Quinebaug Highlands facts for kids
The Quinebaug Highlands is a large natural area covering about 172,000 acres. It's a beautiful region with many mountains. You can find it around the border between Connecticut and Massachusetts. Towns like Ashford, Eastford, Union, and Woodstock in Connecticut are nearby. In Massachusetts, you'll find Southbridge and Sturbridge close by.
This special area has over 40,000 acres of protected forests. That's a lot of trees! Many rivers start here, including the important Quinebaug River. The Quinebaug Highlands are also part of the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor. This corridor helps protect the natural beauty and history of the area.
The highest point in the Quinebaug Highlands is Burley Hill. It stands about 1,315 feet (401 meters) tall. Burley Hill is located in Union, CT.
Fun Things to Do in the Highlands
The Quinebaug Highlands has many protected areas. These places offer awesome chances to enjoy the outdoors. You can go hiking on many trails. If you like water, you can try canoeing or kayaking on the rivers and lakes.
For those who enjoy nature, hunting and fishing are also popular activities here. The highlands are one of the few spots in Connecticut where you can go back country camping. This means you can camp in wild, undeveloped areas, away from regular campgrounds. It's a great way to experience nature up close!
Important Natural Areas
The Quinebaug Highlands is home to many important mountains and protected natural spaces. These areas help keep the region's plants, animals, and landscapes safe. Here are some of the well-known spots:
- Bigelow Hollow State Park
- Brimfield State Forest
- Burley Hill
- East Brimfield Lake
- Natchaug State Forest
- Nipmuck State Forest
- Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary
- Snow Hill
- Streeter Point Recreation Area
- Wells State Park
- Westville Lake
- Yale-Myers Forest
