Friends of Topsmead State Forest  (FTSF) is a volunteer non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose purpose is to work with the State of Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) to provide programs and activities to promote, preserve, protect, and maintain the history, heritage and environmental integrity of Topsmead, thereby supporting the wishes of Edith Morton Chase in her will, gifting Topsmead to the State of Connecticut in 1972. 
Handicapped Access: In an effort to improve access to the Topsmead State Forest cottage and grounds surrounding it, FTSF  in conjunction with the Connecticut DEEP is offering access by handicapped tagged vehicles on specific dates. Coming up on August 11 and 25 those vehicles will be allowed to drive up to the cottage to drop off passengers during the cottage tour times from 12 noon to 5 p.m. Please note that wheelchair access to the cottage will not be available during this time period. This access option may be extended into September depending on visitor interest and volunteer availability. For additional information, ​please contact us!

News & Events

 The pleasure of your attendance is


​requested at a complimentary


British Tea Party & Dedication


of the new
​
​
Orintas Family Butterfly Garden
​

​August 25, 2:00pm-4:00pm
Please join us to celebrate the dream come true of the new Orintas Family Butterfly Garden! The Friends of Topsmead State Forest board members would like to acknowledge everyone's efforts with a delicious tea party--one which our late benefactor, Miss Edith Chase, might have enjoyed.

Thanks to garden designer Caroline King and the hard work of many supporters, the Orintas Family Butterfly Garden is now a beautiful and tranquil reality.

View the garden, tour the cottage, and enjoy a Silent Auction (see details below; profits will go to garden maintenance). The tea party is offered with compliments of Brits Brand.
Make a reservation by calling Dianne/Patrick Ryan at 860-567-2723 or 
email Diane with "Tea Party" in the subject line.  Spaces are limited to 40 -- reserve early!
For any questions about the Silent Auction or pre-event tea-party registration
​please email Diane at rosedryan@hotmail.com.

History of Topsmead

In 1917, Edith Morton Chase received a gift from her father, 16 acres of pristine woods in the Litchfield hills.  Today, Topsmead is a state forest with over 500 acres of diverse landscapes.  

Volunteer

Find out how you can participate in preserving and promoting the rich heritage and natural beauty of Topsmead State Forest.  
To learn more visit and ‘like’ us on Facebook: 
Topsmead State Forest FACEBOOK connection 
Visiting Topsmead State Forest 
Buell Road, Litchfield, CT
Topsmead offers 510 acres of forests and meadows, for year-round passive recreation including walking, picnicking, bird watching, sledding, and cross-country skiing. In addition, the Edith Chase Ecology Trail is mile walk with interpretive signs.
​Dogs on a leash are welcome. (Note: open fires & grills are not allowed).
Free Guided Tours of Chase Cottage 
From June through October on the 2nd and 4th weekends of each month from 12:00 PM-5:00 PM.
Check our Facebook page for upcoming special programs and events. 
Hours: 8:00 AM – Sunset year-round
Contact Information: Topsmead State Forest Phone: 860-567-5694 
Directions 
From Route 8: Take Exit 42. Go west on Route 118 for 2.0 miles. Turn left onto Clark Road to the stop sign. Take a right at the stop sign then the first left onto Buell Road. The first right off Buell is the entrance to Topsmead. 
​From Litchfield Center: Take Route 118 east for 1.5 miles. Take a right onto East Litchfield Road. Take the first right onto Buell Road. Topsmead will be the first road on the right.
Download Topsmead Trail Map below:
topsmead_state_forest_trail_map.pdf
File Size: 2660 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File