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BLACK ROCK STATE PARK, CTStatus: Open through Mon Sep 30 2013 Season Dates Max reservation window: Mon Apr 21 2014 Later Dates 73 site(s) found
DescriptionTucked 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 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, Incorporated, 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 camping, 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 96 sites in a wooded setting, within walking distance of the beach and swimming pond, from mid-April until September 30. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table. Other park facilities include restrooms, a food concession stand and camp store, picnic tables, dumping station, flush toilets, showers, and gravel and grass parking. Firewood and ice are available at the camp office. Nearby Attractions:Nearby state parks include Burr Pond State Park, in Torrington, Mt. Tom State Park, in Litchfield, and Topsmead State Forest, also in Litchfield. Services & Amenities:
Alerts and Important Information You can now make a reservation for the day before your arrival and up until 11 months in advance. The maximum length of stay is fourteen consecutive days. If you have a 14 day reservation, all members of your camping party and your camping equipment must leave the park for 5 days before you can return. In an effort to protect Connecticut's forests from the introduction and spread of destructive insect pests - in particular the emerald ash borer and Asian long-horned beetle - the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is taking the following action: Prohibiting the bringing of firewood into state of Connecticut campgrounds and state parks from other states. As an alternative, firewood can be either purchased at the camp stores within the state campgrounds or at local retail sellers of firewood. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection greatly appreciates the public's assistance in helping to protect the state's natural resources and apologizes for any inconvenience this initiative may cause. ALCOHOL is PROHIBITED at Black Rock. Pets are not permitted in the campground. Some new parking regulations have been applied to specific sites; alerts will display. Additional information can be found at the following addresses. CT State Parks (DEP) or Friends of Connecticut State Parks General Camping Information If you have any questions, please call 1-866-287-2757 or 1-866-CTPARKS. Explore the natural and cultural histories of Connecticut State Parks and Forests through interpretation! Interpretive events are listed on the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection's website. Take a hike, meet a snake, learn about forest heroes, and more! Follow this link to the DEP's Calendar of Events. Perform a "Keyword" search for this park/forest and then join a program. Additional programs may be offered, so be sure to check with the campground staff. For additional information please call the DEP Division of State Parks at 860-424-3200. Find interpretive programs: http://dep.state.ct.us/calendar/calendar.htm Getting There:From Route 8 north, take Exit 38. Turn left at the end of the exit ramp to the first traffic light. Turn left at the traffic light onto US Route 6 west. Park entrance is 1/2 mile up, on the right, on US Route 6.Contact Information:Mailing Address:BLACK ROCK STATE PARKWATERTOWN ROAD (US ROUTE 6) WATERTOWN CT 06795 Phone Number:Information: (860)283-8088 |
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