Stratton Brook State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Stratton Brook State Park is a serene and picturesque park located in Simsbury, Connecticut.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
It offers visitors a wide range of recreational activities and natural attractions, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Here is a summary of what makes Stratton Brook State Park worth a visit:
1. Natural Beauty: The park's stunning landscapes and tranquil atmosphere are a major draw for visitors. The park is home to beautiful forests, rolling hills, and a picturesque lake, providing ample opportunities for scenic hikes, biking, and photography.
2. Recreational Activities: Stratton Brook State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities for all ages. The park boasts several well-maintained hiking trails, offering different difficulty levels and lengths. The lake provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating. There are also picnic areas and a large field for various sports and games.
3. Points of Interest: The park features several points of interest worth exploring. The Stratton Brook Pond is a popular spot for fishing, especially for trout. The park has a designated swimming area with lifeguards during peak season. Additionally, the park is a habitat for various wildlife species, offering wildlife watching opportunities.
4. Interesting Facts: Stratton Brook State Park is named after the small brook that runs through it, known for its clear and clean water. The park was established in 1955 and covers approximately 148 acres. It is managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
5. Best Time to Visit: Stratton Brook State Park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from late spring to early fall. During this time, the park is lush green, and the weather is generally pleasant for outdoor activities. Fall, in particular, offers breathtaking foliage displays, making it an ideal time for hiking and photography.
It is always recommended to verify this information across multiple independent sources to ensure accuracy. Additionally, checking the official website or contacting the park authorities can provide up-to-date information on activities, facilities, and any seasonal changes.
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
DEEP campsite
Roaring Brook Camp Area
James Stocking Youth Group Camping Area
Haws Memorial - American Legion State Forest
Camp Workcoeman
Camp Sequassen
Town Open Space (onion Mountain)
Simsbury Farms Recreation Complex
Weatogue Park
Mills Pond Recreation Area
Recreation Field (symonds Avenue)