James L. Goodwin State Forest
- Status
- Status not postedOpen daily; hours not posted
- Entrance fee
- See fee details
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Not stated — check with park
- Camping
- Yes
- Official site
- ctparks.com(860) 455-9534
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
James L. Goodwin State Forest is a forest in Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region County, about 17 miles north of Norwich.
The park supports horseback riding, boating, biking, fishing, and hiking. Overnight options include campsites, with tent sites.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Open daily (hours not posted) | ||
Official wording
Open Daily (Half hour before sunrise – Half hour after sunset)
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/New York).
Fees and passes
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Free | Free |
Official wording
Free
Connecticut park passes
- Passport to the Parks — free parking for CT-registered vehicles (funded by an $8/yr vehicle registration fee from July 1, 2025). Day-use parking at all CT State Parks and Forests Details
- Out-of-state vehicle season pass — $112. Season parking for out-of-state vehicles (as listed on park fee boxes) Details
From the Connecticut state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- ReserveAmerica (connecticutstateparks.reserveamerica.com)
- Phone
- 1-877-668-CAMP (2267)
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Camping
Youth Group Camping • One site available, accommodates up to 40 campers • Open to qualified youth groups only • Advance reservations are required • Youth Group Camping
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Things to do
BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingHorseback ridingPicnicking
Trails
The lake vicinity has become the central hiking area of the forest and a great place to observe wildlife. Those looking for still more can pick up a Goodwin State Forest trails map at the center or at the southern terminus of the blue-blazed Natchaug Trail across Potter Road near the pavilion. Over 10 miles of white, red, and yellow marked trails surround the 135-acre Pine Acres Lake, the smaller Brown Hill Pond, and follow other interesting forest landscapes. The Natchaug Trail follows the west bank of Pine Acres Lake, then passes Black Spruce Pond and a beautiful overlook on Orchard Hill before winding its way down to the Natchaug River and Route 198. The Blue-Blazed Natchaug Trail begins at the Conservation Center and stretches north to connect with the blue-blazed Nipmuck Trail. At the beginning of the trail, near the Conservation Center, there is a shed for wildlife viewing that looks out onto Pine Acres Lake. Finally, the Air Line State Park Trail, a former railroad bed, crosses Potter Road just a few hundred feet from the Center. The graveled, level bed makes it ideal for hiking, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding. Those feeling adventurous can hike the Air Line Trail eight miles north to the Northeast Connecticut Audubon Center in Pomfret, and from there on to Putnam. • Letterboxing Clues • Connecticut Forest and Park Association Trail Descriptions • Friends of Goodwin Forest Trail Descriptions
Boating and paddling
Know Before you Go • Boating and Paddling • Electric motors are permitted, but gasoline motors are prohibited. Pine Acres Pond is large (135 acres) and shallow, with stumps and logs protruding in many places. The lake is ideal for a challenging canoeing excursion. Bass, bluegill, and bullhead fishing are popular, and the boat launch is across from the Goodwin Conservation Center. • Pine Acres Lake Boat Launch
Fishing
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Before heading out, be sure to check the latest water conditions and fishing regulations.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Picnic areas
- Nature center or museum
Camping
- Tent camping
Recreation
- Horse trails
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
N/A
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Rules and permits
• Buses are allowed but must be scheduled in advance - please contact us for reservations and availability. • Video: History and Overview of Goodwin State Forest • Park Trail Map • Horseback Riding Trails Map • Richard D. Haley Nature Plant Wildlife Gardens
Getting there
- Address
- 23 Potter Road
Hampton, CT 06247 - Nearest town
- Norwich — about 17 mi north (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 41.7911, -72.0844
- Phone
- (860) 455-9534
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Connecticut State Parks and Forests — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- DEEP 'Find a Park or Forest by Name' list (portal.ct.gov) merged with the ctparks.com ParkFinder search service
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology