state parks

The state Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection is hosting First Day Hikes at several state parks and forests in Connecticut for New Year’s Day. The hikes offer residents and families a chance to begin the new year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on January 1, 2022. A First Day Hike and Seek nature-themed…

One popular state swimming area remains closed over water quality concerns, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Gay City State Park remains closed. DEEP said the water is being retested today and results will be available tomorrow. The swimming areas at Day Pond State Park and Lake Waramaug State Park have reopened. The beach is closed…

Several popular state swimming areas are closed over water quality concerns.

Three of five popular state swimming areas that were closed Wednesday over water quality concerns remain closed, but two have reopened on Thursday, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The swimming areas at Chatfield Hollow and Wharton Brook have reopened. The swimming areas at Day Pond State Park, Lake Waramaug State Park and Gay City State…

Several state parks have reached capacity on Saturday and are now closed to new visitors.

Several state parks have reached capacity on Saturday and are now closed to new visitors. Below is a list of state parks with parking full to capacity: Rocky Neck State Park, East Lyme Quaddick State Park, Thompson Millers Pond State Park, Haddam Bigelow Hollow State Park, Union Silver Sands State Park, Milford Mount Tom State Park, Litchfield Hammonasset Beach State…

Multiple state parks have reached capacity as we close out the Fourth of July holiday weekend. The following state parks have reached capacity and are now closed to new vehicles: Millers Pond State Park in Haddam Scantic River State Park in Enfield Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield Wadsworth Falls State Park in Middletown Gillette Castle State Park is…

Last year, the outdoors were the place to be with state parks welcoming around 10 million people and the state hopes to bring even more with a new free mode of transportation.

With 4th of July here and summer well underway, Connecticut residents will be looking to enjoy the great outdoors. “We want the bright sunshine and to make sure everybody knows they’re welcome at all of our parks, all of our beaches” said Gov. Ned Lamont Last year, the outdoors were the place to be with state parks welcoming around 10…

If you are headed to the beach or to a state park this weekend, the state wants to remind you that there is free weekend bus service all summer long. Some of those buses are running as part of the ParkConneCT pilot program. It’s a collaboration between the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Department of Transportation...

The water at Rocky Neck State Park has reopened after a second round of testing found the water quality safe enough for swimming. The swimming area had been closed Tuesday after testing found high levels of indicator bacteria. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection collects water samples at state parks and beaches each week and has them tested for…

Several state parks have reached capacity on Father’s Day on Sunday. The following parks have reached capacity and are now closed to new visitors: Bigelow Hollow State Park in Union Black Rock State Park in Watertown Burr Pond State Park in Torrington Gardner Lake State Park in Salem Millers Pond State Park in Haddam Mount Tom State Park in...

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has re-imposed what it called temporary alcohol bans, effective immediately, until Aug 25., at certain locations.

Several Connecticut state parks are closed to capacity amid hot and humid temperatures across the state. Below is a list of state parks with parking full to capacity: Bigelow Hollow State Park, Union Black Rock State Park, Watertown Garder Lake State Park, Salem Haddam Meadows State Park, Haddam Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison Millers Pond State Park, Haddam Mount Tom…

With the potential for record breaking heat today, many people are heading to state parks, but right now, the state doesn’t have enough lifeguards to staff all the state parks so they have a warning for anyone who plans on swimming. “You would just want to go in up to your knees or your waist,” said State Parks Water...

With the potential for record breaking heat today, many people are heading to state parks, but right now, the state doesn’t have enough lifeguards to staff all the state parks so they have a warning for anyone who plans on swimming

This weekend, over 180 events are being held at multiple parks across the state. Officials said the goal is to celebrate and introduce park goers to well known and hidden gems in Connecticut.

During the pandemic, many in Connecticut have discovered new nature pathways and parks and have had a chance to get outside during quarantine. “For the time it was just scary for people and I’m happy we had this [nature] and not just me, but everybody,” Antonette Molson, an avid park-goer, said about her time in quarantine. As many embrace...

People across Connecticut have been getting outside and enjoying outdoor activities. CT Trails Day happens this weekend.

With rain in the forecast for Memorial Day weekend, Governor Ned Lamont made a request Friday morning. “Come on man, we’ve been waiting two years for this day,” he said, staring at the sky. “We want the bright sunshine and to make sure everybody knows they’re welcome at all of our parks, all of our beaches.” He and other...