Above All State Park
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Connecticut state parks free?
Connecticut state parks are free for walk-in and bicycle visitors year-round. Vehicle parking fees ($10-$22 for non-residents) apply at beach and lake parks during summer. Inland trail parks are typically free.
What are the best state parks in Connecticut?
Top parks include Sleeping Giant (panoramic views), Hammonasset (largest beach park), Talcott Mountain (Heublein Tower), Gillette Castle (riverfront estate), and Kent Falls (tallest waterfall).
Can I see waterfalls at Connecticut state parks?
Yes, Kent Falls State Park features a 250-foot multi-tiered waterfall cascade — the tallest in Connecticut. Other waterfall parks include Wadsworth Falls and Enders State Forest.
When does beach season start at Connecticut state parks?
Beach season at Connecticut coastal parks runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with lifeguards on duty. Parking fees for non-residents apply during this period. Arrive early on summer weekends as lots fill quickly.
Explore More Connecticut State Parks
Above All State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Connecticut. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Connecticut guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
