Housatonic Meadows State Park
Housatonic Meadows State Park is a public state park in Connecticut near Sharon in Northwest Hills Planning Region County. Spanning 452 acres and established in 1927, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Connecticut |
| Nearest City | Sharon |
| County | Northwest Hills Planning Region |
| Park Size | 452 acres |
| Established | 1927 |
Location & Getting There
Housatonic Meadows State Park is located near Sharon, Connecticut. The park’s coordinates are 41.8331, -73.3828.
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
Housatonic Meadows 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
Housatonic Meadows features some of Connecticut’s finest riverside habitat along the Housatonic River — designated a Trophy Trout section with catch-and-release fly fishing only. Brown trout exceeding 20 inches are regularly caught in these pools and riffles. The river corridor supports one of the highest densities of bald eagles in Connecticut — the open water and abundant fish make it a prime hunting territory. Pine Knob Loop Trail climbs 1,000 feet to panoramic ridge views. The floodplain forest of silver maple, sycamore, and cottonwood creates cathedral-like canopy over the riverside campsites. American mink — sleek, semi-aquatic predators — hunt the riverbanks for crayfish and fish. Great blue herons stand motionless in the shallows, their patience rewarded with speared fish.
Nearby Attractions
West Cornwall Covered Bridge (1841) is one of Connecticut’s most iconic landmarks — a classic red covered bridge still carrying traffic. Cornwall Bridge Pottery produces handmade stoneware in a scenic riverside studio. Sharon Audubon Center features raptor rehabilitation, nature trails, and one of the best birding spots in northwest Connecticut. Kent Falls State Park — Connecticut’s tallest waterfall — is a short drive south. Mohawk Mountain Ski Area offers winter recreation. The Appalachian Trail crosses the Housatonic at this point — the Iron Bridge crossing is a favorite spot for through-hikers.
