Natchaug State Forest
LocationAshford, Brooklyn, Chaplin, Eastford, Hampton, and Pomfret, Connecticut, United States[1]
Coordinates41°49′33″N 72°03′32″W
Elevation591 ft (180 m)[2]
Area13,438 acres (5,438 ha)[3]
Established1917[1]
AdministratorConnecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Natchaug State Forest
LabelNatchaug State Forest
Relief1

Natchaug State Forest is a Connecticut state forest located in six towns including Ashford, Chaplin, and Eastford.[1] The Natchaug River runs from north to south along (and in a few cases through) the western border of the main forest parcel. James L. Goodwin State Forest abuts Natchaug State Forest to the south. One of the forest units abuts Mashamoquet Brook State Park in Pomfret. The forest lies within the Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor and Northeastern coastal forests ecoregion.[4]

Recreation

The forest's extensive trail system includes the Natchaug Trail and CCC Loop.[1] Trails are used for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Camping facilities are available for backpackers and equestrians.[5] The forest is also the site of a small state park encompassing the birthplace of American Civil War brigadier general Nathaniel Lyon.

References

  1. ^ "Clues for Natchaug State Forest". Connecticut State Forests Seedling Letterbox Series. Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. September 16, 2021. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
  2. ^
  3. ^ "Appendix A: List of State Parks and Forests". State Parks and Forests: Funding. Staff Findings and Recommendations. Connecticut General Assembly. January 23, 2014. p. A–3. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
  4. ^ Olson, D. M, E. Dinerstein et al. (2001). "Terrestrial Ecoregions of the World: A New Map of Life on Earth". BioScience. 51 (11): 933–938. doi:10.1641/0006-3568(2001)051[0933:TEOTWA2.0.CO;2]
  5. ^ "Natchaug State Forest". Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Retrieved June 1, 2026.