Above All State Park

Available Activities

Camping
Fishing
Boating

Appropriately named for its isolated elevation, Above All State Park is a rugged 31-acre natural preserve located in Warren, Connecticut. While it lacks the modern recreational facilities of other state parks, it offers a fascinating slice of local and military history. Visitors seeking a quiet, undeveloped slice of the Litchfield Hills—and a tangible connection to the Cold War—will find this rustic park intriguing.

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A Window into Cold War History

The defining feature of Above All State Park isn’t a lake or a grand visitor center, but rather its historical significance. Due to its high elevation, the site was utilized during the Cold War from 1957 to 1968 as part of the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) Air Defense Network.

The military operated a radar installation here (designated the New Preston Gap-Filler RADAR Annex P-50A/Z-50A) to monitor New England’s airspace. Today, the concrete blockhouse that once housed this vital radar equipment remains standing in the woods—a stark, silent relic of the nuclear age hidden among the Connecticut trees.

Things to Do at Above All State Park

Above All is classified as an undeveloped state park. There are no paved trails, pavilions, or restrooms.

Hiking and Exploration

Informal, unmaintained footpaths wander through the dense hardwood forest. Hikers can explore the quiet woodlands, enjoy the isolation that gives the park its name, and locate the historic radar structure. The terrain is relatively flat once you reach the top of the hill, making it an easy, albeit completely rustic, walk.

Photography and History Buffs

The juxtaposition of the brutalist concrete radar building against the serene Connecticut forest makes this an excellent spot for photographers, urban explorers, and history enthusiasts looking for off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Essential Information

Location: Warren, Connecticut (Litchfield County).
Facilities: None. This is an undeveloped park. There are no restrooms, trash cans, or visitor centers. Pack out what you pack in.
Access: The park is accessed via Above All Road. Parking is informal and limited on the roadside.
Hours: Open from 8:00 AM to sunset daily.

Written by

State Parks Team

Editorial Team

The America's State Parks Editorial Team has collectively explored 800+ state parks across all 50 states. Our park profiles are carefully researched using official state park data, verified visitor information, and first-hand observations from our writers and contributors. Each article is fact-checked against official sources and updated regularly to ensure accuracy. Our mission is to help every American discover the natural wonders in their own backyard.

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Last updated: February 28, 2026

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