Peoples State Forest

About Peoples State Forest

The Peoples State Forest is located in the pleasant valley of Barkhamsted, and the National Forests of the American Legion Peoples' offer a wooded splendor in all its glory from the forest floor to the mountainside.

The forest was founded through donations coordinated by the Connecticut Forest Park Association.

These donations came from many other groups and individuals who bought the land and donated it to the people of Connecticut for about 8 acres.

In the middle of the river is the western arm of the Farmington River, which the National Park Service designated as Wild and Scenic River. Nearby is the American Legion State Forest, which is used for camping, and other attractions include the Connecticut State Museum and the New Haven Museum of Natural History.

An old Indian settlement known as the Lighthouse of Barkhamsted, an old basement hole that passes north, and an old bridge over the Farmington River. This route is a traditional ski track from the 1930s and leads through the southern part of the forest, over 60 cliffs with good views. After crossing the creek, cross Pack Grove Road (PackGrove Road) and cross the road again at Beaver Brook Bridge. Walk a few miles along the east side of Beaver's Brook before ending on the city road (Route 181).

The right fork leads to the lighthouse area, the left fork leads 299 stone steps up directly to a lookout spot and the right fork leads back to Pack Grove Road (PackGrove Road).

The views from this area are among the best in the state, with views from the lighthouse, the beach and even a few miles further east.

The Natural Stone Museum offers interpretative programs on weekends of the Day of Mourning and Columbus Day, and several guided hikes are offered from May to October. Starting at the end of Warner Road, you can continue to the museum and walk through the woods, or further north the road leads to Veeder Boulders to a picnic area on Greenwoods Road.

Take Route 318 to Barkhamsted, cross the Steel Bridge and immediately turn left onto West River Road. The recreation area is about one mile on the left, and at the end of the road you can turn right and drive north on Greenwoods Road to the picnic area.