Cockaponset State Forest, State forest and national natural landmark in Connecticut.
Cockaponset State Forest is a large woodland area designated as both a state forest and national natural landmark, covering over 17,000 acres across eleven Connecticut towns with dense woodlands, hiking trails, and the Pattaconk Lake. The forest supports multiple recreational activities including hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking across its network of paths.
The area was once part of the Wangunk village of Cockaponset before European settlement transformed the landscape. Modern forest acquisitions began in 1926, establishing the foundation for the protected area that exists today.
The forest bears the name of a Native American chief whose burial site is located in Haddam's Ponset section, reflecting the deep connection this land holds to its original inhabitants. Visitors can sense this historical link while walking through woodlands that were home to these communities for generations.
The forest has several entry points, with Cedar Lake Road being a main access route that allows visitors to easily reach the trail network. It helps to check which activities are permitted on specific trails before arriving, as some paths are limited to hiking while others allow horseback riding and mountain biking.
The Chester Cedar Swamp section contains one of the finest remaining Atlantic white cedar forests in the Northeast and holds designation as a National Natural Landmark. This rare ecosystem with its distinctive cedar trees stands apart from the other woodland areas throughout the forest.
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