Photo: Morrowlong, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
🌤 Weather at Pootatuck State Forest by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26–66 °F | 56–78 °F | 32–70 °F | 16–39 °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 Carmel 4N, 8 mi away, elevation 680 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Pootatuck State Forest covers about 1,050 acres, mainly in New Fairfield with a small part in Sherman, Connecticut. It lies just west of Squantz Pond State Park, and you can reach its trails from Pine Hill Road in the north or Shortwoods Road in the south.
Woodland makes up about 95 percent of the forest, by national land-cover data, and DEEP’s maps show about 9 miles of trails.
Trail Map and Features
| Feature | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Trail network | DEEP’s joint map for Squantz Pond and Pootatuck shows yellow, orange and blue blazed trails plus forest and CCC roads. DEEP describes the trails as non-motorized multi-use. |
| Scenic views | The same map marks scenic views along the blue-blazed trail inside the forest. |
| Biking | DEEP’s access data lists unpaved riding at the forest’s access points. |
| Snowmobiling | DEEP publishes a separate snowmobile trail map for the forest. |
Maps from DEEP: trail map and snowmobile trail map.
Access Points and Restrictions
DEEP names parking for the northern part at the right fork end of Pine Hill Road. There is no access from the left fork. The southern part is reached from Shortwoods Road.
Parking Note for Hunters: DEEP allows no parking or access for hunting through Squantz Pond State Park, which is closed to hunting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hunting allowed in Pootatuck State Forest?
Yes, on about 1,032 acres during the regulated seasons. A 500-foot safety zone covers another 142 acres, and adjacent Squantz Pond State Park is closed to hunting.
Are there camping facilities in the forest?
No. DEEP’s access data marks camping as unavailable here.
Is there an entrance fee?
DEEP lists no entrance fee for Pootatuck (as of November 2026).
Can I ride ATVs or dirt bikes on the trails?
No. DEEP describes the trails as non-motorized multi-use. Snowmobiling is the exception DEEP maps separately.
Explore More Connecticut State Parks
Looking for state parks in Connecticut? Discover more in our Best State Parks in Connecticut guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Squantz Pond State Park (about 1 mile east) or Lovers Leap State Park (about 6 miles northeast, straight line).
Camping: Pootatuck is a day-use park with no campsites. The nearest Connecticut state park campground is at Lake Waramaug State Park, about 15 miles away in a straight line. Its sites can be booked through Connecticut State Parks reservations.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Pootatuck 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 Pootatuck 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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