Pootatuck State Forest facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pootatuck State Forest |
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Pond Mountain, Squantz Pond and Candlewood Lake from the scenic overlook on Pootatuck State Forest's Blue Trail.
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 Pootatuck State Forest
Location in Connecticut
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| Location | New Fairfield, Connecticut, United States |
| Area | 1,103 acres (4.46 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,093 ft (333 m) |
| Established | 1920s |
| Governing body | Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection |
| Website | Pootatuck State Forest |
Pootatuck State Forest is a cool natural area in Connecticut. It's mostly in a town called New Fairfield, with a tiny bit in Sherman. This forest is a great place for outdoor adventures!
You can enjoy many activities here, like hiking and mountain biking. The main part of the forest is right next to Squantz Pond State Park. You can even get into the forest using trails from the park.
What is Pootatuck State Forest?
Pootatuck State Forest is a special protected area in Connecticut. It covers about 1,103 acres, which is like having over 800 football fields! The forest was set up in the 1920s to protect nature and offer fun activities.
This forest is managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. This group helps keep the forest healthy and safe for everyone to enjoy. The forest is a beautiful spot with hills and trees, reaching up to 1,093 feet high.
Fun Things to Do!
Pootatuck State Forest is packed with exciting things to do outdoors! It's a perfect spot for exploring nature and getting some exercise.
- Hiking: There are many trails to walk and explore. You can see beautiful views and discover hidden spots.
- Mountain Biking: If you love biking, the trails are great for a challenging ride.
- Letterboxing: This is like a treasure hunt! You follow clues to find hidden boxes and stamps.
- Hunting: In certain seasons, hunting is allowed following specific rules.
- Birdwatching: Many different birds live in the forest. It's a peaceful place to watch them.
- Snowmobiling: When there's enough snow, you can ride snowmobiles on designated trails.
- Cross-country Skiing: In winter, the snowy trails are perfect for cross-country skiing.
Exploring the Forest's Parts
Pootatuck State Forest has a main area and two smaller sections. The main forest property is easy to reach from Squantz Pond State Park. You can use trails that connect the two areas.
There are also two smaller parts of Pootatuck State Forest in New Fairfield. These sections are not connected to the main forest. They are separate pieces of land that are also protected.
- One smaller part is called the Western Pootatuck State Forest parcel. It's located north of Beaver Bog Road.
- The other smaller part is called the Southern Pootatuck State Forest parcel. It's found between Short Woods Road and CT Route 39.
