🌤 Weather at George Waldo State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29–72 °F | 59–85 °F | 34–75 °F | 20–40 °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 Danbury, 8 mi away, elevation 405 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
George Waldo State Park is a 150-acre walk-in park in Southbury, Connecticut, on the eastern shore of Lake Lillinonah. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) lists fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting and mountain biking for the park, and there is no parking fee.
The Trail to Lake Lillinonah
According to DEEP, a trail of about 7/10 mile leads from Purchase Brook Road to the shore of Lake Lillinonah and drops 140 feet along the way. It runs through mixed deciduous and coniferous forest to the water’s edge. Look for wetlands near the trailhead and old stone walls away from the trail. The 2021 National Land Cover Database maps over 90 percent of the park as forest.
Hunting
DEEP’s hunting-area data (October 2026) list 149 acres of the park as an archery-only area. Archery deer and fall archery turkey hunting are allowed; the park is closed to spring turkey and firearms deer hunting. DEEP’s hunting map (map183) shows the parking area off Purchase Brook Road.
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Acreage | 150 acres (DEEP) |
| Park type | Walk-in park, undeveloped |
| Activities (DEEP) | Fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting (archery only), mountain biking |
| Parking | Parking area off Purchase Brook Road |
| Address | 457 Purchase Brook Road, Southbury, CT 06488 (state parcel at the parking area) |
| Fee | No parking fee (DEEP, as of October 2026) |
Getting There
DEEP’s directions start at the junction of Routes 6 and 67 in Southbury. Follow Route 67 (Roxbury Road) west for 2 miles and turn left onto Route 172. After 2.1 miles, turn right onto Spruce Brook Road, then after 1.25 miles bear left onto Stilson Road. At its end (0.6 mile), turn left onto Purchase Brook Road. The park entrance is 1.3 miles south of Stilson Road on the right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee at George Waldo State Park?
No. DEEP lists no parking fee for George Waldo State Park (as of October 2026).
Can you hunt at George Waldo State Park?
Yes, with archery equipment only. DEEP’s hunting-area data (October 2026) list the park as open to archery deer and fall archery turkey hunting and closed to spring turkey and firearms deer hunting.
Facts checked against Connecticut DEEP sources in October 2026. Details: DEEP list of other state parks and forests.
Nearby Attractions
More parks nearby: Rocky Glen State Park and Larkin State Park Trail are both a short drive away.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at George Waldo 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 George Waldo 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 Map
Plan your gear for George Waldo State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
