Peoples State Forest

Peoples State Forest, located in Pleasant Valley, CT on East River Road, .8 miles north of Rts 181 and 318, was purchased by many "peoples", individuals and groups in 1924, under the sponsorship of Connecticut Forest and Park Association. See History of Peoples Forest.

Covering almost 3,000 acres, it includes upland evergreen and hardwood forests with wetlands and streams that support diverse wildlife populations and plant communities. It is open to the public for picnicking, hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

Ten miles of well-maintained hiking trails lead to scenic lookouts through beautiful woodland flower sites, or along the river. A popular focus of the Forest is 2.5 miles of the National Park Wild and Scenic Designation of the West Branch of the Farmington River with excellent trout fishing, tubing and canoeing. On the west bank of the Farmington River is the Austin Hawes Family Campground with thirty spacious wooded site. Call (860) 379-0922 for information. For reservations call 1-877-668-CAMP(2267), Monday through Friday 8 a.m.to 8 p.m.on Saturdays and Sundays 9a.m.to3 p.m..

Throughout the Forest are archeological and historic sites including the Barkhamsted Lighthouse Site and the Indian Soapstone Quarry. Please be respectful of the areas......

This is a working forest where lumber products are harvested and sold to help finance the State of Connecticut budget.

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