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Connecticut
5

Connecticut State Parks

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Connecticut
Mystic Country Region
Mashamoquet Brook State Forest
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MASHAMOQUET BROOK STATE FOREST
MASHAMOQUET BROOK STATE FOREST
147 Wolf Den Drive
Pomfret Center, Connecticut   06259

Phone: 860-928-6121
Toll Free: 866-287-2757
Reservations: 860-928-6121
Email: park email button icon
Mashamoquet Brook State Forest, nestled in Northeastern Connecticut, is a serene and picturesque natural retreat that captivates visitors with its abundant beauty. Spread across 2,000 acres, this enchanting forest offers a diverse landscape of towering evergreen and deciduous trees, rolling hills, stunning rock formations, and a babbling brook that meanders through the heart of the forest. With its extensive trail system, nature enthusiasts can embark on memorable hikes, discovering hidden gems like ancient Native American caves and serene ponds along the way. The forest also provides a welcome respite for outdoor recreation, boasting picnic areas, a swimming pond, and campsites in a tranquil setting. Whether you seek solitude in the wilderness, a thrilling adventure, or a peaceful day with loved ones, Mashamoquet Brook State Forest promises an unforgettable experience.
History of the Area
The region was once the domain of the Mohegan Chief Uncas. The name Mashamoquet is Indian for "stream of good fishing" and originally was applied to the entire area. Later, Captain John Sabin built a house here to serve as an outpost and the settlement gradually increased in size. In 1723, parish and township privileges were granted and the town became Pomfret, named after Pontefract in Yorkshire, England.The present park area is actually a combination of three parks: the original Mashamoquet Brook, Wolf Den and Saptree Run. A large portion of the park was public domain even prior to the State Park and Forest Commission's creation in 1914 due to the foresight of the Daughters of the American Revolution who had purchased the Wolf Den parcel in 1899. The State purchased this section from them in 1924 for the original 1899 price and added it to the first Mashamoquet Brook parcel which had been a gift of former Pomfret resident Sarah Fay. These areas, other purchases, and gifts (notably, in 1957, the 148 acre Hotchkins Wolf Den Farm parcel) have been combined to form the present 900 acre park.The most famous feature is the Wolf Den into which, on a night in 1742, Israel Putnam crept and shot a wolf that for years had preyed upon local sheep and poultry. Israel Putnam was later to gain fame as a Major General in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.Near the Den are the Table Rock and Indian Chair natural stone formations. The Indian Chair is a wide seat-shaped ledge. In the section that is now the entrance to Mashamoquet Brook State Park, there once operated a cider mill, grist mill and wagon shop. The mill dam and pond went out during the flood of 1938. Now only the grist mill is still in existence. It is maintained as a museum by the Pomfret Historical Society. The mill is open on a regular basis and staffed by members of the Historical Society who provide interpretation for all interested visitors.
Passes
Connecticut has made state parks, forests, trails, historic sites and beaches more accessible to our residents so they can enjoy the many attractions and beauty they offer. Under the Passport to the Parks program, parking fees are now eliminated at Connecticut State Parks for those with Connecticut registered vehicles. You can view the CONNECTICUT PASSPORT TO THE PARKS web page to learn more.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Camping
1. Mashamoquet Brook Campground: This campground is located within the state forest and offers 20 wooded campsites for tents or RVs, with picnic tables, fire pits and restrooms nearby.

2. Wolf Den State Park Camping Area: Located just a short drive from the main park area of Mashamoquet Brook State Forest, this camping site provides rustic cabins as well as tent sites in a beautiful woodland setting.

3. Green Valley Falls Campground: Situated near to the state forest's hiking trails and fishing spots; it features both primitive campgrounds for those who want an authentic outdoor experience along with modern amenities like hot showers & electric hookups at some sites.

4. Charlie Brown Campground: It's not directly inside but very close by offering full:service facilities including water/electricity/sewer connections on all their RV Sites plus free WiFi throughout most areas of our grounds.

5. Wilderness Lakefront Resort: Another option that isn't too far away which has options ranging from basic tenting up through luxury glamping experiences complete with private bathrooms/showers/kitchens etc.,.

