Bolton Notch State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bolton Notch State Park |
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 Bolton Notch State Park
Location in Connecticut
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| Location | Bolton, Connecticut, United States |
| Area | 95 acres (38 ha) |
| Elevation | 636 ft (194 m) |
| Designation | Connecticut state park |
| Established | 1918 |
| Administrator | Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection |
| Website | Bolton Notch State Park |
Bolton Notch State Park is a fun outdoor spot in Bolton, Connecticut. It's a state park where you can explore nature. This park covers about 95 acres. It sits right between two big river areas: the Thames River and the Connecticut River. At Bolton Notch, you can go hiking, try rock climbing, and even explore cool caves!
Contents
Park History and Ancient Trails
How Bolton Notch State Park Began
Bolton Notch State Park became a protected area in 1918. The state of Connecticut bought the first 70 acres of land. They wanted to create a "Wayside Park" for people to enjoy.
Native American History at the Notch
Long ago, Native Americans used the trails that cross through Bolton Notch. They have been using these paths for at least 10,000 years! They called this special place Saqumsketuck. People believe the notch was a natural border. It separated the lands of the Mohegan and Podunk tribes.
The Legend of Squaw's Cave
Inside the park, you can find a place called Squaw's Cave. There's an old legend about this cave. It says that around 1640, a European settler and his Podunk wife lived there. They were said to be outcasts, meaning they were not accepted by their communities.
Things to Do at Bolton Notch
Hiking and Exploring Trails
Bolton Notch State Park is a great place for hiking. Two popular trails cross through the park:
- The Hop River State Park Trail
- The Shenipsit Trail
These trails offer different paths for you to explore the park's natural beauty.
Rock Climbing Adventures
If you like adventure, you can try rock climbing at the park. The rocky areas provide exciting challenges for climbers.
Discovering Caves
The park also has several caves. Some of these caves are big enough for people to go inside and explore. It's a unique chance to see what's hidden underground!
