Natchaug State Forest
Ashford, Chaplin, Eastford, & Pomfret
The name Natchaug means “land between the rivers” and refers to the land at the junction of the Bigelow and Still Rivers which join to form the Natchaug River. The state says that the Forest is popular for its horse trails, outstanding fishing, and riverfront picnic sites – three activities I don’t ever do. Of historic interest is a large stone fireplace and chimney that are the remains of the birthplace of General Nathaniel Lyon, the first Union General killed in the Civil War. Natchaug was established as a state forest in 1917.
There are a lot of trails within the forest, and most of them are as remote as you can get in northern and eastern Connecticut.
All Things Natchaug
Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor
Chaplin, Eastford, & Hampton Block & CFPA’s CCC Trail
Orange Loop Trail (shared with Goodwin State Forest)
Pomfret Block trails
Boston Turnpike Trail, Eastford
Garrison Park & Hubbard Preserve, Chaplin
Nathaniel Lyon Memorial State Park & Monument, Eastford
Pixie Falls, Ashford
Ladies Room Rock, Ashford
Air Line State Park Trail – Intro
- Section 2: Route 97 to Hop River State Park Trail, Pomfret to Windham
CFPA’s Natchaug Trail – Intro
- Section 1: Nipmuck Trail to Pilfershire Road, Ashford & Eastford
Section 2: Pilfershire Road to Route 6, Eastford, Chaplin, & Hampton
CFPA’s Nipmuck Trail – Intro
- Section 3: Marsh Road to Barlow Mill Road, Willington & Ashford
Natchaug State Forest
CFPA’s online map
CTMQ’s State Parks, Reserves, Preserves, Forests, NAPs, WMAs, & Campsites