🌲 Explore 11 Litchfield County State Parks + Top Summits & Scenic Views in Connecticut

Litchfield County is a New England nature playground, with over 10 state parks and forests. Several of these parks feature summits or overlooks that reward hikers with panoramic views, perfect for a quick summit hike or a peaceful afternoon in nature.

Many of these parks overlap with my 14 Short & Beautiful Hikes in Northwest Connecticut, making them perfect for a weekend adventure or weekday stroll.

📍 Dogs welcome (leash required), parking varies by season; always check official sites for details.

Quick Guide: 11 Litchfield County State Parks

Use this table to find the perfect park for your adventure, then scroll down for the full details!

Click to be taken to a specific State Park!

Black Rock State Park

Burr Pond State Park

Kent Falls State Park

Topsmead State Forest

Sunnybrook State Park

Housatonic Meadows State Forest & Park

Camp Columbia State Park

Campbell Falls State Park

Dennis Hill State Park

Lovers Leap State Park

Macedonia Brook State Park

Essential Prep: Packing For a Day Hike

Connecticut's state parks offer a chance to escape into nature, but being prepared is key to a safe and enjoyable experience. Before you head out, make sure your daypack is ready for anything.

The Day Hike Checklist:

• Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support are important for navigating uneven terrain. (To make sure you're protected on Litchfield County's rocky trails, see my guide to the 10 best women's hiking boots on sale now!)

• Layering: Pack layers you can adjust to changing temperatures. Opt for moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester or merino wool. (Learn the full system in my post: How to Layer for a Day Hike: The Essential 3-Layer System). For a full list of trusted gear and apparel brands, check out my guide to 20+ Essential Brands for Women's Hiking Clothing.

• Hydration & Food: Pack a reusable water bottle (with a filter if needed), high-energy snacks, and lunch. Nuts, granola bars, and fruit are great fuel.

• Protection: Sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, and a rain jacket are a must.

• Navigation: A map and compass, or a charged phone with a downloaded trail map and GPS navigation app.

• Safety/Gear: Consider packing a small first-aid kit, a whistle for emergencies, and trekking poles for stability. (If hiking in winter, you'll need traction!0

• For a complete list, check out my post Day Hiking Essentials Checklist.

Park Deep Dive: History, Trails, and Activities

Black Rock State Park

Address: 2065 Thomaston Rd., Watertown, CT 06795

• CT Parks Says: "Excellent swimming, hiking, scenic views, and Indian legend all tucked into the rolling hills of the Western Highlands."

• Hiking: Take the Mattatuck Trail up to the overlook for commanding views of the Naugatuck Valley. Don't forget to check out Leatherman's Cave. Legend says the famous figure, who wore a leather outfit, would circle through this area.

• Activities: Offers swimming with on-duty lifeguards (seasonal), changing rooms, and bathroom facilities.

• Camping: Over 75 campsites are available, all within walking distance to the trails and beach. Reserve your site on Reserve America.

Burr Pond State Park

Address: 384 Burr Mountain Rd., Torrington, CT 06790

• History: The site of the world’s first condensed milk factory, built by Gail Borden, Jr. in 1857! A bronze tablet still marks the factory’s original location.

• Hiking: The 2.5-mile Walcott Trail loops around the pond with pretty lake views. The 2.1-mile John Murr Trail connects you to Sunny Brook State Park.

• Activities: Swimming (lifeguarded in season), boating (kayak/canoe rentals available via Clarke Outdoors), and fishing (stocked with bass and perch).

• Winter: Perfect for ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

Kent Falls State Park

Address: 462 Kent Cornwall Road, Kent, CT 06757

• Key Feature: Water cascades 250 feet down on its way to the Housatonic River, including a dramatic 70-foot plunge.

• Hiking: An accessible path leads you across a wooden footbridge to the base. You can then climb the stairs and follow the trail to lookouts at different levels of the falls.

• Activities: Picnicking and excellent trout fishing.

Topsmead State Forest

Address: Buell Road, Litchfield, CT 06759

• Key Feature: A hidden gem with diverse landscapes, including formal gardens, unique bird habitats, and a beautiful English Tudor style cottage.

• Hiking/Walking: While not traditional woods hiking, the gravel trails are well-maintained and perfect for an easy walk or watching the sunset.

• Photography: Between the cottage, tree-lined paths, and the Orintas Family Butterfly Garden, it's a photographer's dream.

