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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.
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Upcoming EventsDecember Green Drinks 12/12/19 Weantinoge’s Green Drinks is Litchfield County’s monthly happy hour providing opportunities to make connections and exchange news about conservation initiatives, local farming, land use, and more. The Friends of Topsmead is co-hosting the December 2019 Green Drinks event to be held at the Litchfield Distillery on Thursday, December 12, 2019, from 5-7 p.m. The event is free. Litchfield Distillery is located at 569 Bantam Road in Litchfield. https://weantinoge.org/event/december-green-drinks-at-litchfield-distillery/ |
Featured event
Welcome the New Year by joining the Friends of Topsmead State Forest for an easy walk or snowshoe through the fields. This event is open to the public and free. After the walk, enjoy hot chocolate and camaraderie with your fellow Topsmead lovers.
Date: January 1, 2020
Time: 10am-12pm
Meeting Location: Parking Lot by State of Connecticut Sign
Length of Hike: Approximately two miles
Minimum Age for Children: Any age child is welcome with an adult willing to carry them, if they get tired
Any restrictions? None, leashed dogs are permitted
Things to bring: Water, waterproof walking shoes or boots, snowshoes if snowy
Be prepared for windy conditions – there always tends to be a bit of biting wind in winter in the fields at Topsmead
Cancellation Information: Call or text leader, Bruce Baldwin, at 860-921-6374
It's Winter at Topsmead!
History of TopsmeadIn 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.
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VolunteerFind out how you can participate in preserving and promoting the rich heritage and natural beauty of Topsmead State Forest.
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To learn more visit and ‘like’ us on Facebook:
Topsmead State Forest FACEBOOK connection
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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. 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. Please contact us to find out more.
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Download Topsmead Trail Map below:
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