An unforgettable adventure is guaranteed when historical sites come with leafy trails, towering trees, and a sparkling lake. Located in the northeast part of Connecticut, Mashamoquet Brook State Park spreads over 900 acres of grassy grounds and offers an impressive trail system. This park lures hikers with its looping trails and challenging inclines. In fact, this park is one of the finest RV campgrounds for anyone who enjoys a bit of history, swimming, fishing and fresh air accompanied by looming trees and green meadows.
One of the most prominent features of Mashamoquet Brook State Park is Wolf Den. This historical site got its name after a daring night in 1742, when Israel Putnam crept along the ground and shot the last wolf in Connecticut to death. This wolf was notorious for preying on local sheep and poultry for years. Decades later, the same man served as the Major General during the Revolutionary War.
In addition to Wolf Den, Mashamoquet Brook State Park is home to two other sites. Interesting rock formations called Table Rock and Indian Chair are truly sights to behold. The park also maintains a museum for the erudite. The campgrounds and all the hiking trails are well marked and every loop offers a different landscape.
Mashamoquet Brook State Park is the place to be when longing for a little alone time, desiring for a mini family vacay or wanting to get one with nature. Set up your RV camp and go on a hike, take a dip, live the past, or just lounge and enjoy all the beauty Mashamoquet Brook State Park has to offer.
Getting to Mashamoquet Brook State Park is trouble-free. There are four routes that directly lead to the park’s entrance situated on Route 44, with a few twists and turns. Mashamoquet Brook State Park can be accessed by a car or an RV. Commuting to the state park from Boston takes approximately 90 minutes. Since the park is situated a little farther away from the bustling part of the town, all the routes are found clear most of the days. Snow covers the roads during the winters and driving during the colder season requires additional care.
The road that leads to the entrance of the Mashamoquet Brook State Park, merges into the campground entrance and stops right at the beginning of the yellow trail. However, the hiking trails south and east of Wolf Den Drive are foot travel only. The gravel roads are wide and easily accommodate tow vehicles, moderately sized RVs, and larger trailers.
Mashamoquet Brook State Park offers two spacious and grassy camping areas for visitors; the Mashamoquet Brook Campground and the Wolf Den Campground. The former consists of 18 wooded sites, whereas the latter one offers 35 campsites. Only one campsite offer electric hook-up while the rest don't. On both campsites, compost toilets are conveniently located and are kept well-maintained and clean at all times. All the campsites also come with fire rings and picnic tables. Other amenities such as clean drinking water, showers with actual hot water, paved site pads, and a dumping station for RV campers, makes for a comfortable stay.
In order to keep Connecticut’s forests safe from destructive pests, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection does not allow firewood from other states to be brought into campsites.
Campsites need to be reserved in advance and campers can stay for 14 days at a stretch enjoying the parks many amenities and recreational facilities.
Hiking is one of the most prominent attractions of Mashamoquet Brook State Park. The Mashamoquet Brook Trail is around four-miles-long and can be enjoyed by new hikers as well as seasoned ones. Some of the paths are even kid-friendly and offer a chance for an adventurous family hike across this beautiful natural landscape. The loops are properly marked, making it easier and convenient to distinguish paths. The yellow ones indicate campgrounds, blue for the larger loop, and red for the smaller loop. The mesmerizing trails can be used for hiking, nature trips, bird watching, and walking. The best time to hike the trail is between April and October. While pets are not allowed on the campsites, dogs are allowed to accompany you on the trail as long as they are leashed.
Anglers can try their hand at stream fishing which is where the park gets its name. Mashamoquet is the Native Indian word for 'stream of good fishing' and this traditional way of fishing can still be experienced today. The lake and streams are teaming with pan fish that can be caught by anglers of all skill levels.
Guests can kayak or paddle board on the placid lake waters. When the water is clean and safe for swimming guests can also dive-in and cool off from the summer heat. The park doesn't offer boat rentals or a boat launch area so only small river kayaks and paddle board can be brought my guests to enjoy on the lake waters. It is important to ensure that lake water is safe for swimming before diving in. These details are provided to you at the Rangers office when entering Mashamoquet State Park.
When hiking or camping is not an option, one can still unwind at the Mashamoquet Brook State Park using its picnicking facilities. Among the green meadows and beautiful grassy areas, there are picnic shelters and picnic tables. These campsites are capacious and provide a large enough space for families and friends to enjoy a game of volleyball and other sports freely. Kids too can run around and be themselves without a care in the world. After a day exploring the park, these picnic spots provide a chance to sit down, enjoy homemade sandwiches, and take in the beauty that surrounds the place.
The folk tales and historical accounts are what makes Mashamoquet Brook State Park so alluring to guests. There is a plaque dedicated to the day when the Major General shot the last wolf in Connecticut. The plaque explains in detail, the account of that fateful day. Centuries ago, the entrance of the park used to house a cider mill, grist mill, and a wagon shop. Today, the old grist mill has been transformed into a museum and offers a wealth of information to those interested in a bit of history. It’s the best place to go when you are wandering aimlessly around the park or want to know more about its spectacular landscape. The members of Pomfret Historical Society are always welcoming and provide detailed interpretation.
There are numerous rock formations around the park. There is a little cave, 15 feet deep that is often a great interest to kids. Then there’s the Indian Chair, a rock formation that looks like a throne. Another famous rock formation is called Table Rock. As the name suggests, it is shaped like a table and often provides hikers a place to rest after a rugged and tough uphill trail.