6. Ashford Motel: For people looking more comfort than traditional camping can offer there are also several motels/hotels/B&B type places available around Ashford/ Pomfret Center such as The Inn At Woodstock Hill / Comfort Inn & Suites Dayville / Americas Best Value Inn Brooklyn CT among others.
Nearby Accommodations
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Friendship Valley Inn - Brooklyn, CT
BBs / Inns
A Bed Breakfast in the Quiet Corner of Northeast Connecticut on Route 169, a National Scenic Byway.
5 miles from park*
Nearby Vacation Rentals
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Trails
1. Mashamoquet Brook State Park Loop: This is a 2-mile loop trail that offers scenic views of the forest and brook, with moderate difficulty level suitable for all skill levels.

2. Table Rock Trail: A short but steep hike to an overlook point known as "Table Rock". The trail length is about half a mile one way and it's rated as moderately difficult due to its incline.

3. Indian Chair Trail: Named after the large stone formation resembling a chair at its end, this easy-to-moderate hiking path stretches approximately 0.8 miles through dense woods along Mashamoquet Brook.

4. Ridge Trail: An intermediate-level trek spanning around three miles round trip; hikers can enjoy panoramic vistas from atop ridges overlooking valleys below while navigating rocky terrain in some sections.

5. Wolf Den Drive & Narragansett Hiking Trails Combo Route: It's roughly four:and-a-half-mile long route combining two trails offering diverse landscapes including forests, streams and historical landmarks like Israel Putnam's wolf den.

6. The Blue:Blazed Nipmuck/Narragansett Crossover Pathway: Approximately five miles long pathway traversing across varied terrains such as wetlands, hardwood forests providing opportunities for bird watching besides regular hikes.

7. Mashmoquest Meadow Nature Walk: Ideal family:friendly walk stretching just over half-a-mile featuring interpretive signs explaining local flora/fauna making it educational yet fun-filled experience.

8. Robert Frost Interpretative Trial: Short quarter:of-the mile-long trial dedicated to famous poet Robert Frost where his poems are displayed on plaques throughout allowing visitors appreciate nature alongside literature.

9. Pomfret Station Loop via Air Line State Park Rail:trail: Nearly six-and-half mile lengthy circuitous track passing by old railway station site now converted into picnic area before leading back into deep woodlands.


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Area Campgrounds
Brialee RV & Tent Park Inc
174 Laurel Lane
Ashford, CT
Nickerson Park Campground
1036 Phoenixville Road
Chaplin, CT
860-455-0007
Stateline Camping Resort
1639 Hartford Turnpike
East Killingly, CT
860-774-3016
Charlie Brown Campground
98 Chaplin Road
Eastford, CT
860-974-0142
Peppertree Camping
146 Chaplin Road
Eastford, CT
860-974-1439
River Bend Campground
41 Pond Street
Oneco, CT
860-564-3440
Highland Campground
42 Toleration Road
Scotland, CT
860-423-5684
Beaver Pines Campground
1728 Route 198
Woodstock, CT
860-974-0110
Chamberlain Lake Campground
1397 Route 197
Woodstock, CT
860-974-0567
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
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Hotels/Motels
Located on over 100 wooded lakefront acres, overlooking Ashland State Park. Right out our front door you get to truly enjoy the great outdoors. Easy access to trails for hiking, and an area for swimming. Come and enjoy all that Ashland State Park has to offer, and stay at the Warren Center right next door.
37.9 miles from park*

Directions
1. Start by heading onto I:395 N.
2. Continue on I:395 N for approximately 30 miles until you reach Exit 91 toward CT-6 E/CT-12 S/Norwich/New London.
3. Take the exit and merge onto CT:12 S towards Norwich/New London.
4. Stay on CT:12 S for about 5 miles before taking a slight right turn onto Route 169 (Pomfret Road).
5. Follow Route 169/Pomfret Road for around 7 miles until you see signs indicating the entrance to Mashamoquet Brook State Forest.

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Connecticut
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Connecticut State Parks

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