Photo: Morrowlong, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
🌤 Weather at Paugnut State Forest by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23–69 °F | 53–82 °F | 29–72 °F | 15–38 °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 Bakersville, 5 mi away, elevation 686 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🌲 Between two state parks — 1,702-acre DEEP state forest in Torrington and Winchester, joining Burr Pond and Sunnybrook state parks by the blue-blazed John Muir Trail
Paugnut State Forest is a state forest of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) in Torrington and Winchester, Litchfield County. DEEP’s forest page puts it at 1,702 acres in four parcels in north central Torrington, next to Burr Pond and Sunny Brook state parks. The main section covers more than 1,200 acres and carries the 2.1-mile John Muir Trail, which links the two parks through the forest. DEEP’s hunting map describes mixed hardwood forest with hemlock and white pine, open to all forms of hunting.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Torrington and Winchester, Litchfield County, CT; access from Burr Mountain Road, Starks Road and Guerdat Road |
| Size | 1,702 acres in four parcels (DEEP forest page, as of October 2026) |
| Entry Fee | No entrance fee is listed by DEEP (as of October 2026) |
| Type | State forest (mixed hardwoods with hemlock and white pine) |
| Trails | John Muir Trail (2.1 miles through the main section) and the Walcott Trails, both blue-blazed |
| Hunting | Small game, waterfowl, turkey and deer; not in adjacent Burr Pond State Park |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which trails cross Paugnut State Forest?
DEEP’s forest page names the 2.1-mile John Muir Trail, which connects Burr Pond and Sunny Brook state parks through the main section. DEEP’s blue-blazed trail data also show the Walcott Trails, the Buttrick Trail, the Walnut Mountain trail and a Muir/Walcott connector in the area.
Is hunting allowed at Paugnut State Forest?
Yes. DEEP’s hunting data (as of October 2026) list the forest for small game, waterfowl, spring and fall turkey (archery and firearms) and deer, including archery, firearms and muzzleloader seasons. Adjacent Burr Pond State Park is closed to hunting, and DEEP’s map marks 500-foot firearms restriction zones. Check licenses and season dates at CT Outdoor Licenses and the DEEP hunting area map before you go.
Can I camp or swim in the forest?
No. DEEP’s facility data list neither camping nor swimming for Paugnut State Forest (as of October 2026).
About Paugnut State Forest
The forest is split into four parcels in north central Torrington, reaching into Winchester. DEEP’s hunting map gives access from Burr Mountain Road for the northern parcel and from Starks Road, Guerdat Road and Burr Mountain Road for the southern parcel. The East Branch of the Naugatuck River and the Still River flow through the area.
Things to Do
Hiking: the John Muir Trail between Burr Pond and Sunny Brook state parks, plus the Walcott Trails. Biking: DEEP lists unpaved biking at the forest. Letterboxing: listed by DEEP for this forest. Fishing: DEEP stocks the East Branch of the Naugatuck River in Torrington and Winchester. Hunting: small game, waterfowl, turkey and deer in season.
Insider Tips
Park-to-park hike: the John Muir Trail lets you walk from Burr Pond State Park to Sunny Brook State Park through the forest. Hunting seasons: wear blaze orange in fall, and note that Burr Pond State Park itself is closed to hunting. Trout: DEEP publishes stocking dates for the East Branch of the Naugatuck River.
Best Time to Visit
Spring: trout stocking on the East Branch of the Naugatuck River. Fall: hunting seasons, so check current dates with DEEP before you go.
Wildlife & Nature
DEEP’s hunting map describes the forest as mixed hardwoods with hemlock and white pine. The East Branch of the Naugatuck River, the Still River and Burr Pond Brook drain the area, according to DEEP’s hydrography data.
Nearby Attractions
Burr Pond State Park and Sunnybrook State Park adjoin the forest. Platt Hill State Park lies about 0.7 miles from its boundary, John A. Minetto State Park about 0.9 miles and Stillwater Pond State Park about 1.2 miles (straight line). Source: Connecticut DEEP property data, checked October 2026.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Sunnybrook State Park (a short drive away) and Platt Hill State Park (a short drive away).
🌲 Visit Paugnut State Forest
1,702 acres between Burr Pond and Sunny Brook state parks, crossed by the John Muir Trail.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Paugnut 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 Paugnut 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 Paugnut State Forest
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
