Whittemore Glen State Park
Connecticut’s Undeveloped Woodland Retreat — Larkin State Park Trail, Forested Hills, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking & Free Parking Between Naugatuck and Middlebury
Whittemore Glen State Park is an undeveloped state park spanning portions of Naugatuck and Middlebury, Connecticut. The park features forested hillsides, the Larkin State Park Trail (a 10+ mile scenic rails-to-trails path), opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, and free parking off Route 63.
Whittemore Glen is one of Connecticut’s quiet, undeveloped state parks — a forested retreat without the crowds, lifeguards, or restroom buildings found at the state’s larger parks. The park’s primary draw is its position along the Larkin State Park Trail, a scenic 10+ mile rails-to-trails corridor that passes through Middlebury, Naugatuck, Oxford, and Southbury along a former railroad grade. The flat, wide trail surface makes it accessible to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders alike. Beyond the Larkin Trail, the park’s forested hillsides offer additional exploration for those seeking solitude. With no entrance fee, no parking fee, and no development, Whittemore Glen rewards visitors who come prepared for a self-sufficient outdoor experience.
Things to Do
Hiking
- Larkin State Park Trail: 10+ mile rails-to-trails corridor
- Park trails: Forested hillside paths
- Former railroad grade: Flat, wide, scenic
Mountain Biking
- Larkin Trail: Flat, wide surface ideal for biking
- 10+ miles of rideable trail
Horseback Riding
- Equestrian-friendly trails
- Larkin Trail multi-use surface
Nature Study
- Forested hillsides: Mixed hardwood and conifer
- Wildlife: Deer, songbirds, raptors
- Seasonal wildflowers
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Undeveloped state park |
| Facilities | NONE — no restrooms, no water, no amenities |
| Parking | Off Route 63 — FREE |
| Admission | Free |
| Camping | Not permitted |
| Trail | Larkin State Park Trail (10+ miles) |
| Multi-Use | Hiking, biking, horseback riding |
| Directions | Route 188/63 junction → south on Route 63, 1.3 miles to parking |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (Oct–Nov) | ⭐ BEST: Fall foliage; cool hiking; dry trails; photography | Hunting season — wear blaze orange; shorter days |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Wildflowers; birding; green-up; uncrowded | Muddy; ticks; variable weather |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Full trail access; long days; lush forest; biking | Humid; mosquitoes; hot; poison ivy |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Snowshoeing; XC skiing; solitude; bare-tree views | Cold; icy; no maintenance; short days |
Visitor Tips
- Larkin Trail: The 10+ mile Larkin State Park Trail is the main attraction — it passes directly through the park on a former railroad grade.
- Multi-use: The Larkin Trail accommodates hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.
- No facilities: No restrooms, no water, no amenities — bring everything you need.
- Free access: No parking fee, no entrance fee.
- Carry in, carry out: Pack out all trash — no receptacles on-site.
- Prepared visitors only: This is an undeveloped park — come prepared for rugged conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you bike at Whittemore Glen State Park?
Yes — Whittemore Glen State Park in Naugatuck and Middlebury, Connecticut, is traversed by the Larkin State Park Trail, a 10+ mile rails-to-trails corridor built on a former railroad grade. The flat, wide trail surface is ideal for mountain biking and also accommodates hikers and horseback riders. The park itself is undeveloped with no restrooms, water, or amenities. Parking is free off Route 63. Whittemore Glen has no entrance fee.
Last updated: May 2026
Park Location
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