Chatfield Hollow State Park is a public state park in Connecticut near Killingworth in Middlesex County. Spanning 412 acres and established in 1949, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Connecticut |
| Nearest City | Killingworth |
| County | Middlesex |
| Park Size | 412 acres |
| Established | 1949 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (400 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Chatfield Hollow State Park is located near Killingworth, Connecticut. The park’s coordinates are 41.3333, -72.6333.
Things to Do
Connecticut’s compact state park system packs diverse experiences into a small state — from Long Island Sound beaches and tidal marshes to Appalachian ridgeline trails, glacial lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Activities include swimming at supervised lake and ocean beaches, hiking along the Blue-Blazed Trail system that connects many state parks, fishing in stocked trout streams and coastal waters, camping in forested settings, biking rail-trails and park roads, nature study at wildlife management areas, rock climbing at Ragged Mountain, kayaking coastal estuaries, and exploring historic sites from Revolutionary War battlefields to industrial-era heritage.
Best Time to Visit
Connecticut parks are at their best from May through October. Summer (June–August) brings peak beach season along Long Island Sound and warm lake swimming inland. Spring delivers azalea and mountain laurel blooms (Connecticut’s state flower), plus rushing waterfalls. Fall foliage in Connecticut peaks mid-to-late October and can be spectacular along ridgeline parks like Sleeping Giant and Talcott Mountain. Winter offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and peaceful forest hiking when trails are less crowded. All Connecticut state parks are free for pedestrians year-round; vehicle parking fees ($10–$22 for non-residents) apply at beaches from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Visitor Tips
Connecticut state parks are free for walk-in visitors year-round. Vehicle parking fees ($10 residents / $15–$22 non-residents) apply at beach parks during summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Inland parks are typically free year-round. Camping is available at select parks — reservations through ReserveAmerica. Connecticut’s compact size means most parks are within a 90-minute drive of any point in the state, making day trips easy. Dogs are allowed on leash but prohibited at swimming areas.
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
Chatfield Hollow 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.
Wildlife & Nature
Chatfield Hollow features dramatic rock formations — caves, ledges, and overhangs created by the erosion of metamorphic bedrock. The park’s pond supports warm-water fish species while the surrounding forest hosts a rich variety of woodland birds. Eastern phoebe nests are commonly found on the rock ledges and cave overhangs — these flycatchers are among the first migrants to return each spring. The forest floor supports jack-in-the-pulpit, Solomon’s seal, and wild ginger. Copperheads — Connecticut’s most common venomous snake — inhabit the rocky ledges, though they are shy and rarely encountered. The park’s geological features provide excellent outdoor classroom settings for understanding Connecticut’s complex bedrock geology.
Nearby Attractions
Cockaponset State Forest — Connecticut’s second-largest state forest — offers extensive hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison has Connecticut’s longest shoreline park (2 miles). Killingworth is home to the Chatfield Farm Trail and several historic farms. Henry Whitfield State Museum in Guilford — the oldest stone dwelling in New England (1639) — combines colonial history with beautiful architecture. Bishop’s Orchards in Guilford offers farm markets and pick-your-own across seasons — a Connecticut farm tradition since 1871.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Talbot Wildlife Management Area (a short drive away) or Hammonasset Beach State Park (a short drive away).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Chatfield Hollow 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 Chatfield Hollow 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
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