Connecticut’s Largest Northern Forest — 7,000+ Acres, Soapstone Mountain Observation Tower, Blue-Blazed Shenipsit Trail, CCC Museum, 11 Forest Parcels Across 3 Towns
Shenipsit State Forest is a 7,000-acre state forest spanning Somers, Ellington, and Stafford in northeastern Connecticut. The forest features the Soapstone Mountain observation tower with panoramic views from the Connecticut River Valley to Springfield MA, the blue-blazed Shenipsit Trail, a CCC Museum at forest headquarters, mountain biking, horseback riding, hunting, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling across 11 separate forest parcels.
Shenipsit State Forest is one of Connecticut’s largest state forests — 7,000+ acres spread across 11 separate parcels in three towns. The crown jewel is Soapstone Mountain in Somers, home to the only observation tower in northeastern Connecticut — offering panoramic views stretching from the Connecticut River Valley to the Springfield, Massachusetts skyline. The blue-blazed Shenipsit Trail traverses the forest, providing a challenging but rewarding long-distance hiking experience through rocky, wooded terrain. At the forest headquarters, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Museum showcases memorabilia, tools, and photographs from Depression-era CCC camps that shaped Connecticut’s state forests. The forest supports mountain biking, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling on designated trails and unplowed roads.
Things to Do
Hiking
- Blue-blazed Shenipsit Trail — long-distance
- Soapstone Mountain summit + observation tower
- Rocky, wooded terrain
- Multiple trailheads across 11 parcels
Mountain Biking & Horseback Riding
- Multi-use trails
- Forest roads + singletrack
- Challenging terrain
Winter
- Cross-country skiing
- Snowmobiling (unplowed roads)
- Winter tracking
History
- CCC Museum at headquarters
- Nature Center
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Acreage | 7,000+ acres — 11 separate parcels |
| Location | Somers, Ellington, Stafford — NE Connecticut |
| Tower | Soapstone Mountain observation tower — CT River Valley to Springfield views |
| Trail | Blue-blazed Shenipsit Trail + multi-use trails |
| Museum | CCC Museum at forest headquarters |
| Activities | Hiking, MTB, horseback, hunting, fishing, XC ski, snowmobile |
| Camping | NOT available (day use only) |
| Hours | ½ hr before sunrise to ½ hr after sunset |
| Fees | FREE |
| Coordinates | 41.9612° N, 72.4123° W |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | ⭐ BEST: Spectacular tower views of fall foliage; Shenipsit Trail colors; mushrooms; cool hiking | Hunting in season — wear blaze orange; trail leaves hide roots/rocks |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Wildflowers; migrating birds; green-up; quiet trails; CCC Museum | Muddy trails; ticks; rocky terrain slippery when wet |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Full canopy; MTB; horseback riding; long days; shade | Humid; ticks; mosquitoes; limited trail blazing in some parcels |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Cross-country skiing; snowmobiling; winter tracking; tower views; solitude | Cold; icy trails; check road access to trailheads |
Visitor Tips
- Soapstone Mountain Tower: The observation tower is the only one in NE Connecticut — views extend from the Connecticut River Valley to Springfield, MA. Worth the climb!
- 11 parcels: The forest is fragmented into 11 separate parcels — plan your visit around a specific section. The Soapstone Mountain area in Somers and the Sodom Road section are the most popular.
- Navigation: Many trails are unmarked or old woods roads — GPS and a map are strongly recommended. The blue-blazed Shenipsit Trail is the best-marked route.
- CCC Museum: Visit the CCC Museum at headquarters for Depression-era history — tools, photos, and memorabilia from the camps that built Connecticut’s forests.
- Hunting: Hunting is allowed in season — wear blaze orange during hunting seasons (Oct–Feb).
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Shenipsit SF — 6,126 acres. The forest’s hardwood forest, Shenipsit Lake, and rocky ridges support black bears, wild turkeys, and white-tailed deer.
Nearby Attractions
Stafford Springs — adjacent. Tolland County — surrounding.
Is there an observation tower at Shenipsit State Forest?
Yes — Shenipsit State Forest features the Soapstone Mountain observation tower, the only observation tower in northeastern Connecticut. Located in Somers, it offers panoramic views from the Connecticut River Valley to the Springfield, Massachusetts skyline. The 7,000-acre forest spans 11 separate parcels across Somers, Ellington, and Stafford. Hiking on the blue-blazed Shenipsit Trail, mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing are available. A CCC Museum at forest headquarters displays Depression-era artifacts. The forest is free and open from half hour before sunrise to half hour after sunset.
Last updated: May 2026
More parks nearby: Hop River State Park Trail is a short drive away, while Nye-Holman State Forest lies a short drive away.
