Peoples State Forest

For tent/RV campsites and rustic cabins, a campground is located across the river at nearby American Legion State Forest.

Youth Group Camping

• 3 sites available, James Stocking Area accommodates up to 35 campers, Big Spring Area and Ullmann Grove Area accommodate up to 50 campers
• Open to qualified youth groups only
• Advance reservations are required
• Youth Group Camping

A range of interconnected multi-use trails and blue-blazed hiking trails wind their way through the People's State Forest’s rugged terrain, taking visitors past gurgling streams, iconic overlooks, and cultural and historic sites.

Jessie Gerard Trail (Yellow/Blue Blaze)

• 1.3-mile one-way climb with jaw-dropping river views
• Level of difficulty: Moderate to difficult
• Start at the East River Road trailhead near the Barkhamsted Lighthouse site. The right trail fork heads north, up a series of steep switchbacks to some of the best scenic overlooks in the state, including Chaugham’s Lookout. The left trail fork is a more direct route to the overlooks, with a much steeper climb up 299 stone steps. Continuing north, the trail passes between the Veeder Boulders before ending at the Big Spring Recreation Area on Greenwoods Road. Head back the way you came, or via Quarry Road, or continue exploring on the Charles Pack Trail (Yellow/Blue Blaze).

This stretch of the Farmington, a Wild and Scenic River designated by the National Park Service, is synonymous with canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. Along the river, find several spots for your craft in the water, like Whittemore Grove, the beach behind the baseball diamond, or Pleasant Valley Bridge. But be warned. Depending on the time of year, recent storms, and other factors, you could be in for a heart-thumping, white-knuckle ride or a more leisurely float. Use caution and check water levels before heading out.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Paddling Safety
• Paddling in Connecticut

The Farmington River’s cool flows and swirling pools are a magnet for fish, and, as a result, for anglers, too. The stretch of river that flows through Peoples is located downstream from the West Branch Reservoir, which sends a reliable supply of very cold bottom releases, maintaining the perfect temperature habitat for native aquatic life, particularly trout. In combination with DEEP’s regular stockings of adult trout, this section of the Farmington has the highest trout population density in the state — numbers that rival western streams.

Types of fish: Trout, bass, pickerel, pike

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Before heading out, be sure to check the latest river conditions and fishing regulations.

• Farmington River Trout Stocking Map
• Farmington River Steward

Campground restrooms

Parking

Picnic Tables

Picnic Shelter

• Bus Permits are required for mid-size and full-size buses seating 30 or more passengers
• Trail Map
• Trail Map - Mobile