John A. Minetto State Park
Connecticut’s Year-Round Outdoor Recreation Hub — Hiking, Fishing, Picnic Shelters, Cross-Country Skiing & Ice Skating Near Torrington in Litchfield County
John A. Minetto State Park is a state park on Route 272 between Torrington and Goshen in Litchfield County, Connecticut. The park features hiking trails through wooded terrain, pond and stream fishing, picnic areas with shelters, field sports areas, cross-country skiing in winter, ice skating when conditions allow, and hunting (with regulations).
John A. Minetto State Park is a versatile four-season recreation area in the rolling hills of Litchfield County — Connecticut’s scenic northwest corner. The park provides woodland hiking trails through mixed hardwood forest, picnic shelters for group outings, and access to pond and stream fishing. In winter, the park transforms into a cross-country skiing destination with natural snow coverage, and the pond offers ice skating when conditions are safe. The park is also open for regulated hunting during appropriate seasons. While not as well-known as Haystack Mountain or Burr Pond nearby, Minetto State Park offers a quieter, less crowded alternative for Litchfield Hills recreation.
Things to Do
Hiking
- Woodland trails through mixed hardwood forest
- Moderate terrain — rolling hills
- Wildflowers in spring, foliage in fall
Fishing
- Pond fishing
- Stream fishing
- Connecticut fishing license required
Picnicking
- Picnic shelters available
- Open picnic areas
- Group-friendly facilities
Winter Activities
- Cross-country skiing
- Ice skating on pond (when safe)
- Snowshoeing on trails
Hunting
- Regulated hunting — check CT DEEP seasons
- Connecticut hunting license required
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Route 272, Torrington/Goshen, CT 06790 |
| County | Litchfield County |
| Hiking | Woodland trails — moderate terrain |
| Fishing | Pond and stream — CT license required |
| Picnicking | Shelters and open areas |
| Winter | Cross-country skiing, ice skating |
| Hunting | Permitted — regulated seasons |
| Swimming | NOT available |
| Camping | NOT available |
| Coordinates | 41.8833° N, 73.1536° W |
| Pets | Leashed pets welcome |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | ⭐ BEST: Litchfield Hills foliage; cool hiking; hunting season; crisp air; photography | Hunters present — wear blaze orange; shorter days; ticks |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Full canopy shade hiking; pond fishing; picnic shelters; long days | No swimming; humid; mosquitoes; popular with picnickers |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Cross-country skiing; ice skating; snow trails; winter solitude | Cold; verify ice thickness; limited parking plowing |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Wildflowers; stream fishing; birding; green-up; quiet | Muddy trails; ticks; wet stream crossings |
Visitor Tips
- Picnic shelters: The shelters are popular for group outings — arrive early on summer weekends.
- No swimming: The park has no designated swimming area — for swimming, visit nearby Burr Pond State Park.
- Winter sports: Cross-country skiing is excellent when natural snow covers the trails — no grooming.
- Ice skating: Verify ice thickness before skating — the park has no safety monitoring.
- Hunting season: Wear blaze orange if visiting during Connecticut’s hunting seasons.
- Nearby: Combine with Haystack Mountain State Park (panoramic tower views) or Burr Pond State Park (swimming, boating) for a full day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What activities are available at John A. Minetto State Park?
John A. Minetto State Park on Route 272 between Torrington and Goshen in Litchfield County, Connecticut, offers hiking through mixed hardwood forest, pond and stream fishing (CT license required), picnic areas with shelters, field sports, cross-country skiing and ice skating in winter, and regulated hunting. There is no swimming or camping. The park provides a quieter alternative to nearby Burr Pond and Haystack Mountain state parks. Leashed pets are welcome.
Last updated: May 2026
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