Photo: ricky-from-left-field, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
🌤 Weather at Naugatuck State Forest by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28–71 °F | 58–85 °F | 34–76 °F | 20–42 °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 Mount Carmel, 6 mi away, elevation 180 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🥾 Five forest blocks — 5,073-acre DEEP state forest in the Naugatuck River valley, crossed by the blue-blazed Quinnipiac and Naugatuck trails
Naugatuck State Forest is a state forest of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) spread over Naugatuck, Beacon Falls, Oxford, Bethany, Hamden, Cheshire, Ansonia and Seymour. DEEP organizes it into five blocks, named West, East, Mt. Sanford, Quillinan Reservoir and Great Hill, which its hunting map puts at 5,073 acres in total. DEEP’s park page describes woodlands, grasslands, rivers, lakes, ravines and swamp, crossed by the blue-blazed Quinnipiac and Naugatuck trails and a mountain biking network.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Five blocks in eight towns between Oxford and Hamden, CT; parking on Beacon Road (Route 42) in Bethany and at other block entrances |
| Size | 5,073 acres (DEEP hunting map, as of October 2026) |
| Entry Fee | Free (DEEP park page); DEEP’s forest list adds that there is no parking fee (as of October 2026) |
| Hours | Open daily, 8:00 a.m. to sunset (DEEP park page, as of October 2026) |
| Type | State forest in five blocks |
| Trails | Quinnipiac Trail, Naugatuck Trail with the Whittemore spur, mountain biking trails, snowmobile and cross-country ski routes |
| Hunting | Small game, waterfowl, pheasant, turkey and deer, with block-by-block rules |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which trails cross Naugatuck State Forest?
DEEP’s park page names the blue-blazed Quinnipiac Trail and Naugatuck Trail (including the Whittemore spur), a mountain biking network with singletrack in the Quillinan Reservoir Block, and trails for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and trail running. DEEP’s trail data also show the Sanford Alternate Trail and the Beacon Cap Trail.
Is hunting allowed at Naugatuck State Forest?
Yes, with rules that differ by block (DEEP hunting data, as of October 2026): the Great Hill Block is closed to firearms deer hunting, the Quillinan Reservoir Block east of Clinton Road is in Deer Lottery Area 28 and closed to waterfowl, and its western part is archery only. Saturday pheasant hunting in the West Block in October and November needs a special permit, and the Mt. Sanford Block may not be entered through the YMCA camp. Check the DEEP hunting area map and CT Outdoor Licenses before you go.
Can I camp in Naugatuck State Forest?
Only as a youth group. DEEP’s park page lists one youth group campsite for up to 40 campers, open to qualified youth groups only.
About Naugatuck State Forest
DEEP’s hunting map gives the West Block 2,225 acres, the East Block 1,208 acres, the Mt. Sanford Block 712 acres and the Great Hill Block 327 acres, with the rest in the Quillinan Reservoir Block. According to DEEP’s management plan, forester George Cromie sold most of the Mt. Sanford Block to the state in 1944, and in 1930 the Quinnipiac Trail, the first trail of the Blue Trail System, was laid out across his land. The Great Hill Block came from Birmingham Utilities on August 17, 2001.
Things to Do
Hiking: the Quinnipiac and Naugatuck trails and their side trails. Mountain biking: a trail network, including singletrack in the Quillinan Reservoir Block. Winter: snowmobile and cross-country ski routes listed by DEEP. Fishing: DEEP manages Beacon Hill Brook, from the Route 63 crossing in Naugatuck down to the Naugatuck River, as a Wild Trout Management Area. Birdwatching: Audubon recognizes the forest as an Important Bird Area. Hunting: in season, by block.
Insider Tips
Pick a block: the blocks are not connected, so check which one you are heading to on DEEP’s trail maps. No Route 8 access: DEEP’s map says the East Block cannot be reached from Route 8; use Andrasko Road or the Blue Trail access on Route 42. Mt. Sanford: park at the Downes Road turnaround without blocking the gate, and do not use the YMCA Camp Mt. Laurel driveway.
Best Time to Visit
Winter: snowmobiling and cross-country skiing when there is snow. Fall: hunting seasons, so check current dates and block rules with DEEP before you go.
Wildlife & Nature
DEEP’s hunting map describes the West and East blocks as mixed hardwoods, pine plantations, laurel thickets and swampy areas. DEEP’s critical habitat data map acidic rocky summit outcrops in the forest, with grassy balds, scrub oak and pitch pine. Audubon lists Naugatuck State Forest as an Important Bird Area.
Nearby Attractions
Larkin State Park Trail and Osbornedale State Park lie about 1.3 miles from the forest’s nearest boundary, Indian Well State Park and Sleeping Giant State Park about 1.7 miles, and Whittemore Glen State Park about 2.1 miles (straight line). Source: Connecticut DEEP property data, checked October 2026.
More parks nearby: Whittemore Glen State Park and Sleeping Giant State Park are both a short drive away.
🥾 Visit Naugatuck State Forest
5,073 acres in five blocks, crossed by the Quinnipiac and Naugatuck trails.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Naugatuck 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 Naugatuck 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
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