Naugatuck State Forest - East Block
Rate this placeNearby: Abe Stone Park Nolan Field
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Naugatuck State Forest - East Block is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Connecticut.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The forest covers over 5,000 acres, providing ample opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. One of the main reasons to visit the forest is to explore its natural beauty, which includes diverse plant and animal species, scenic waterfalls, and stunning vistas.
One of the most popular points of interest in the area is the Naugatuck River, which runs through the forest and offers excellent opportunities for fishing and kayaking. The forest is also home to several trails, including the Mattatuck Trail and the Naugatuck Trail, which provide visitors with opportunities to explore the area’s natural beauty. Additionally, the forest has several picnic areas, making it an excellent spot for a day trip or family outing.
Interesting facts about Naugatuck State Forest - East Block include that it was once home to several Native American tribes, including the Tunxis and Paugussett. Additionally, the forest was used as a hunting ground by early European settlers, and some of the stone structures used for trapping and hunting still exist today.
The best time of year to visit Naugatuck State Forest - East Block is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its peak. However, the forest is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy winter activities such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during the colder months.
Overall, Naugatuck State Forest - East Block is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience Connecticut’s natural beauty and outdoor activities. With its diverse plant and animal species, scenic trails, and stunning waterfalls, the forest offers something for everyone.
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
Abe Stone Park
Nolan Field
Matthies Park
Linnett Park
Hummel Little League Park
Quillinan Reservoir
Picketts Pond
Carrington Pond
Lake Zoar
Lake Housatonic