Connecticut’s Highest and Most Remote Undeveloped State Park — 31-Acre Hilltop State Park at One of the Highest Elevations in Litchfield County, Former Site of a Pre-Civil War Wooden Observation Tower, Cold War Military Radar Installation Site From 1957 to 1968, Informal Hiking Through Undeveloped Forest and Open Hilltop, Panoramic Views of the Northwest Connecticut Highlands, Remote and Rarely Visited Destination for Solitude Seekers, Near Warren Litchfield County Northwestern Connecticut
Above All State Park is an undeveloped 31-acre state park at one of the highest elevations in Litchfield County, near Warren, northwestern Connecticut, managed by Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). The park features no formal trails, restrooms, or visitor facilities — a truly undeveloped hilltop state park, a layered military and observation history — a wooden observation tower stood here before the Civil War, and a Cold War-era Gap-Filler radar installation operated from 1957 to 1968, informal hiking through undeveloped forest and open hilltop clearing, panoramic views of the northwest Connecticut highlands on clear days, one of the most rarely visited state parks in Connecticut — genuine solitude even on summer weekends, and access via Above All Road with informal roadside parking.
The Cold War history adds unexpected intrigue — from 1957 to 1968, the hilltop housed a Gap-Filler radar installation (designated P-50A/Z-50A) designed to detect low-flying Soviet bombers that could slip under the coverage of larger radar stations. Remnants of the concrete foundations can still be found in the undergrowth.
Being undeveloped is what makes Above All special — in a state as densely populated as Connecticut, finding 31 acres of genuine wilderness with no trails, no signs, no facilities, and virtually no other visitors is a rare experience. It appeals to those who want to explore rather than follow a marked path.
Things to Do
- Hilltop views — panoramic
- Radar ruins — Cold War era
- Exploration — no formal trails
- Solitude — rarely visited
- Photography — highland views
- History — pre-Civil War tower
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Warren, Litchfield County, CT |
| Size | 31 acres — undeveloped |
| History | Pre-CW tower + Cold War radar |
| Facilities | None — fully undeveloped |
| Camping | Not available |
| Managed By | Connecticut DEEP |
| Coordinates | 41.7500° N, 73.1833° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Above All State Park worth visiting?
Above All State Park in Warren, Connecticut appeals to solitude seekers and history enthusiasts. The undeveloped 31-acre hilltop park has no formal trails or facilities but offers panoramic highland views, remnants of a Cold War-era radar installation (1957-1968), and the site of a pre-Civil War observation tower. One of the most rarely visited state parks in Connecticut. Managed by Connecticut DEEP.
The park’s elevation earned its name. Standing on the hilltop clearing, you are literally above all the surrounding Litchfield County landscape. On clear autumn days after the leaves fall, the views extend across rolling hills and forested valleys in every direction, making it worth the informal access required to reach this hidden hilltop gem.
Last updated: May 2026
Wildlife & Nature
Above All State Park protects a high-elevation hardwood forest typical of Connecticut’s Northwest Corner. The forest canopy includes sugar maple, American beech, yellow birch, and white ash — species that produce Connecticut’s famous fall foliage display. The understory supports mountain laurel (Connecticut’s state flower), which blooms in spectacular white and pink clusters each June. Look for hermit thrushes, ovenbirds, and red-eyed vireos in the forest canopy. Black bears have returned to northwest Connecticut in significant numbers — the state’s bear population has grown from near-zero in the 1980s to 1,200+ today. Spring wildflowers include trillium, bloodroot, and jack-in-the-pulpit.
Nearby Attractions
The Litchfield Hills region offers some of Connecticut’s most scenic drives and charming New England villages. Kent Falls State Park features a 250-foot cascading waterfall — the tallest in Connecticut. Macedonia Brook State Park offers challenging ridge hiking with views of the Catskills and Taconics. The town of Litchfield itself is a perfectly preserved colonial village with a historic green. White Memorial Conservation Center in Litchfield is the state’s largest nature center (4,000 acres). For covered bridge fans, Bulls Bridge in Kent is one of only two remaining covered bridges in Connecticut.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Pootatuck State Forest (a short drive away) and Meadow Brook Wildlife Management Area (a short drive away).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Above All State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets on a leash are permitted in most Connecticut state parks and forests, but not in buildings, swimming areas or state park campgrounds.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Pets must be leashed and under control at all times; in state forest camping areas the leash may be no longer than 7 feet.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited in swimming areas; Sherwood Island and Squantz Pond State Parks ban pets entirely April 15 - September 30.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are banned from all state park campgrounds; they are allowed only in the American Legion, Pachaug and Salt Rock state forest campgrounds, but not on rustic cabin sites.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited year-round at Dinosaur State Park and in the formal gardens and beach at Harkness Memorial State Park.
Are dogs allowed at Above All State Park?
Pets on a leash are permitted in most Connecticut state parks and forests, but not in buildings, swimming areas or state park campgrounds. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via portal.ct.gov. More: Connecticut state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Above All State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
