A Walk in the Park

Here are two additional state parks in Hartford County where you can walk or enjoy other outdoor activities.

Stratton Brook State Park - Simsbury, Connecticut

Stratton Brook State Park in Simsbury is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking in the summer, and it's also known for its trout fishing and mountain biking trails along a former railroad bed. In 1996, it became the state's first wheelchair-accessible park.

Activities: Walking, Hiking, Biking, Picnicking, Fishing, Swimming, Cross-Country Skiing, Ice Skating

Admission: The entry fee for Connecticut residents is $7 per vehicle on weekends and holidays. There is no charge during the week. For non-residents, the entry fee is $10 per vehicle on weekends and holidays, free on weekdays.

Directions: From I-91 North, take Exit 36 for Route 178. Turn left at the end of the exit ramp onto Route 178 West. At the intersection of Routes 178 and 185, turn right on Route 185 and proceed to the intersection of Routes 10 and 202. Turn right and drive north 1.8 miles to a left turn on Route 309. Continue for 1.6 miles to the Stratton Brook State Park entrance on the left. From I-91 South, take Exit 40 for Route 20 West and follow Route 20 West to the center of Granby. At the intersection of Routes 10 and 202, turn left. Follow Routes 10 and 202 for 6.1 miles to a right turn on Route 309. Continue for 1.6 miles to the Stratton Brook State Park entrance on the left.

For information, call: 860-242-1158

Talcott Mountain State Park - Bloomfield, Connecticut

The 557-acre Talcott Mountain State Park has something no other state park can claim-the 165-foot Heublein Tower, which provides panoramic views of the Hartford skyline and the Farmington River Valley that are particularly spectacular in the fall. Picnic tables at the summit are the perfect place to reward yourself with a treat or meal after the 1-1/2 mile, uphill hike and the ascent to the top of the tower.

Activities: Walking, Hiking, Picnicking, Visiting Historic Heublein Tower

Admission: Free

Directions: From I-91 North or South, take Exit 35B for Bloomfield/Route 218 (Cottage Grove Road). Follow Cottage Grove Road west to Route 185. Follow Route 185 toward Simsbury. The entrance to Talcott Mountain State Park/Heublein Tower is at the top of the hill on the left. From I-84 East or West, take the Route 44 Exit and proceed west to the junction of Routes 10 and 202 in Avon. Follow Route 10 North to Route 185 in Simsbury, then follow Route 185 toward Bloomfield. The entrance to Talcott Mountain State Park/Heublein Tower is on the right at the top of the hill.

For information, call: 860-242-1158