Gay City State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gay City State Park |
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| Connecticut State Park | |
 Rock formation on Split Rock Trail
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| Country |  United States |
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| State |  Connecticut |
| County | Tolland |
| Towns | Hebron, Bolton |
| Elevation | 577 ft (176 m) |
| Coordinates | 41°43′34″N 72°26′24″W / 41.72611°N 72.44000°W |
| Area | 1,569 acres (635 ha) |
| Established | 1944 |
| Management | Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection |
Gay City State Park is a fun outdoor spot in Connecticut. It's located along the Blackledge River in the towns of Hebron and Bolton. This state park covers about 1,569 acres. It's right next to Meshomasic State Forest. You can easily get there from State Route 85.
The park has deep forests, a calm millpond, and marshy areas. You can also see old foundations, stone walls, and ditches. These are clues from a small mill town that used to be here in the 1800s. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection takes care of the park.
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History of Gay City State Park
Early Settlement and Mills
The area where Gay City State Park is now was once a quiet valley. It was first settled in 1796 by a religious leader named Elijah Andrus and his followers. Over the years, several mills were built here. The first mill was built around 1800. Sadly, the last one burned down in 1879.
Factory Hollow Village
After a sawmill and a wool mill were built, the village became known as Factory Hollow. About 25 families lived there, and many of them had the last name Gay. The wool mill did well for a while. However, its success ended with the War of 1812. The mill later burned down in 1830.
A paper mill then helped the village grow again. But it also caught fire, which led to the village's end. In 1943, one of the last family members sold the land to the state. That's when the name Gay City was given to the site.
Becoming a State Park
Just one year later, in 1944, the land officially became a state park. In 1946, it was listed as Connecticut's 54th state park. At that time, it covered 680 acres.
Fun Activities at Gay City State Park
Outdoor Adventures
Gay City State Park offers many ways to enjoy the outdoors. You can go fishing in the pond or take a swim to cool off. It's also a great place for picnics with family and friends. There's even a special campground for youth groups.
Trails for Hiking and Biking
The park has a system of trails perfect for hiking and cycling. One popular trail is five miles long and goes all around the park. You can also find trails that connect Gay City to other cool places. These include Blackledge Falls in Glastonbury.
The trails also lead through the nearby Meshomasic State Forest. From there, you can reach Birch Mountain Road in Glastonbury. This road connects to the Case Mountain trail system, offering even more adventure!
Images for kids
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Looking southward at the Blackledge River from a foot bridge at the southernmost point on the border between Connecticut's Gay City State Park and Meshomasic State Forest.
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Gay City Connecticut State Park Split Rock Formation
