Nepaug State Forest
🏆🏆🏆🏆 Reservoir Forest — 1,100-acre forest surrounding the Nepaug Reservoir — Hartford’s drinking water supply
Nepaug State Forest covers 1,100 acres of forested watershed surrounding the Nepaug Reservoir — part of Hartford’s drinking water supply system. The protected forest ensures clean water for the capital region while providing recreation. Mountain laurel (Connecticut’s state flower) blooms spectacularly in June throughout the forest. Swimming in the reservoir is prohibited, but hiking and fishing are permitted.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | New Hartford/Burlington, CT |
| Size | 1,100 acres |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Feature | Hartford’s drinking water reservoir |
| Bloom | Mountain laurel spectacular in June |
Frequently Asked Questions
When does mountain laurel bloom?
Mountain laurel — Connecticut’s state flower — blooms in mid-to-late June with spectacular clusters of pink-white flowers. Nepaug State Forest has some of the best displays in the state.
About Nepaug State Forest
Nepaug State Forest in New Hartford and Burlington surrounds the Nepaug Reservoir — a major water supply for the Hartford metropolitan area. The 1,100+ acre forest of northern hardwoods and hemlock ravines provides watershed protection and recreation in the Litchfield Hills foothills. The forest is notable for its mature hemlock stands — increasingly rare due to the hemlock woolly adelgid.
Things to Do
Hiking through mature hemlock forest, mountain biking, hunting (seasonal), fishing, and cross-country skiing. The forest offers a taste of northern New England habitat close to Hartford.
Insider Tips
Hidden gem: The Nepaug Reservoir spillway after heavy rain creates a dramatic cascade visible from the forest road. Pro tip: The forest connects to Tunxis State Forest via unmarked trails — bring a compass and topo map for a full-day loop. Local secret: Wild blueberries ripen on the rocky ridges in late July.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May): Wildflower bloom and trout fishing season opener. Summer: Shaded hiking and blueberry picking. Fall (October): Peak foliage in the Litchfield Hills — one of New England’s best-kept color secrets. Winter: Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on woods roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nepaug State Forest free to visit?
Yes — all Connecticut state forests are free year-round with no parking fees.
Can I mountain bike here?
Yes — mountain biking is permitted on woods roads and designated trails. The terrain offers moderate riding through mixed hardwood forest.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes — dogs must be leashed (7-foot maximum). The forest trails are excellent for dog walking, especially the shaded woods roads in summer.
Wildlife & Nature
Nepaug State Forest surrounds the Nepaug Reservoir — one of the water supply reservoirs serving the Hartford metropolitan area. Watershed protection forests are among the best-protected lands in Connecticut — development restrictions maintain water quality while providing excellent wildlife habitat. The forest’s diverse terrain supports bobcats, black bears (expanding their range from northwest Connecticut), and fishers. The reservoir attracts migrating waterfowl — ring-necked ducks, common mergansers, and hooded mergansers are frequent visitors. Bald eagles have begun nesting near the reservoir. The forest demonstrates how water supply protection and wildlife conservation can be complementary goals — clean water requires healthy ecosystems.
Nearby Attractions
Satan’s Kingdom State Recreation Area on the Farmington River offers tubing and kayaking through dramatic rapids. Peoples State Forest features the Stone Museum and scenic river views. American Legion State Forest provides riverside camping on the West Branch of the Farmington. Burlington has the Trout Hatchery and Sessions Woods WMA. New Hartford and Canton offer charming village centers with dining and shops. Collinsville — the former Collins axe factory village — now hosts antiques and galleries along the Farmington River.
🌸 Visit Nepaug State Forest
1,100 acres — Hartford’s water guardian with June mountain laurel.
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