Mattatuck State Forest

Mattatuck State Forest is the reality of Mr. Harley F. Roberts’ vision. Initiated with a land donation from Roberts’ Black Rock Association in 1925, Mattatuck’s many parcels are spread out over many towns and offer a wide variety of forest experiences to the visitor. Various trails lead hikers past interesting topography to excellent overlooks while hunters, in season, make use of the forest for its wide variety of wildlife. Town locations include Harwinton, Litchfield, Plymouth, Thomaston, Waterbury, and Watertown.

Mattatuck is managed responsibly and scientifically for forest products and wildlife habitat, as well as for recreational activities such as hiking and hunting. There are miles of rugged trails with scenic overlooks in convenient proximity to the city of Waterbury and surrounding towns. The forested corridor of Mattatuck lends a woodland aesthetic to the scenic drive along the Naugatuck River and provides a transition from the more industrial/urban landscape of the Naugatuck Valley to the “quieter” countryside of the Litchfield Hills. It also stands as a sure sign of nature’s resilience and of the determination of resource managers and conservationists.

Of the many land parcels that make up this forest the largest, 1,327 acres, adjoins Black Rock State Park and is accessible from the park’s trails. Additionally, the well-marked, 36-mile long Mattatuck Trail passes through several portions of the forest. Two of the most popular hikes in Mattatuck Forest are the trails to “Whiterock” and “Greystone.”