Shenipsit State Forest facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shenipsit State Forest |
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View from Soapstone Mountain summit lookout tower in Connecticut's Shenipsit State Forest.
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 Shenipsit State Forest
Location in Connecticut
Shenipsit State Forest
Location in the United States
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| Location | Tolland, Connecticut, United States |
| Area | 6,962 acres (28.17 km2) |
| Elevation | 886 ft (270 m) |
| Established | 1927 |
| Governing body | Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection |
| Website | Shenipsit State Forest |
Shenipsit State Forest is a special natural area in northeastern Connecticut. It's made up of 11 different parts spread across the towns of Somers, Ellington, and Stafford. This forest is a great place for outdoor fun! It's also managed to help grow trees for wood.
At the forest's main office, you can find the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum. This museum shows off cool items from the CCC camps. The CCC was a group that helped build many parks and forests across the United States.
Contents
Exploring Shenipsit State Forest's Landscape
Shenipsit State Forest is mostly located in a hilly area called the Eastern New England Uplift. Some parts of the forest are also found along the eastern edge of the Connecticut River Valley.
Discovering Soapstone Mountain
The highest point completely inside the forest is Soapstone Mountain, which is about 1,075 feet (328 meters) tall. Right next to the forest, in the town of Somers, is Bald Mountain. It's even taller at 1,121 feet (342 meters). Bald Mountain is the highest spot along the eastern side of the Connecticut River Valley in Connecticut.
Rocky Terrain and Ancient History
The land in the forest can rise quite a bit, sometimes up to 800 feet (244 meters) from the surrounding valley. Most of the hills and mountains in the forest are about 300 to 500 feet (91 to 152 meters) higher than the land around them. If you walk through the forest, you'll see many large rocks and boulders scattered everywhere. These were left behind by the last ice age long, long ago.
Soapstone Mountain has an interesting past. During the Colonial era, people used to quarry (dig for) soapstone there. Soapstone is a soft rock that was used for many things, like making bowls and carvings.
Fun Things to Do in Shenipsit State Forest
Shenipsit State Forest offers many exciting ways to enjoy the outdoors. It's a perfect place for adventure and exploring nature.
Hiking the Shenipsit Trail
One of the most popular features is the Shenipsit Trail. This long trail stretches for about 40 miles (64 kilometers) from East Hampton all the way to Somers. A big part of this trail goes right through Shenipsit State Forest. It even takes you over the top of Soapstone Mountain!
Views from the Lookout Tower
When you reach the summit of Soapstone Mountain, you'll find something special: the only lookout tower in northeastern Connecticut. Imagine climbing up and seeing amazing views of the forest and beyond! The original fire tower was taken down in 1971, but a new one now stands in its place, offering incredible sights.
More Outdoor Adventures
Besides hiking, the forest has many other trails you can use. These trails are great for:
- Hiking: Exploring the woods on foot.
- Mountain biking: Riding your bike on exciting paths.
- Horseback riding: Enjoying the trails with your horse.
- Cross-country skiing: Gliding through the snow in winter.
No matter the season, Shenipsit State Forest has something fun for everyone to do!
