Stratton Brook State Park

Introduction of Stratton Brook State Park

The Stratton Brook State Park Trail is an excellent way to work up an appetite for a picnic at Stratton Brook State Park, Connecticut’s first fully wheelchair-accessible state park. The park also has picnic areas, as well as fishing and swimming in its lake, which was dammed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. The trail’s midpoint is reached via a covered bridge.

The shaded rail-trail shoots northeast by southwest along the former Connecticut Western Railroad’s right-of-way from the covered bridge. 1 mile of dense evergreen forest fragrant with pine and hemlock awaits you to the northeast. Ferns cover the forest floor, and the tree canopy creates a tunnel effect, which is especially lovely in winter. The trail exits the park after crossing Stratton Brook and rounding a gentle bend, ending at the Bushy Hill Road/State Route 309 intersection. It connects to the short northern segment of the 8-mile Farmington River Trail at this point.

The Farmington River Trail is linked to the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail by the Stratton Brook State Park Trail. The canal trail can also be reached by turning right on State Route 309 and following the shoulder for 0.5 mile.

Turn southwest from the covered bridge and cross Stratton Brook Road for another option. From there, the old railroad grade becomes paved but rarely used the road for 1.7 miles before entering Massacre State Forest. This corridor was once used by crews to demonstrate fire-control techniques along rail lines.

• Camping
• Activities
• Location

History of the Area

Because of its proximity to the Hartford metropolitan area, Stratton Brook has become one of the state’s more well-known small parks. It was originally known as Massacoe State Forest and was purchased to demonstrate forest fire control near railroads. The railroad tracks have been replaced by a beautiful bike trail shaded by white pines and winding through scenic brooks. This park became Connecticut’s first fully wheelchair-accessible state park in 1996.

Trails of Stratton Brook State Park

To get to Stratton Brook State Park, take Interstate 84 to Exit 50, then west on US Highway 44 for 9.5 miles, then north on State Route 10/US Highway 202 to Simsbury. From town, take State Route 167/Bushy Hill Road south for 0.9 miles, then turn west on State Route 309 for 0.9 miles.

Parking

Parking is available.

Public Transport

There is no public transportation available.