Chatfield Hollow State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chatfield Hollow State Park |
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Schreeder Pond
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 Chatfield Hollow State Park
Location in Connecticut
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| Location | Killingworth, Connecticut, United States |
| Area | 412 acres (167 ha) |
| Elevation | 141 ft (43 m) |
| Designation | Connecticut state park |
| Established | 1949 |
| Administrator | Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection |
| Website | Chatfield Hollow State Park |
Chatfield Hollow State Park is a public recreation area in Killingworth, Connecticut. It covers about 412 acres and is right next to Cockaponset State Forest. This park is a great place for outdoor fun.
You can enjoy many activities here, like hiking, swimming, and fishing. It's also popular for mountain biking, rock climbing, and picnicking. The park has cool spots to explore, including Schreeder Pond, old Indian caves, and historic sites. You can also see a restored water wheel and a reproduction covered bridge. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection manages the park.
Contents
Park History
Chatfield Hollow became a state park in 1949. Before that, in the 1930s, it was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was a program that put young men to work on public lands during the Great Depression.
In 1934, the CCC built a special dam across Chatfield Hollow Brook. This dam created Schreeder Pond, which is about 6.67 acres in size. A building called Oak Lodge was built in 1937 on the west side of the pond. Oak Lodge is an important historical building. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. The lodge was fully restored in 2017, making it look new again.
Park Geology
The rocks you see in the park are mostly a type of gneiss called Monson Gneiss. Gneiss is a kind of rock that has been changed by heat and pressure. This rock is usually light in color. It is made up of minerals like plagioclase, quartz, and biotite. Sometimes, you might also spot tiny bits of garnet or magnetite.
The park is located in a glacial valley. This means a glacier once moved through here, shaping the land. You'll see steep slopes on both sides of the valley. There are also many large rocks called glacial erratics. These are rocks that were carried by the glacier and then left behind when the ice melted. Most of these erratics are smooth and made of Monson Gneiss. However, you might find other types of rocks too, because glaciers can move rocks from far away places.
Activities and Fun
Chatfield Hollow State Park offers many ways to enjoy the outdoors.
Hiking Trails
The park has a special boardwalk called the Paul F. Wildermann Boardwalk. It's about 825 feet long and lets you walk across a swamp without disturbing nature. There are also about 20 miles of hiking trails. Some of these trails, like the blue-blazed Chatfield Trail, start in the park and go into the nearby forest.
Mountain Biking
If you like mountain biking, this park has some challenging trails. These trails are known for being tough and exciting for cross-country biking. The Lookout Trail and the Pond Trail are popular choices. The Pond Trail is a side trail that loops off the Deep Woods Trail.
Rock Climbing
The park's rocky ledges and cliffs are a favorite spot for rock climbers. One of the most popular climbing routes in Connecticut is located here. You can find it along the southern end of the Deep Woods Trail, near Connecticut Route 81.
Trout Fishing
Chatfield Hollow State Park is one of Connecticut's special Trout Parks. This means the pond and stream are stocked with trout throughout the fishing season. It's a great place for young people and beginners to try fishing because it's easy to access the water.
Other Activities
You can go swimming in Schreeder Pond when the weather is warm. The park also has many areas perfect for picnicking. It's a great place to bring your lunch and enjoy nature with friends and family.
