Topsmead State Forest — Attraction in Litchfield

Beautiful trails ranging in difficulty - great for kids or walking dogs. Pick a different path each time which is fun for exploring. Plenty of out-houses as well which is nice. In the parking lot they have a little set up with bags for dog poops as well as a receptacle for dog poop only. There is no pavilion or large covered area. There are a few picnic tables - 1 in a small shed type building near the main house, 1 near the pond, 1 off the trail near the pond, and a few along another trail near the fields. Pack a lovely blanket and lunch and set up on the lush grass for a wonderful morning or afternoon. Be prepared to bring your garbage with you as there aren't any garbage receptacles - most likely to discourage bears. Some trails are where some horses are allowed to walk so you may need to watch out for horse poop. Topsmead is a beautiful and peaceful place to spend some time or go to take some beautiful photos, you won't be sorry you went. They do guided tours for the main house on...

I was going to hike there but I decided to leave. I'm sure this doesn't happen all the time but there was a man there and a family had showed up and there was a dog running around the parking lot. They asked him if it was his dog he said no. About 2 minutes later he got out of his car with his pants in zipped and said oh it is my dog. I'm pretty sure it was his dog as the dog got ran to his car when he called for it and the dog would not come near me at all. I'm not sure if this man visits the place to often because it was the first time I had been there. He was in a later 2000s green Subaru wagon in case anybody notices it again I'd stay away. He was not threatening but it was a strange encounter and I felt bad for the family but luckily he left right after that. But I do plan to go back and go for a hike as it looks like a very nice place. Things like that can happen anywhere I guess just keep your eyes open and just trust...

Topsmead is 100 acres of raw beauty with hiking and bike trails. The name came about from the Chase family. I know the entire story because I worked at Chase Brass and Copper on Thomaston Ave as a summer job in the mid 70’s. Topsmead is an abbreviation or correlation to “Top of The Meadow” where the estate house was finally built and replaced the original little cottage that Chases’s daughter had built in the 1920’s I think. Anyway it’s a beautiful place to visit and they allow dogs 🐶 but must be on a leash and cleaned up after! The sanctuary is open every 2nd and 4th weekends of the month until October then the hours change so call ahead! You do not need reservations, there is no entrance fee but donations are welcomed to keep the forest in good shape for future generations. I believe the park is open from noon until 5pm but you better confirm that before heading out!...