• Picnicking: While there is only one picnic table, the huge lawn in front of the cottage is ideal for laying out a picnic blanket.

Sunny Brook State Park

Address: Newfield Rd, Torrington, CT 06790

• Key Feature: A relatively young and smaller park with limited amenities, established in 1970 when the original land was donated by a dairy farmer.

• Hiking: Features four different loop trails. The longest is the Blue Trail, which takes you past the Testone boulder and a pond. Two smaller loops bring you along the river and over short boardwalks.

• Fun Fact: Happiness for Beginners featuring Luke Grimes and Ellie Kemper was filmed here!

• Warning: Be aware of bears here, I've run into them often. Also a very popular spot for dog walkers.

Housatonic Meadows State Forest & Park

Address: 90 US-Route 7, Sharon, CT 06069

• Key Feature: Located in the rock-strewn valley of the Housatonic River. Over 10,000 acres of rugged forest and some of New England’s most impressive white pine stands.

• Hiking: Pine Knob Loop is a well-known hike with three great lookouts. Bread Loaf Mountain is a shorter, challenging option with great sunset views.

• Camping: Over 60 beautiful, riverside campsites available. Features: river tubing, canoeing, and bathrooms with hot water! Reserve on Reserve America.

• Fishing: Catch-and-release fly fishing only (trout stamp required).

• Winter: Features a 10.6-mile trail accessible for snowmobiling.

Camp Columbia State Park

Address: West Street, Morris, CT 06763

• History: Started in 1903 as a summer camp for engineering students at Columbia University. During WWI, it was a training ground for soldiers.

• Hiking: Several easy trails wind through the 600-acre park. You can still find a stone building and the tower where soldiers practiced surveying.

• Winter/Riding: The trails are perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and horseback riding. It's lightly used, so you'll often have it to yourself.

Campbell Falls State Park

Address: Old Spaulding Road, Norfolk Historic District, CT 06058

• Key Feature: An undeveloped park showing off a nearly 100-foot waterfall as its centerpiece.

• History: Established in 1923 through a collaboration between Connecticut and Massachusetts. You have the chance to stand in two states at once!

• Hiking: The main attraction is the very short hike leading to the falls. Warning: It can be very steep and wet, so wear proper shoes!

Dennis Hill State Park

Address: 519 Litchfield Rd., Norfolk, CT 06058

• Key Feature: Hike (or drive) to the 1,627-foot summit for panoramic views stretching across Litchfield County, Mt. Greylock, and beyond.

• The Summit: The unique summit pavilion (formerly a summer residence, then a WWII lookout) is a popular spot to soak in the vista or have a picnic.

• Foliage: The views are spectacular all year long, but especially when fall foliage turns Dennis Hill into an autumn wonderland.

• Picnicking: A large pavilion at the top is available for rental, featuring a bathroom, fireplace, and picnic tables.

Lovers Leap State Park

Address: 178 Short Woods Road, New Milford, CT 06776

• Key Feature: Views, industrial history, and Native American lore about star-crossed lovers.

• Hiking: The 160-acre park is jam-packed with trails featuring four different scenic views, historic ruins, and dramatic vistas of the river gorge. Look out for crew races from the iconic red bridge.

Macedonia Brook State Park

Address: 159 Macedonia Brook Road, Kent, CT 06757

• Key Feature: Over 10 miles of trails with some of the most challenging ascents and spectacular vistas in Connecticut.

• Hiking: The best trail for views is the Macedonia Ridge Trail, where you can hike to four lookouts, including Cobble Mountain, for views of the Catskill and Taconic mountains. Look for the many springs and streams along the way.

• Camping: Over 50 rustic sites available. Portable toilets are available, but no running water (other than the river). Pets are not allowed overnight.

Winter Considerations: It can be icy in the winter, it's important to pack spikes/crampons and use them accordingly. Also be sure to layer well, as it can get very cold in the winter.

Seasonal Notes:

• Spring: Waterfalls peak; wildflowers bloom

• Summer: Swimming, picnics, canoeing

• Fall: Foliage, photo opportunities

• Winter: Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing (select parks)

Litchfield County, Connecticut is the cure for your nature cravings! With more than 11 amazing state parks, you'll find waterfalls, scenic hikes, and peaceful lakes. Hike, bike, swim, or just relax, there's something for everyone.

Plus, Connecticut is packed with parks, so you're never far from nature. Pack a backpack, some snacks (don't forget the cookies!), and get ready to explore! Litchfield County's state parks are waiting for you to adventure.