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Connecticut
7

Connecticut State Parks

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USA Parks
Connecticut
Litchfield Hills Region
Housatonic Meadows State Park
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Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground site 24 © Gary Jordan
This site 24 is about 30 from the Housatonic River.
Housatonic Meadows State Park Housatonic River © Gary Jordan
Lowest water level in many years.
Housatonic Meadows State Park Great Blue Heron © Gary Jordan
Housatonic Meadows State Park Rivers Edge © Gary Jordan
Housatonic Meadows State Park Tranquil on the River © Gary Jordan
Our camping spot was about 30 feet from rivers edge as show here.
Housatonic Meadows State Park Housatonic River © Gary Jordan
This was taken at the Housatonic Meadows Campground.
Housatonic Meadows State Park Great Blue Heron © Gary Jordan
Housatonic Meadows State Park Shaggy Mane Mushrooms © Gary Jordan
A pleasant sight when we drove to our camping spot were these shaggy mane mushrooms. We harvest and eat mushrooms through the warm months and these are listed as edible choice in our bookreference Mushrooms Of North America by Orson K. Miller, sixth printing 1984.
Housatonic Meadows State Park Great White Egret © Gary Jordan
Housatonic Meadows State Park Housatonic River © Gary Jordan
The lowest level seen in years due to the draught in 2010 according to the local residents.
Housatonic Meadows State Park Moon Before Dusk © Gary Jordan
Notice the fly fisherman in the river.
Housatonic Meadows State Park Great Blue Heron in Flight © Gary Jordan
Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground © Gary Jordan
This photograph gives you an idea of how close the campground is to the Housatonic River.
Housatonic Meadows State Park Hatch Brook Falls © Gary Jordan
Hatch Brook Falls is short drive north of Housatonic Meadows Campground. Park and take the blue blazed trail next to the cascading brook. The Appalachian Trail intersects the Blue Trail at the top of this hike.
Housatonic Meadows State Park Housatonic River © Gary Jordan
The Housatonic River runs right next to this camping Park.
Housatonic Meadows State Park Tranquil Moon © Gary Jordan
This shot of the moon was captured looking east across the Housatonic River from the campground.
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HOUSATONIC MEADOWS STATE PARK
HOUSATONIC MEADOWS STATE PARK
159 Macedonia Brook Road
Kent, Connecticut   06757

Phone: 860-672-6772
Toll Free: 866-287-2757
Reservations: 860-672-6772
Email: park email button icon
Camping under the tall pines on the riverbank at Housatonic Meadows evokes a genuine back-to-nature feeling. The clear, cold river water also provides a fine opportunity for fly fishermen to test their skills on trout and bass.
History of the Area
Located in the rock-strewn valley of the Housatonic River amid the rugged hills of the northwestern uplands, Housatonic Meadows is an ideal setting for a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Camping under the tall pines on the riverbank gives the overnight visitor a genuine back-to-nature feeling. The clear, cold river water also provides a fine opportunity for fly fishermen to test their skills on trout and bass. A two-mile stretch of river (including the park shore) is limited to fly fishing.
Passes
Connecticut has made state parks, forests, trails, historic sites and beaches more accessible to our residents so they can enjoy the many attractions and beauty they offer. Under the Passport to the Parks program, parking fees are now eliminated at Connecticut State Parks for those with Connecticut registered vehicles. You can view the CONNECTICUT PASSPORT TO THE PARKS web page to learn more.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Camping
Housatonic Meadow Campground offers 95 sites in a rustic setting near the Housatonic River. The camping season begins in mid-April and ends December 31.



Trails
- Pine Knob Loop Trail: A 2.6-mile moderately trafficked loop trail featuring beautiful wild flowers, primarily used for hiking and bird watching; offers a number of activity options.

- Appalachian National Scenic Trail - Connecticut Section: This is an extensive 52 mile-long section that passes through the park offering challenging terrains with stunning views over Housatonic River Valley.

- Mohawk Blue Blazed Trail: An approximately 24 miles long trail running from Cornwall to Sharon which intersects with other trails in the park providing opportunities for shorter hikes or longer backpacking trips.

- Breadloaf Mountain via Appalachian & Mohawk Trails : Approximately six miles round trip hike taking you up steep inclines to panoramic vistas overlooking Housatonic Meadows State Park and beyond.

-Pine Swamp Brook Campsite Accessible Via AT (Appalachian Trial): Roughly one mile north on the AT from Route US7 crossing near Cornwall Bridge Post Office, this site provides overnight camping facilities along your hiking journey.

-Cornwall Bridge Nature Museum Pathway: Less than half-a-mile easy walking path around nature museum showcasing local flora and fauna ideal for families with young children or those seeking less strenuous walks within natural surroundings.

-Hang Glider's Viewpoint off Appalacian trial route southbound towards Kent CT.: Short detour leading hikers to spectacular viewpoint popular among hang gliders due its high elevation above surrounding landscapes.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
September 5 As perfect as you can get. by William Pardue
park review stars; one to five My wife and I have camped there for years. The mountains are right behind it for hiking and the river is just in front for kayaking anc canoeing. Close by is beautiful Kent with its art galleries as well as Kent Falls. Just driving up along the river on route 7 is worth the trip.
October 3 great camping by Gary Jordan
park review stars; one to five This is a great place to camp right on the Housatonic River (fly fishing only; catch and release). Visit my pictures on this site.
July 2 A Family Favorite
park review stars; one to five I grew up camping at this campground with a group of families for over 25 years. The group has disbanded but now my husband and I go with friends. It is great to be back!
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Area Campgrounds
Cozy Hills Campground
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860-567-2119
Lone Oak Campsites
360 Norfolk Road
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Hemlock Hill Camp Resort
118 Hemlock Hill Road
Litchfield, CT
860-567-2267
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
From the North ? Great Barrington or Pittsfield, MA areas: travel south on Route 7 into Sharon, CT. The park is located along Route 7 in the Town of Sharon approximately 3 miles south of the West Cornwall Covered Bridge and approximately 2 miles north of the intersection with Route 4.

From the South ? Greater Danbury area: travel north on Route 7 into Sharon, CT. The park is located along Route 7 approximately 2 miles north of the intersection with Route 4 and approximately 3 miles south of the West Cornwall Covered Bridge.

From the East ? Hartford area: travel west on I-84, take Exit 39. Continue west on Route 4. From Cornwall Bridge after crossing the Housatonic River, turn north on Route 7. The park is located in Sharon, CT along Route 7, approximately 2 miles north of the intersection with Route 4.

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Connecticut
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Connecticut State Parks

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