Chatfield Hollow State Park

Chatfield Hollow State Park is a park in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region County, about 13 miles south of Middletown.

Visitors come for historic sites, swimming, biking, fishing, and hiking. The official site lists about 18 miles of trails.

Chatfield Hollow’s 18 miles of trails wind through various terrain, including dense forest, metamorphic outcroppings, Native American caves, and historical structures like a wagon wheel and covered bridge. Adjacent to Cockaponset State Forest and Forster Pond State Park, the park’s trails connect into a broader network of shared trails. Other than the foot-traffic-only Blue Blazed Chatfield Trail, trails are available for cross-country skiing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and trail running. Chimney Trail (Green Blaze) • 0.22-mile loop to Indian Caves • Level of difficulty: Moderate • A short loop that encounters a large outcrop containing multiple small rock-fall caves, once used as shelters and tribal gathering spots. The trail climbs over large boulders and a ledge, so while short, it packs a punch before meeting back up with the paved park road. Start at the southern trailhead, closest to the park entrance. Paul Wilderman Boardwalk • 825-foot boardwalk through wetlands • Level of difficulty: Easy • This elevated boardwalk winds through the trees, giving visitors access to some of the state’s most stunning wetlands without harming the delicate ecosystem. The short path also connects the park’s two main paved roads and the Orange-blazed Deep Woods Trail and the Yellow-blazed Nature Trail (via a short gravel road). KNOW BEFORE YOU GO • Trail Map • Trail Map Mobile

Relax in the sun on the 300-foot sandy beach and cool off in freshwater Schreeder Pond. Surrounded by majestic white pines, the seven acre swimming hole is an idyllic spot to spend a summer afternoon. Fed by Chatfield Hollow Brook as it flows toward Long Island Sound between two high mountain ridges, the pond backs an earth and stone dam built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO • Current Water Quality Report (updated weekly, Memorial Day – Labor Day) • Beach Regulations and Swimming Safety Information

Chatfield Hollow State Park is a designated Trout Park, meaning DEEP regularly stocks the park’s waters with trophy-size fish from our fisheries. Chatfield Brook, Schreeder Pond, and the smaller Mill Pond are all stocked with trout for fishing during the season, offering anglers multiple fishing spots, whether you prefer moving water, still water, or both. Along with a rod, reel, and bait, you’ll need a fishing license for anyone in your group 16 or older. Types of fish: Brook trout, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, tiger trout KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Before heading out, be sure to check the latest water conditions and fishing regulations. • Connecticut Trout Parks

A state fishing license is usually required.

Parking Picnic Tables Restrooms

• Bus Permits are required for mid-size and full-size busses seating 30 or more passengers • Trail Map • Trail Map - Mobile • Stormwater Management - English • Stormwater Management - Spanish