Nipmuck State Forest

Nipmuck State Forest is a 9000-acre wooded area in Connecticut with varied terrain, mountain laurel groves, streams, and ponds connected by a network of trails. The landscape changes as you move through different sections of the forest.

The forest was established in 1905 and is managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. It was created to protect the natural landscape for future generations.

The name comes from the Nipmuc people who lived here long before Europeans arrived. Their heritage remains woven into how locals and visitors understand this land.

The forest offers more than 48 kilometers of marked trails with parking near the main access points. Sturdy footwear is important since the ground can be uneven and wet in places.

Snow Hill contains a special area where mountain laurel plants grow unusually tall, reaching up to 20 feet and creating a distinctive woodland setting found nowhere else nearby. This spot draws visitors interested in seeing these shrubs in their best form.

Elevation above the sea: 288 m

GPS coordinates: 41.99900,-72.13200

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:20