State Forest

Nehantic State Forest

Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region County, Connecticut
Status
Status not postedDaily 8 a.m. – sunset
Entrance fee
See fee details
Day-use reservations
None mentioned
Dogs
Not stated — check with park
Camping
None listed
Official site
ctparks.com(860) 739-5471

Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current

Overview

Nehantic State Forest is a forest in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region County, about 10 miles northwest of New London.

Popular activities here are historic sites, hunting in season, boating, fishing, and hiking. Its trail network totals roughly 12 miles, according to the park.

Hours

Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.

FacilityDaysHoursSeason
ParkDaily8 a.m. – sunset—
Official wording

Open Daily (8:00 a.m. – Sunset)

Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/New York).

Fees and passes

ItemAmount
FreeFree
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)

Check availability and book

We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.

Things to do

BoatingFishingHikingHistoric sites and toursHuntingPicnicking

Trails

Connecticut Forest and Park Association Trail Descriptions

  • Nayantaquit Trail
  • Letterboxing Clues
  • Park Trails Map

Boating and paddling

Know Before you Go

  • Boating and Paddling
  • Paddling in Connecticut
  • Padding Safety

Boat Launches

  • Norwich Pond
  • Uncas Lake

Fishing

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

✓ 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

Boat Launch

Parking

Picnic Tables

Official accessibility information

Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.

Rules and permits

  • Buses seating more than 30 passengers not allowed at this park
  • 24-hr access for fishing only
  • Trail Map

Getting there

Address
On Route 156
Lyme, CT 06371
Nearest town
New London — about 10 mi northwest (straight line)
Coordinates
41.4163, -72.2618
Phone
(860) 739-5471

Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)

Nearby state parks

Devil's Hopyard State Park
6 mi northwest (straight line)
Gardner Lake State Park
6.1 mi north (straight line)
Minnie Island State Park
6.5 mi north (straight line)
Rocky Neck State Park
7 mi south (straight line)
Hopemead State Park
7.4 mi north (straight line)
Selden Neck State Park
7.8 mi west (straight line)
Gillette Castle State Park
8.6 mi west (straight line)
Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park
8.7 mi southwest (straight line)

Sources and freshness

“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

Report a correction for this park