Newgate Wildlife Management Area
🏆🏆🏆 Historic Mining — Wildlife area near Old Newgate Prison — America’s first copper mine (1707) and prison
Newgate Wildlife Management Area protects habitat near the historic Old Newgate Prison site in East Granby — originally a copper mine (opened 1707) that was converted into Connecticut’s first state prison in 1773. The mine/prison complex is one of the oldest industrial and penal sites in North America. The surrounding forest has reclaimed the mining landscape.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | East Granby, Hartford County, CT |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Near | Old Newgate Prison (1707 copper mine!) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tour the old prison?
Old Newgate Prison is a separate historic site operated by the CT Trust for Historic Preservation. Tours of the underground mine tunnels and prison ruins are available seasonally.
About Newgate WMA
Newgate Wildlife Management Area in East Granby sits near the historic Old New-Gate Prison — America’s first chartered copper mine (1707) and later its first state prison during the Revolutionary War. The WMA protects forest and wetland habitat on the slopes of the Metacomet Ridge, near one of Connecticut’s most fascinating historic sites.
Things to Do
Hunting (seasonal), birdwatching, and hiking. Visit the nearby Old New-Gate Prison museum to explore the underground mine tunnels where Revolutionary War prisoners were held. The Metacomet Trail runs through the area.
Insider Tips
History connection: Old Newgate Prison — a former copper mine turned Revolutionary War prison — is a mile away and one of Connecticut’s most fascinating historic sites. Pro tip: Visit the WMA in early morning, then tour the prison when it opens. Best approach: Park at the WMA lot and walk the connecting trails through the Connecticut countryside.
Best Time to Visit
Spring: American woodcock sky dances at dusk in March-April — one of nature’s most spectacular courtship displays. Summer: Nesting songbirds and butterflies. Fall: Deer hunting season (wear blaze orange) and fall foliage. Winter: Animal tracking in snow; quiet woodland walks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit?
No permit needed for hiking or birdwatching. Hunting and fishing require valid Connecticut licenses.
Is Old Newgate Prison nearby?
Yes — the historic prison/copper mine is approximately 1 mile away. One of only two colonial-era mines open to the public in the US. Combined visits make an excellent half-day trip.
Wildlife & Nature
Newgate WMA is named for its proximity to the historic Old Newgate Prison — a former copper mine converted to a colonial prison in 1773. The wildlife management area’s mix of forest and managed early successional habitat supports declining species. Connecticut’s wildlife management areas are funded primarily through hunting and fishing license fees — the “user pays” model has funded habitat conservation across the state for decades. American woodcock breeding surveys show continued declines — their “sky dance” courtship at dusk is one of the most magical wildlife spectacles in the Northeast, best observed in April. Gray catbirds — named for their mewing call — nest in the dense shrubby habitat, while field sparrows sing from exposed perches.
Nearby Attractions
Old Newgate Prison & Copper Mine — a National Historic Landmark — offers tours of the underground mine shafts where colonial prisoners were held. East Granby retains New England village character. Talcott Mountain State Park and Heublein Tower are nearby. Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks has the New England Air Museum. Simsbury offers dining, shopping, and the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. McLean Game Refuge — one of Connecticut’s first wildlife refuges — provides 20 miles of trails.
Park Location
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