Burr Pond State Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Burr Pond State Park
Burr Pond State Park Location in Connecticut
Location	Torrington, Connecticut, United States
Area	438 acres (177 ha)
Elevation	988 ft (301 m)
Designation	Connecticut state park
Established	1949
Administrator	Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Website	Burr Pond State Park

Burr Pond State Park is a fun place for outdoor activities in Torrington, Connecticut. This park covers 438 acres and is next to Paugnut State Forest. At its heart is Burr Pond, an 85-acre lake made by people. It's a great spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection manages this park.

A Look Back: How Burr Pond Was Made

Burr Pond wasn't always here! In 1851, a man named Milo Burr built a dam across several streams. This created the pond to power his businesses. He used the water to run a tannery (where animal hides are made into leather) and three sawmills.

The Famous Milk Factory

One of Milo Burr's buildings became very important. From 1857 to 1861, Gail Borden used it. This was his first successful factory for making condensed milk. This special milk could be stored for a long time without spoiling. The factory building burned down in 1877. You can still see the old stone foundations near Burr Mountain Road today. Signs mark the spot.

From Forest to Park

Burr Pond and the land around it were once part of Paugnut State Forest. In 1949, this area was made into a state park. It became a public place for everyone to enjoy nature and outdoor fun.

Fun Things to Do at Burr Pond

Burr Pond is a cool place to explore. It has small inlets and islands. The shore is rocky, and some spots have deep drop-offs. The deepest part of the pond is about 13 feet.

Fishing at the Pond

If you like fishing, Burr Pond is a great spot! You can find many kinds of fish here. Some common ones include largemouth bass, chain pickerel, black crappie, and yellow perch. You might also catch bluegill, pumpkinseed, and brown bullhead.

Hiking Trails to Explore

There's a 2.25-mile loop trail that goes all the way around Burr Pond. It's perfect for a walk or a jog. You can also connect to another trail called the John Muir Trail. This 2-mile trail goes through Paugnut State Forest. It connects Burr Pond State Park to Sunnybrook State Park.

Seasonal Activities and Rentals

During the warmer months, Burr Pond State Park offers lots of fun. You can swim at the sandy beach. There are picnic areas where you can enjoy a meal outdoors. A concession stand sells snacks and drinks. You can also rent boats to go out on the water. If you have your own boat, there's a launch ramp at the north end of the pond.

Images for kids

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  The southern beach and picnic area at Burr Pond State Park.