Mashamoquet Brook State Park — Attraction in Pomfret

One of the all-time great parks so so many reasons. I moved to Ct. In 1980 as a 9 year old and have been going several times a year ever since. Where else can you find the delightful gurgles of the perfect sized brook? Where else would you find a wolf den, a connection to the Revolutionary War, almost 800’ of elevation gain on the loop and plenty of options for bushwhacking, or for meandering the surrounding country roads? I went today, my final day of a much needed vacation. I hiked Jefferson last Tuesday, Washington Wed, and Monadnock Friday. How else could I provide the perfect conclusion to the greatest week of hiking I’ve had in my life? The loop is 4.3 wonderful miles amongst everything from wetlands to steep hills. I did the loop today in an hour and a quarter. Usually I spend time slashing in the brook or birding or exploring the west end but I needed to get home. Bring your own water, there are portable toilets. If you have time, try to include the nature trail by the ranger station. Who knows, you may spy the elusive wood duck or have a close encounter with the white tail deer and turkeys that inhabit the environs. The best hike in the Quiet Corner, although Bigelow Hollow and West Thompson dam are close. Ross cliffs are cool...

Went on labor day weekend and the park was empty. The picnic tables look like they were placed there in the 70's and haven't seen much use since. The little charcoal grills near the tables looked new though. The entire park looked like it had chops back some years ago, but maybe doesn't attract a crowd anymore. The entrance had a gate for a greeter but it didn't look like they ever need to staff it. Shame, maybe everyone stays inside nowadays.

As for the layout, we had a good time hanging out with the dog by the brook near the entrance road. There was a trailhead close by but we weren't in the mood for a hike. Easy parking. Easy to find. Not too far off of 395.

Check it out if you're in Northeast CT and just want to drop in and...

An easy to get to park in the "Quiet Corner" of Connecticut, Mashamoquet Brook offers plenty of hiking, fishing, picnicking, and camping opportunities. Their Wolf Den campground (not to be confused with the commercial camp resort of the same name) provides very spacious, open sites set that while not individually surrounded by trees, are large enough that you never feel like you're on top of your neighbors. There are excellent washing and bathroom facilities, and a central field and nearby trails are available recreation options for when you are not busy simply relaxing and soaking up the great outdoors around...