Scantic River State Park
- Status
- Status not postedDaily 8 a.m. – sunset
- Entrance fee
- See fee details
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed7-ft leash
- Camping
- None listed
- Official site
- ctparks.com(860) 684-3430
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
Scantic River State Park is a park in Capitol Planning Region County, about 9 miles south of Springfield.
Visitors come for historic sites, hunting in season, boating, fishing, and hiking.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | 8 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
| 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.
Pets
Dogs allowed · leash up to 7 feet
• All pets must be on a leash that is no longer than 7 feet.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Things to do
BoatingFishingHikingHistoric sites and toursHuntingPicnicking
Trails
A variety of trails both marked and unmarked will help you safely explore the park. The marked trails, mostly within the Scitico and Somersville section of the park, have colored blazes on trees to help guide your way. The Hazardville side has several unblazed trails that will lead through many of the old ruins of the gunpowder works that once made this area famous. With the noisy river passing over rocks it is almost always within earshot giving you an easy way to find your way back to your starting point.
The trails at Scantic River Linear Park are non-motorized multi-use trails.
Boating and paddling
The Scantic River section from Millpond in Somersville, CT to Melrose Road, Broad Brook, CT is approximately 10 miles in length and contains numerous ledges and rips which should only be attempted by experienced boaters. Numerous fallen trees and other obstacles may be encountered. Exercise caution on your portages.
Whether you are a new or seasoned paddler, there are a few items of etiquette and rules of navigation to be aware of before venturing out on the water.
Know your ability
Be honest with yourself when planning a trip. Rough water, white water, or rapids can be difficult for experienced paddlers and are no place for beginners.
Plan ahead
Know the waters that you are paddling and plan your day accordingly. Tell someone where you are going, what boat you are taking and when you plan on returning, this is called filing a “float plan.” The information in a “float plan” will help first responders rescue you faster should an accident occur.
Read more from the park
The Scantic River spans 38 miles in length, rising through the hills and forests of Stafford, CT, rushing downhill on sand and gravel bottoms, slowing through the farmlands and quickens its flow through the historic sections of Enfield, CT. The changing face of the river from a roaring torrent in spring, to a slow meander in summer dictates that the boaters exercise different precautions.
Additional Information
For additional information regarding canoeing on the Scantic River, please contact the Scantic River Watershed Association.
Fishing
The Scantic River is a very fishable stream with a diversity based on the river flow, shade and bottom type. Some sections of the Scantic River have various reports of catches including yellow perch, rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout as well as large and small mouth bass, just to list a few.
- A fishing license is required for all persons age 16 or older
- Fishing licenses can be purchased online 24/7
- More fishing resources
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
N/A
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Rules and permits
- Parking is allowed only in designated areas.
- Buses seating more than 30 passengers are not allowed at this park
- An alcohol ban is in place at Scantic River State Park - alcohol is prohibited
- Please carry out what you carry in. Thank you for not littering.
- All pets must be on a leash that is no longer than 7 feet.
- There is no camping at Scantic River State Park.
- Beginning in Mid-October sections of the park are open to hunters. Consider wearing bright clothing and avoid wearing gray, brown, tan, or white when hiking in hunted areas to increase your visibility.
Park Trails Maps:
- Scitico and Somersville (Enfield, CT)
- Hazardville (Enfield, CT)
- Broad Brook (East Windsor, CT)
Getting there
- Address
- Off Route 190
Enfield/East Windsor/Somers, CT 06082 - Nearest town
- Springfield — about 9 mi south (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 41.9842, -72.5011
- Phone
- (860) 684-3430
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
- Wikidata
“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