Road
Montville, CT
860-859-0682
Niantic I95 Exit 72 CT KOA
271 West Main Street
East Lyme, CT
860-739-9308
Odetah Camping Resort
38 Bozrah St Ext
Bozrah, CT
860-889-4144
Wolf's Den Campground
256 Town Street
East Haddam, CT
860-873-9681
Markham Meadows Campground
7 Markham Road
East Hampton, CT
860-267-9738
Aces High RV Park
301 Chesterfield Road
East Lyme, CT
Lake Williams Campground
1742 Exeter Road Route 207
Lebanon, CT
860-642-7761
Camp Niantic-By-The-Atlantic
271 West Main Street
Niantic, CT
860-739-9308
Indianfield Campground
306 Old Calchester Road
Salem, CT
860-859-1320
Salem Farms Campground
39 Alexander Road
Salem, CT
860-859-2320
Witch Meadow Lake Campground
139 Witch Meadow Road
Salem, CT
860-859-1542

Directions
From I-95: Take Exit 70 and go straight at bottom of exit. Take a right at the intersection of Route 156 and Route 1. Follow Route 156 for approximately 3 miles. Forest entrance is on the left.

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Connecticut
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Connecticut State Parks

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