Mill Brook State Park
Rate this placeNearby: Goodwin Playground Hockanum Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Mill Brook State Park is a small but beautiful park located in the town of Newington, Connecticut.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
There are several reasons to visit this park, including hiking, fishing, picnicking, and bird-watching. The park has a network of hiking trails that provide visitors with stunning views of the surrounding forest and streams. Visitors can also enjoy fishing in Mill Brook, which is stocked with trout and other fish species. The park is home to a variety of bird species, including woodpeckers, owls, and hawks, making it a great destination for bird-watching enthusiasts.
One of the main points of interest at Mill Brook State Park is the historic mill ruins, which date back to the 1800s. Visitors can see the remains of the old mill building and dam, which were once used to power a sawmill and gristmill. The ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into the area's industrial past.
Interesting facts about the area include the fact that the park was originally part of the larger Cedar Mountain State Park, which was established in 1926. Mill Brook State Park was officially established in 1955, making it one of Connecticut's oldest state parks. The park covers 134 acres and is located in a heavily wooded area, providing visitors with a quiet and peaceful escape from the city.
The best time of year to visit Mill Brook State Park is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its peak. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy swimming and picnicking at the park's small beach area. Overall, Mill Brook State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and history of Connecticut.
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
Goodwin Playground
Hockanum Park
Nicholas Forum Park
Dr Richard E Gorman Park
Welles Field