Paugussett State Forest
Connecticut’s Lake Lillinonah & Zoar Forest — First Legal Shared-Use MTB Trail in CT, Blue-Blazed Lillinonah + Zoar Trails, Prydden Brook Falls, Bald Eagle Nesting
Paugussett State Forest is a state forest in Newtown and Monroe, Fairfield County, Connecticut, divided into Upper and Lower Blocks. The forest features the first legally built shared-use mountain biking trail in a Connecticut state forest (“Upper Gussy”), blue-blazed Lillinonah Trail along Lake Lillinonah, blue-blazed Zoar Trail along Lake Zoar with Prydden Brook Falls, car-top boat launches, fishing, hunting, bald eagle nesting areas, and free access.
Paugussett State Forest is divided into two distinct sections along the Housatonic River’s impoundments. The Upper Block on Lake Lillinonah is a mountain biking hub — home to the “Upper Gussy” trail, the first legally built shared-use trail in any Connecticut state forest. The blue-blazed Lillinonah Trail offers scenic hiking along the lake. The Lower Block on Lake Zoar features the blue-blazed Zoar Trail following the shoreline to Prydden Brook Falls. Both blocks support bald eagle nesting — some trail sections close seasonally to protect nesting pairs.
Things to Do
Upper Block (Lake Lillinonah)
- “Upper Gussy” MTB trail — first legal shared-use in CT
- Lillinonah Trail — blue-blazed hiking
- Car-top boat launch
- Fishing
Lower Block (Lake Zoar)
- Zoar Trail — blue-blazed shoreline hiking
- Prydden Brook Falls
- Car-top boat launch
- Fishing
Wildlife
- Bald eagle nesting — seasonal closures
- Hunting — in season (wear blaze orange)
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Newtown + Monroe, Fairfield County, CT |
| Blocks | Upper (Lake Lillinonah) + Lower (Lake Zoar) |
| MTB | “Upper Gussy” — first legal shared-use in CT forests |
| Trails | Lillinonah Trail (blue) + Zoar Trail (blue) |
| Falls | Prydden Brook Falls (Lower Block) |
| Eagles | Bald eagle nesting — seasonal trail closures |
| Boat Launch | Car-top — both blocks |
| Camping | NOT available |
| Admission | FREE |
| Coordinates | 41.4133° N, 73.2067° W |
Visitor Tips
- MTB pioneer: The “Upper Gussy” trail was the first legally built shared-use trail in any CT state forest — a must-ride for mountain bikers.
- Prydden Brook Falls: Accessible via the Zoar Trail in the Lower Block — best after rain.
- Eagle closures: Some trail sections close seasonally to protect nesting bald eagles — check CT DEEP notices.
- Hunting: This is a working forest — wear blaze orange during hunting seasons.
- Parking: Limited parking — Upper Block access via Echo Valley Road; Lower Block via Great Quarter Road off Rt 34.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you mountain bike in Paugussett State Forest?
Yes — Paugussett State Forest in Newtown/Monroe, Connecticut, is home to the “Upper Gussy” trail, the first legally built shared-use mountain biking trail in a Connecticut state forest. The forest also features blue-blazed hiking trails along Lake Lillinonah and Lake Zoar, Prydden Brook Falls, car-top boat launches, and bald eagle nesting areas. Free admission. Some trails close seasonally for eagle nesting protection.
Last updated: May 2026
Wildlife & Nature
Paugussett State Forest along the Housatonic River and Lake Zoar supports diverse forest and wetland habitats. The Zoar Trail — considered one of the most challenging hikes in Connecticut — traverses rocky terrain with lake views. Bald eagles fish Lake Zoar year-round — the lake’s productive warm-water fishery supports multiple nesting pairs. The forest’s rocky ridges provide habitat for timber rattlesnakes — increasingly rare in Connecticut. The Housatonic River below Stevenson Dam creates a cold-water tailrace fishery — water released from the bottom of the dam is cold enough for trout, creating an artificial cold-water habitat in an otherwise warm-water river section. This tailrace phenomenon benefits trout anglers but can stress native warm-water species.
Nearby Attractions
Kettletown State Park on Lake Zoar offers swimming, camping, and fishing. Indian Well State Park in Shelton features cliff faces and natural rock pools. Shelton has hiking trails along the Housatonic with dramatic river views. Monroe features Webb Mountain Park with fire tower views. Stevenson Dam — a major hydroelectric facility — controls the Housatonic’s flow. Ansonia Nature & Recreation Center offers 150 acres of trails and environmental education. Naugatuck State Forest provides additional forest hiking.
Park Location
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