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Connecticut
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Connecticut State Parks

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USA Parks
Connecticut
Mystic Country Region
Quaddick State Park
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QUADDICK STATE PARK
QUADDICK STATE PARK
147 Wolf Den Drive
Pomfret Center, Connecticut   06259

Phone: 860-928-6121
Toll Free: 866-287-2757
Email: park email button icon
The area which is now Quaddick State Park was once the site of Thompson's town farm where elderly residents of the village spent their reflective years. Prior to that, it had been a fishing area of the Nipmuck Indians. The cool reservoir water and the sandy beach draw frequent crowds during the warm summer months.
History of the Area
The parcel of land that became Quinnipiac River State Park was first acquired by the State Highway Commission during the construction of the Wilbur Cross Parkway in the 1930s. A little over a decade later when the Parkway was complete the Commission deemed those lands east of the new roadway to be excess property. By the end of 1948 that property was transferred to the State Park and Forest Commission.

But long before the Parkway construction, land in what is now the southern portion of the Park was home to a riverside community that grew up literally right on the banks of the Quinnipiac River. From the 1920s on, the community grew and spread ultimately totaling more than three dozen structures. In those days the summer residents experienced only minor and nuisance flooding. But as upstream development and impervious surface in the watershed expanded, stormwater runoff and flooding events became increasingly dangerous in both velocity and quantity.

By the mid 1970s the decision was made and carried out not to protect the community with flood control structures but to buy out the residents and remove the buildings. That community was within what is now the southerly end of the Park. Today?s main access into the Park, Banton Road, was their access into and out of the community.

In 1960 when the Headquarters of the 2nd Company of the Connecticut Horse Guard was searching for a permanent home these park lands were under consideration. But the same limiting factors that forced the end of the Banton Street community made the property unsuitable for the several dozen horses of the Guard which ultimately settled in Newtown.

Because of its southerly location in its watershed and its proximity to south central Connecticut?s vast transportation network, the park was often asked to compromise its integrity for a variety of rights of way. Fortunately as time passed the value of open space in combination with water quality and floodplain protection rendered applications for this type of proposal less and less frequent until today they are nearly non-existent.The park came under the direction of the Department of Environmental Protection when it formed in 1972.

Today: Today Quinnipiac River State Park is accessible for hikers and walkers. The 320 plus acres of forested floodplain embrace nearly six serpentine miles of the Quinnipiac River?s meandering western shoreline. The park?s combination of habitat, location, water availability and forest cover come together to form remarkable wildlife habitat.

Cleaner waters over the years have provided an increased quality of wildlife habitat, although various river segments still lack diversity of sensitive species. Still, a testament to greatly improved water quality of the lower river is the first recorded overwintering, and possible permanent residence, of two bald eagles in the winter of 2006-07. Look for wild turkey and deer, an occasional otter, great blue heron, kingfishers, osprey, owls, and wood duck nests in dead trees.

Four miles of the 24 mile blue blazed Quinnipiac Trail passes through the Park. Sometimes following the river bank, sometimes somewhat upland, the trial leads north/south from Toelles Road (north) to the barred gate access at the abandoned Banton Street (south). Since it is an active floodplain, the forest floor can be seasonally muddy and the river?s many cutoff meanders (oxbows) inundated.
Passes
Connecticut has made state parks, forests, trails, historic sites and beaches more accessible to our residents so they can enjoy the many attractions and beauty they offer. Under the Passport to the Parks program, parking fees are now eliminated at Connecticut State Parks for those with Connecticut registered vehicles. You can view the CONNECTICUT PASSPORT TO THE PARKS web page to learn more.
Nearby Accommodations
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Friendship Valley Inn - Brooklyn, CT
BBs / Inns
A Bed Breakfast in the Quiet Corner of Northeast Connecticut on Route 169, a National Scenic Byway.
14.1 miles from park*



Trails
- Quaddick State Park Trail: A 1.5-mile loop trail, moderately trafficked and primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips.

- Red Blaze Loop Trail: This is a moderate difficulty level hike of approximately 2 miles that takes you through the beautiful forested areas in the park.

- Blue Blazed Hiking Trails: These trails are well-marked with blue blazes on trees along their route; they offer hikers an immersive experience into Connecticut's diverse flora and fauna over several miles (exact length unknown).

- Yellow Dot Pathway: An easy-to-follow pathway marked by yellow dots painted onto rocks or tree trunks - it winds its way around picturesque lake views within this state park (length not specified).

- Green Circle Route : It's another popular choice among visitors due to its scenic beauty but has no specific distance mentioned as it meanders across different terrains inside Quaddick State Park.

-Purple Line Track : Although less frequented than other tracks because of some steep sections ,it offers stunning panoramic vistas making up for any physical exertion involved(distance unspecified).

-Brown Square Course : Not very long compared to others( exact mileage unavailable),this course provides ample opportunities for bird watching enthusiasts who visit here .

-Silver Triangle Waypoint - Though details about total distance covered during this trek aren't available,it allows trekkers access to remote corners where one can enjoy solitude amidst pristine natural surroundings .

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
May 31 Swimming [ all around] by Kimberly
park review stars; one to five Quaddick is a wonderful park. Theres swimming, fishing, a wide open field and more. Personaly I think Quaddick is a joy for the whole family!
August 7 Very Scenic for Kayakers and Picnickers. by Tim L
park review stars; one to five Large Pond/ Lake and very scenic for boaters. My wife and I Kayaked around the entire pond / lake. Great view of shoreline and some great looking residences. Water was relatively calm except for a once-in-a-while drive by some motorboats pulling tubes with kids creating some waves. Very enjoyable day.
July 14
park review stars; one to five Beautiful park, awesome people and really cool boat racing
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Area Campgrounds
Stateline Camping Resort
1639 Hartford Turnpike
East Killingly, CT
860-774-3016
Beaver Pines Campground
1728 Route 198
Woodstock, CT
860-974-0110
Chamberlain Lake Campground
1397 Route 197
Woodstock, CT
860-974-0567
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
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Hotels/Motels
Located on over 100 wooded lakefront acres, overlooking Ashland State Park. Right out our front door you get to truly enjoy the great outdoors. Easy access to trails for hiking, and an area for swimming. Come and enjoy all that Ashland State Park has to offer, and stay at the Warren Center right next door.
26.6 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
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Directions
From the west/(Putnam area): take Route 44 east for 3.3 miles after crossing under I-395, to Town Farm Road in East Putnam. Left onto Town Farm Road and proceed north for 2.7 miles. Park entrance is on the left.

From the east/(Providence, RI area): take Route 44 west. Continue on Route 44 for 1.0 miles after crossing Connecticut State Line, to Town Farm Road in East Putnam. Right onto Town Farm Road and proceed north for 2.7 miles. Park entrance is on the left.

From the north/(Worcester, MA area): I-290 south to I-395 south, Exit 99. Left at the end of the ramp onto Quaddick Road and proceed south for 3.2 miles to Town Farm Road. Left onto Town Farm Road and proceed north for 1.4 miles. Park entrance is on the left.

From the south/(Norwich area): I-395 north, Exit 97. Right at the end of the ramp onto Route 44 east and proceed for 3.3 miles to Town Farm Road in East Putnam. Left onto Town Farm Road and proceed north for 2.7 miles. Park entrance is on the left.

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Connecticut
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Connecticut State Parks

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