Walking and hiking are healthy ways to reduce stress during this difficult time, but make sure to adhere to social distancing as outlined by the CDC - even when outdoors!
Governor Lamont has allowed the trails and grounds of Connecticut State Parks and Forests to remain open for solitary outdoor enjoyment. If you plan on visiting a park, it should be for solitary recreation, not group activities.
However, please note, to prevent community spread of COVID-19, indoor spaces at State Parks and Forests are closed and public restrooms will be closed at most state parks.
A list of parks near Wilton can be found here:
| Park | Location |
|---|---|
| Bennett's Ponds State Park | Ridgefield |
| C.P. Huntington State Park | Redding/Bethel/Newtown |
| Centennial State Forest | Fairfield |
| Indian Well State Park | Shelton |
| Mianus River State Park | Stamford |
| Paugussett State Forest | Newtown |
| Pootatuck State Forest | New Fairfield |
| Putnam Memorial State Park | Redding |
| Rocky Glen State Park | Newtown |
| S.L. Pierrepont State Park | Ridgefield |
| Sherwood Island State Park | Westport |
| Silver Sands State Park | Milford |
| Squantz Pond State Park | New Fairfield |
| Trout Brook Valley State Park | Easton |
| Wooster Mountain State Park | Danbury |
CT DEEP is providing up to the minute information about our parks here
Please plan ahead as many amenities and indoor facilities are closed. Connecticut State Parks and Forests urges you to take the following steps to enhance “social distancing” when enjoying the outdoors:
- If you’re not feeling well, stay home!
- Rather than traveling to some of the most popular spots, for example, Hammonasset Beach State Park, Sleeping Giant State Park, or Bluff Point State Park, try a park you may not have visited before or one close to your home. Because most park and forest facilities do not have open restrooms, visitors are encouraged to plan a trip to a nearby park for a short, local visit.
- If you arrive at a park and crowds are forming, choose a different park or trail, or return another day or time.
- Observe the CDC's minimum recommended social distancing of six feet from other people, whether you’re walking, biking, or hiking. Practice it and know what it looks like.
- Warn other trail users of your presence and as you pass to allow proper distance and step off trails to allow others to pass, keeping minimum recommended distances at all times. Signal your presence with your voice, bell, or horn.
- Follow the CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to heading to the park. Wash your hands, carry hand sanitizer, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoid surfaces that are touched often, such as doorknobs, handrails, and equipment.
All state parks can be accessed by Connecticut residents free of charge, supported by the Passport to Parks program.
The DEEP will be monitoring visitor capacity at the state’s most popular parks and may reduce the parking threshold to further limit the number of visitors and help to prevent overcrowding. For up-to-date information on park closures, follow @CTStateParks on Twitter.
Please be aware that the opening of camping season at Connecticut State Parks and Forests will be postponed until Memorial Day weekend in May, unless a further delay is required. All campground reservations that were made for stays prior to Memorial Day weekend will automatically be canceled and refunds will be processed.
DEEP will be closely monitoring state and federal guidelines for minimizing the spread of COVID-19 and will make further adjustments to state park and forest operations as needed. More tips for safe enjoyment of outdoor spaces are available from the National Recreation and Parks Association at www.nrpa.org.
To keep informed of the latest updates, please visit: Connecticut State Parks, follow us on Twitter @CTDEEPNEWS and @CTStateParks, and facebook.com/CTState