Photo: John Phelan, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
🌤 Weather at Massacoe State Forest by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24–70 °F | 55–84 °F | 30–75 °F | 14–39 °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 Barkhamsted, 7 mi away, elevation 710 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Massacoe State Forest is 370 acres of woodland in Simsbury, Connecticut, split into two separate blocks: the 297-acre Great Pond block, with nearly five miles of relatively flat trails around the town’s largest open water body, and the 73-acre Massacoe block next to Stratton Brook State Park.
The forest grew out of the work of pioneer forester James L. Goodwin. He started a commercial nursery at Great Pond in 1932 and planted white pine on 35 acres, and you can still see what remains of that plantation in the pine grove south of the pond. His land, willed to the state after his death, became the nucleus of today’s forest.
The Two Blocks of Massacoe State Forest
| Forest Section | Size | What You’ll Find |
|---|---|---|
| Great Pond Block | 297 acres | Great Pond (36 1/4 acres by DEEP’s count), the 1.25-mile pond loop, and quiet, relatively flat woods. Entrance on Great Pond Road. |
| Massacoe Block | 73 acres | Mixed oak, maple, birch and hickory on land Goodwin used to show that ground burned by railroad sparks could be stewarded back to productive forest. It adjoins Stratton Brook State Park and 319 acres of Simsbury open space. |
Recreation at Great Pond
Nearly five miles of trails cross the Great Pond block. The most popular is the pond loop, which DEEP describes as generally flat and easy to negotiate. DEEP’s forest map marks the trails as open to non-motorized use only, and dogs are welcome on a leash.
DEEP also lists biking and fishing here. Its access data shows unpaved riding at the Massacoe block and letterboxing at both blocks.
Access and Parking
The Great Pond block’s entrance is on Great Pond Road in Simsbury, where a gravel road leads to the parking area. The Massacoe block is easiest to reach on Stratton Brook State Park’s bike and walking rail trail; it lies about 1.25 miles southwest of that park’s beach area.
DEEP lists the forest as free. If you park at Stratton Brook, check that park’s own fee information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is swimming allowed at Great Pond in Massacoe State Forest?
No. DEEP does not list swimming for this forest, and its access data marks swimming as unavailable at both blocks. The nearest beach area is at neighboring Stratton Brook State Park.
Are there camping facilities at Massacoe State Forest?
No. DEEP lists no camping here, and its access data marks camping as unavailable at both blocks.
Is the forest suitable for young children or strollers?
The 1.25-mile pond loop is generally flat and easy to negotiate, according to DEEP. DEEP gives no accessibility details for the forest, so don’t count on a surface built for strollers.
Can I fish at Great Pond?
Yes. DEEP lists fishing at Great Pond, and you need a valid Connecticut inland fishing license. DEEP’s forest page names no species for the pond.
Is hunting allowed in Massacoe State Forest?
No. DEEP’s hunting map shows the whole forest as closed to hunting.
Explore More Connecticut State Parks
Looking for state parks in Connecticut? Discover more in our Best State Parks in Connecticut guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Stratton Brook State Park (about 2 miles south) and Simsbury Wildlife Management Area (about 3 miles east), measured in a straight line.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Massacoe State Forest
- 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 Massacoe State Forest?
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 Massacoe State Forest
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
