Description

Tucked into the scenic rolling hills of the Western Highlands, 439-acre Black Rock State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities. Steep, wooded ledges covered with pine, hemlock and oak trees provide the setting for Black Rock Pond. The name Black Rock is derived from the local graphite deposits which the early settlers of the Naugatuck Valley were allowed to mine by the resident Indians around 1657. Visitors can enjoy the scenery of the Western Highlands while hiking the blue-blazed Mattatuck Trail which connects the park to the woodland sections of the Mattatuck State Forest.

Geography:

Black Rock was given to the people of Connecticut in 1926, through the efforts of Black Rock Forest Inc., a citizen's conservation group interested in woodland preservation. Development of access roads and facilities later became part of the Civilian Conservation Corps' economic recovery program in the 1930's, following World War I.

Recreation:

Black Rock is a designated Trout Park, so one important activity at the park is stream and pond fishing. Other activities include hiking, picnicking, swimming, and field sports. Excellent hiking is available on the Mattatuck Trail, from the Grey Stone section of Waterbury to the Wigwam Reservoir in Morris. This trail offers a scenic view of the Naugatuck Valley, highlighting Black Rock. There are many side trails, where one can see Black Rock Lake, Black Rock Pond, mature forests, and meadows. Hikes can last from 30 minutes to all day.

Facilities:

Black Rock Campground offers 75 campsites within walking distance to the beach and fishing pond. Four rustic cabin sites are also available. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table. There are two full bath houses with showers and flush toilets. A dumping station is available for use, however electric and water hook-ups are not available. In addition to camping, Black Rock offers swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking.

Nearby Attractions:

Nearby State parks include Burr Pond State Park, in Torrington and Mt. Tom State Park and Topsmead State Forest, both in Litchfield.

Reservations can be made for today and can be made up to 11 Month(s) in advance.

Season Schedule

• General Rules