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Attention: Please be advised that Northfield Brook Lake Group Shelters will be close June 14, 2013 - June 21, 2013 due to flooding.
Attention: Due to flooding, Northfield Brook Lake Group Shelters is closed until further notice.
Attention: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, will close the Northfield Brook Lake swimming beach in Thomaston, Connecticut, on May 21, 2013 due to unsafe conditions. Upon inspection, hazards found include 1-2 feet of sediment, aquatic weeds, tree branches and vegetation throughout the bottom of the swim area as a result of past flood events. There is no determination at this time as to whether the beach will reopen. It should be noted that the remainder of the park is open to the public, including picnic tables, picnic shelters and restrooms. For further information, please contact the Thomaston Dam Office at 860-283-5540.

NORTHFIELD BROOK LAKE GROUP SHELTERS, CT

Status: Open through Mon Oct 14 2013   Season Dates
2 site(s) found
ALL (2)
GROUP SHELTER NONELECTRIC (2)

Overview

Northfield Brook Lake Group Shelters are located along a small scenic lake in the Naugatuck Valley of west-central Connecticut.

Naugatuck Valley boasts picturesque small towns, rolling hills and industry and where public recreation is valued. On warm summer evenings, people gather at the park to enjoy hiking, picnicking, swimming and other outdoor activities.

Natural Features:

The 208 acres of undeveloped public land at Northfield Brook Lake are managed for recreation, forest and wildlife. The mixed pine and hardwood forest presents a brilliant backdrop of colors during fall foliage season.

Wildlife is abundant in the reservoir area. White-tailed deer, beaver, red fox, raccoon, gray squirrel and cottontail rabbits either live in or visit project lands. Birds spotted at the lake include Canada and snow geese, wood ducks, great blue heron, osprey and American kestrel.

Recreation:

The recreation area provides two picnic shelters that can be reserved for group events in spring, summer and early fall, though guests are invited to walk the park during daylight hours any time of year.

The park gives visitors an easy time of relaxing and having fun in nature. A 1.7-mile long interpretive trail follows the brook upstream and up the forested hillside. Anglers seek out stocked trout, as well as warm water fish naturally found in the lake, such as bass.

Guests are welcome to swim in the small designated swimming area, though there are no lifeguards on duty.

Children and families can learn about natural resources and water safety by attending educational programs given by park rangers on weekends.

Facilities:

The facility provides the setting and amenities for large groups gatherings. Each of two picnic shelters can each be reserved for up to 100 people. The park also has picnic tables, grills and horseshoe pits.

Nearby Attractions:

The small town of Thomaston has grocery stores, restaurants and gas stations. Visitors might also enjoy going for a short drive through the scenic Northwest Hills of Connecticut and the quaint New England towns of Litchfield and Goshen.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
  • Accessible Flush Toilets
  • Accessible Picnic Shelters
  • Accessible Swimming
  • Accessible Trails
  • Biking
  • Birding
  • Boating
  • Canoeing
  • Drinking Water
  • Educational Programs
  • Fishing
  • Flush Toilets
  • Grills
  • Hiking
  • Historic Sites
  • Horseshoe Pit
  • Host
  • Hunting
  • Interpretive Trails
  • Lake Access
  • Parking Area
  • River Access
  • Swimming
  • Trash Collection
  • Visitor Center
  • Wildlife Viewing
Within 10 Miles
  • Bait Shop
  • General Store
  • Restaurant
Greater Than 10 Miles
  • Hospital
Know Before You Go
  • The recreation area is open from 8 a.m. to sunset
  • This is a day-use area only
  • Contact the park manager to plan special events at this facility
  • Vehicles are prohibited beyond the gates; be prepared to carry-in or use hand truck or wagon to transport bulky items
  • Visitors must have appropriate permit on day of event
  • No motorized boats allowed
  • Off-road vehicles not permitted
  • Pets are not permitted in the beach area
  • Swimming is permitted in designated areas only
  • Generators are not permitted
  • Fires in fireplaces or grills only

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
41.6875, -73.09167
41°41'15"N, 73°5'30"W

Northfield Lake is located in Thomaston, Connecticut, easily accessible from Route 8.

From points south, take Route 8 north to exit 38. Take a left onto South Main Street. At the third traffic light, take a left onto Route 254 and proceed two miles north to the park.

From points north, take Route 8 south to exit 38. Take a right onto South Main Street. At the next traffic light, take a left onto Route 254 and proceed two miles north to the park.

Contact Information:

Mailing Address:

NORTHFIELD BROOK LAKE GROUP SHELTERS
ROUTE 254
THOMASTON CT 06787

Phone Number:

Information: (860)283-5540