Charles E Wheeler Wildlife Management Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
The Charles E Wheeler Wildlife Management Area is a natural wonderland situated in the state of Connecticut.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Spanning over 4,000 acres, this wildlife management area offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Located in northern Connecticut, the area is home to a number of rare and endangered species of wildlife, including the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and timber rattlesnake.
One of the biggest reasons to visit the Charles E Wheeler Wildlife Management Area is to explore its scenic trails and wetlands. The area is known for its abundant wildlife, including a variety of bird species, reptiles, and mammals. Visitors can hike, bike, or take guided tours through the area to see these fascinating creatures up close.
Another popular activity at the Charles E Wheeler Wildlife Management Area is fishing. The area is known for its excellent trout streams, and visitors can try their hand at fly fishing for a chance to catch a trophy-sized fish.
Other points of interest at the Charles E Wheeler Wildlife Management Area include the scenic views from the top of Mount Pisgah, the abandoned ruins of the old Risley Mill, and the historic Windsor Locks Canal Trail.
Interesting facts about the area include that it was once the site of several sawmills and gristmills, and that it has a long history of industrial use dating back to the early 1800s. The area was later designated as a wildlife management area in 1955.
The best time to visit the Charles E Wheeler Wildlife Management Area is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its peak. Visitors should note that hunting is allowed in certain areas of the park during hunting season, so it is important to check the park's regulations before planning a visit.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Smith-Hubbell Wildlife Refuge
Margaret Egan Center Park
Long Brook Park
Long Beach Park
High Park
Bunnells Pond
Isinglass Reservoir
Lake Housatonic
Picketts Pond
Quillinan Reservoir