Friends of Topsmead State Forest
A hidden treasure in the Litchfield hills of Connecticut
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Thank you to our
Friends of CT State Parks (FCSP) Board thank State Park workers for keeping parks open and well-maintained for all of us. With more people using the parks as a way to get some fresh air, these employees have been working harder than ever to keep parks safe and open.
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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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Covid-19 Alert and Updates
In accordance with Governor Lamont's Executive Orders 7 and 7R, the trails and grounds of Connecticut State Parks and Forests are open for solitary outdoor enjoyment. If you plan on visiting a park, it should be for solitary recreation, not group activities. Reducing community spread of coronavirus is imperative, and DEEP asks visitors to Connecticut State Parks and Forests to take the following steps to enhance “social distancing” when enjoying the outdoors.
- If you’re not feeling well, stay home! Signs and symptoms of coronavirus include fever, cough and shortness of breath.
- 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.
Please Note:
- All tours of Chase Cottage have been cancelled for the season. Please check back here to find out when the tours will be back!
- On-site "Lectures on the Lawn" are postponed, but watch for possible rescheduling as online events.
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 (Cancelled until further notice) 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:
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