Photo: Pi.1415926535, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Parking & Access: Cromwell Meadows Wildlife Management Area
From Route 9 take the Route 99 exit, go about 0.4 mile north on Route 99, then turn left (west) on South Street. The entrance is about 1/2 mile from Route 9.
Hunting on this area
| Deer | Archery only |
|---|---|
| Turkey | Spring and fall: archery, firearms |
| Small game | Open |
| Waterfowl | Open |
| Pheasants stocked | Yes |
Zones within 500-foot boundaries marked on the DEEP map are closed to firearms hunting.
Parts of the area are closed to all hunting; see the map.
Pheasants are stocked in the area beyond the gate.
Fluorescent orange is required for most hunting, and CT DEEP recommends an orange vest or hat for every visitor to state land during the hunting season. No Sunday hunting on state and public lands.
Sources: CT DEEP Wildlife Division hunting and access data, DEEP hunting area map (PDF), 2026 Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide (season dates), CT DEEP fall 2026 season notice (verified October 2026). Rules and seasons change — confirm before you go.
🌤 Weather at Cromwell Meadows Wildlife Management Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30–71 °F | 60–85 °F | 35–76 °F | 20–42 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Hartford Brainard Field, 10 mi away, elevation 19 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Cromwell Meadows Wildlife Management Area is a 548-acre state wildlife management area along the Mattabesset River in Cromwell and Middletown, Middlesex County, managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Main Street, Cromwell, CT 06416 (DEEP hunting area map, U.S. Census) |
| Size | 548 acres (DEEP hunting area map, as of October 2026) |
| Type | State wildlife management area (DEEP) |
| Entry Fee | No entrance fee is listed by DEEP (as of October 2026) |
| Hours | Half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset; hunting and fishing are allowed outside these hours (RCSA § 26-16-3a) |
| Hunting | State hunting area (DEEP, as of October 2026) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hunting allowed at Cromwell Meadows WMA?
Yes. DEEP’s hunting-area data (as of October 2026) list 548 acres of Cromwell Meadows WMA as a state hunting area. It is open for small game, stocked pheasant, waterfowl, spring and fall turkey (archery and firearms), and archery deer hunting, but closed to firearms deer hunting. Pheasants are stocked in the area beyond the gate. Check the DEEP hunting area map and the current Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide for season dates before you go.
Where do I park for Cromwell Meadows WMA?
From Route 9 take the Route 99 exit, go about 0.4 mile north on Route 99, then turn left (west) on South Street. The entrance is about 1/2 mile from Route 9. (DEEP hunting area map, as of October 2026)
When can I visit Cromwell Meadows WMA?
Connecticut’s rules for state wildlife management areas close them from half an hour after sunset until half an hour before sunrise, except for hunting, fishing and other activities DEEP authorizes (RCSA § 26-16-3a, as of October 2026).
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on a leash no longer than 7 feet that you hold at all times, and under control. Dogs that are hunting or being trained for hunting are exempt from the leash rule, and DEEP can close an area to dogs by posting signs (RCSA § 26-16-3a, as of October 2026).
About Cromwell Meadows WMA
DEEP’s mapped property boundary crosses the town line between Cromwell and Middletown. DEEP’s hunting area map describes it as mostly marsh with level ditching and some open upland.
DEEP’s hydrography data show Chestnut Brook and Mattabesset River on or along the property. The 2021 National Land Cover Database (NLCD) maps the area as 5 percent forest and 90 percent wetland.
Things to Do
Hunters can use the area for small game, stocked pheasant, waterfowl, spring and fall turkey (archery and firearms), and archery deer hunting under DEEP’s rules for this area.
Rules on the Property
Connecticut’s regulation for state wildlife management areas (RCSA § 26-16-3a, as of October 2026) sets the ground rules here: no motor vehicles, no camping, horses only where not posted against them, bicycles not on posted trails, roads or areas, target shooting only where DEEP designates it, and dogs on a leash of no more than 7 feet unless they are hunting or in hunting training.
Nearby Attractions
River Highlands State Park, a 177-acre state park, is about 2 miles northeast. Wangunk Meadows Wildlife Management Area, a 729-acre wildlife management area, is about 2 miles northeast. Wadsworth Falls State Park, a 284-acre state park, is about 3 miles south. Cockaponset State Forest, a 16,512-acre state forest, is about 3 miles southeast. Distances are straight-line between the DEEP property boundaries; acreages are DEEP figures.
🦆 Visit Cromwell Meadows WMA
548 acres in Cromwell and Middletown. Open from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Cromwell Meadows Wildlife Management Area
Park policy: This is a state wildlife management area, not a state park, so Connecticut's state park pet rules do not apply here. Connecticut's rules for state wildlife management areas (RCSA § 26-16-3a) require dogs to be on a leash no longer than 7 feet, held at all times by the person responsible, and under control (as of October 2026).
- Pets allowed?
- Yes, on a leash no longer than 7 feet that the person responsible holds at all times
- Park-specific rules
- Dogs that are hunting or being trained for hunting are exempt from the leash rule. DEEP can close any area or time period to all dogs by posting signs.
Are dogs allowed at Cromwell Meadows Wildlife Management Area?
Yes, on a leash no longer than 7 feet that the person responsible holds at all times.
More: Connecticut state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
