Mattatuck State Forest
Connecticut’s 40-Mile Blue Trail Forest — Buttermilk Falls, Leatherman’s Cave, Waterbury Reservoir Views, 20 Parcels Across Western CT
Mattatuck State Forest is a multi-parcel state forest spread across Wolcott, Waterbury, Plymouth, Thomaston, and Watertown, Connecticut. The forest features the 40+ mile blue-blazed Mattatuck Trail, Buttermilk Falls, Leatherman’s Cave, scenic ridgeline overlooks above Waterbury Reservoirs, Hancock Brook Loop (2.8 mi), Jericho Trail, Whitestone Cliffs Trail, foot-traffic-only reservoir sections, and free access across 20+ parcels.
Mattatuck State Forest is one of Connecticut’s most sprawling forest systems — spread across 20+ separate parcels in western Connecticut. The blue-blazed Mattatuck Trail runs over 40 miles from its southern terminus at Peterson Park in Wolcott northwest through the forest, passing Buttermilk Falls, the famous Leatherman’s Cave (shelter of Connecticut’s legendary wandering hermit), and ridgeline overlooks above the Waterbury Reservoirs. The popular Hancock Brook Loop (2.8 miles) provides an accessible introduction to the forest.
Things to Do
Trails
- Mattatuck Trail — 40+ mi blue-blazed
- Hancock Brook Loop — 2.8 mi popular
- Jericho Trail
- Whitestone Cliffs Trail
Highlights
- Buttermilk Falls
- Leatherman’s Cave
- Waterbury Reservoir overlooks
- Ridgeline views
Activities
- Hiking — foot traffic
- Hunting — in season
- Birding
- Photography
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Wolcott, Waterbury, Plymouth, Thomaston, Watertown, CT |
| Parcels | 20+ separate parcels |
| Main Trail | Mattatuck Trail — 40+ mi blue-blazed |
| Falls | Buttermilk Falls |
| Cave | Leatherman’s Cave — CT’s wandering hermit |
| Reservoirs | Waterbury Reservoirs — foot traffic only, leashed pets |
| Camping | NOT available |
| Admission | FREE |
| Maps | CFPA maps recommended — limited cell signal |
| Coordinates | 41.6428° N, 73.1006° W |
Visitor Tips
- Leatherman’s Cave: This cave was a shelter for the “Leatherman”, Connecticut’s legendary 19th-century wandering hermit who walked a 365-mile circuit every 34 days dressed in leather.
- Buttermilk Falls: Best visited after rain when flow is strongest — accessible via the Mattatuck Trail.
- Reservoir rules: Areas near Waterbury Reservoirs are foot traffic only with leashed pets required.
- Hunting: Wear blaze orange during hunting seasons — this is a working state forest.
- Maps: Download CFPA maps or use the Avenza Maps app before visiting — cell signal is limited in many parcels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mattatuck Trail in Connecticut?
The Mattatuck Trail is a 40+ mile blue-blazed hiking trail running through Mattatuck State Forest across 20+ parcels in western Connecticut. The trail passes Buttermilk Falls, Leatherman’s Cave (shelter of CT’s legendary wandering hermit), and ridgeline overlooks above the Waterbury Reservoirs. The popular Hancock Brook Loop provides a 2.8-mile introduction. Free access. Download CFPA maps before visiting as cell signal is limited.
Last updated: May 2026
Wildlife & Nature
Mattatuck State Forest spans 4,680 acres across multiple blocks in the hills of western Connecticut — one of the largest protected forests in the Naugatuck Valley. The forest’s Leatherman Cave is one of the shelters used by the legendary “Leatherman” — a mysterious wanderer who traveled a 365-mile loop through Connecticut and New York every 34 days for nearly 30 years in the late 1800s, wearing a handmade leather suit. The forest supports large-block interior habitat — critical for wood thrush, scarlet tanager, and other neotropical migrants that need extensive unbroken forest. Black bears pass through during their expansion from northwest Connecticut. Beaver dams on the forest’s streams create valuable wetland habitat.
Nearby Attractions
Black Rock State Park in Thomaston offers swimming, camping, and the Mattatuck Trail ridge hiking. Thomaston is home to the Thomaston Opera House — a beautifully restored 1884 theater. Waterbury — the “Brass City” — features the Mattatuck Museum with art and industrial history collections. The Holy Land USA ruins on a Waterbury hilltop are a bizarre landmark. Litchfield — one of America’s most beautiful colonial villages — is a short drive north. White Memorial Conservation Center in Litchfield offers 35 miles of trails.
Park Location
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