Centennial Watershed State Forest
Overview
Centennial Watershed State Forest protects critical drinking water reservoirs across the towns of Easton, Newtown, Redding, and Weston in southwestern Connecticut. Spanning thousands of acres around the Saugatuck and Aspetuck reservoirs, this unique state forest offers approximately 17–18 miles of scenic, marked hiking trails — but with strict regulations designed to safeguard water quality. A trail map, which doubles as your required access permit, must be carried at all times.
Managed cooperatively by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), the Aquarion Water Company, and The Nature Conservancy, Centennial Watershed represents an innovative model for balancing public recreation with essential infrastructure protection. The result is a quiet, pristine hiking experience through some of Fairfield County’s most unspoiled landscapes.
Recreation & Activities
Hiking
The forest features three primary trail routes:
- Saugatuck Trail: An approximately 11-mile trail paralleling the Saugatuck Reservoir, featuring rock outcroppings, wetlands, streams, and scenic reservoir views
- Aspetuck Trail: A 6.8-mile trail through the Aspetuck River Valley, connecting to Collis P. Huntington State Park and featuring the Aspetuck River, stone walls, and scenic overlooks
- Saugatuck Universal Access Trail: A wheelchair-accessible trail at the northern end of the Saugatuck Reservoir on Newtown Road in Redding
Important Rules & Permit Requirements
A valid permit is required to enter the forest. The Trail Map serves as your permit and must be carried at all times while on the property.
How to Obtain Your Map/Permit
- Available at kiosks located at trailheads
- Available at the Aquarion Water Company office (714 Black Rock Road/Route 58, Easton)
- Downloadable from the official CT.gov website
Prohibited Activities
- No pets — dogs and other animals are strictly prohibited
- No bicycles or mountain bikes
- No horseback riding
- No swimming, wading, picnicking, camping, or smoking
- No motorized vehicles or campfires
- Hikers under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult permit-holder
Location & Directions
- Location: Towns of Easton, Newtown, Redding, and Weston, Connecticut
- Coordinates: 41.2419°N, 73.3083°W
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset
- Trailhead Parking: Multiple access points along routes in Easton, Newtown, and Redding
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to hike in Centennial Watershed State Forest?
Yes, a trail map/permit is required and must be carried at all times. Maps are available free of charge at trailhead kiosks, the Aquarion Water Company office, or online from CT.gov.
Why are dogs and bikes prohibited?
The forest protects active drinking water reservoirs that serve the greater Bridgeport area. Pets, bicycles, swimming, and other activities that could contaminate the water supply are strictly prohibited to ensure water quality.
Is there wheelchair-accessible hiking?
Yes, the Saugatuck Universal Access Trail at the northern end of the Saugatuck Reservoir in Redding is specifically designed for wheelchair accessibility.
Wildlife & Nature
Centennial Watershed State Forest protects 800+ acres of forest surrounding municipal reservoir watersheds — combining drinking water protection with wildlife habitat. Watershed forests are among the best-protected lands in Connecticut — development restrictions maintain water quality while providing undisturbed wildlife habitat. Fisher cats — members of the weasel family despite their name — have recolonized these forests after a century-long absence. The forested watershed supports interior-forest birds like wood thrush, scarlet tanager, and cerulean warbler — species that need large, unbroken forest blocks. Spotted salamanders breed in vernal pools each March — their annual migration to breeding pools on rainy spring nights is one of nature’s great spectacles.
Nearby Attractions
Devil’s Den Preserve (The Nature Conservancy) in Weston offers 20+ miles of trails through one of the largest protected forests in Fairfield County. Weir Farm National Historical Park in Wilton — the only national park in Connecticut — preserves the landscape that inspired American Impressionist painter J. Alden Weir. Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield offers cutting-edge exhibitions. Keeler Tavern Museum in Ridgefield still has a British cannonball embedded in its wall from the 1777 Battle of Ridgefield. The Norwalk Islands are accessible by kayak for sheltered paddling.
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