Naugatuck State Forest
Contents
Information
| Fee | free |
| Trail Condition | Dirt path |
| Activities | Hiking |
| Maintainer | DEP, Connecticut Forest & Park Association |
Description
The Naugatuck State Forest is largely an undocumented state forest. There are many trails throughout the forest but most do not have blazes. Note that if you decide to go hiking in the forest, there is a rifle range in the southern portion of the forest. The range is run on the weekends by the High Rock Shooting Association.
The forest is frequented by bird watchers and hikers. The forest lies on both sides of route 8. There can be great views of the valley from the peaks in the naugatuck forest however they are marred slightly by the highway cutting through it.
The Naugatuck State Forest is home to the Blue Blazed Naugatuck Trail and also the Seymour Reservoirs.
There is parking at Andrasko Rd, the west entrance of the hike. There is only room for 2 cars at this entrance. Within walking distance on Beacon Valley Rd. there is a carpool parking lot with room for plenty of cars. At the east there is a town park with lots of parking. During the summer there is a charge for out of town people though.
Naugatuck Trail
Trail information
| Blaze Color | Blue Blaze |
| Length | 5.2 miles |
| Altitude Gain | West to East: 804 ft |
| |
East to West: 1165 ft |
| Approximate Hike Time | 2.4 hours |
| Trail Condition | Dirt |
| Trail map | HikeCT large trail map |
The western end of the trail follows along route 8 on what used to be old Route 8. Look for the blazes as the Naugatuck trail eventually peels off to the left (when hiking east) around 1 mile from the west trail head. The wider access road keeps continuing straight. The access road continues straight.
Beacon Cap Trail
Trail information
| Blaze Color | Blue-Yellow Blaze |
| Length | .3 miles |
| Altitude Gain | South to North: 167 ft |
| |
North to South: 75 ft |
| Approximate Hike Time | .15 hours |
| Trail Condition | Dirt |
| Trail map | HikeCT large trail map |
While there is not much of a view at the top of beacon cap, there is a very large boulder that the adventurous can try and scramble up. There is plently of rocks and open space that makes this a nice place to have lunch.
Whittemore Trail
Trail information
| Blaze Color | Blue-White Blaze |
| Length | .74 miles |
| Altitude Gain | South to North: 177 ft |
| |
North to South: 98 ft |
| Approximate Hike Time | .32 hours |
| Trail Condition | Dirt |
| Trail map | HikeCT large trail map |
This trail provides a way to make a loop for the east side of the Naugatuck trail.