Northfield Brook Lake

A ranger paddles out over a calm pond with several other people in a small group of canoes.

Salt pond paddle with a ranger.

Northfield Brook Lake is a scenic day use park with a swim beach, horseshoe pits, picnic shelters, tables and fire grills located throughout the park. The 1.7-mile-long self-guided hiking trail winds throughout the park. The 8-acre lake is stocked with trout by the State and supports warmwater fish species. Reservations for group picnic shelters are accepted at (203) 758-1723. For up-to-date information, call (860) 283-5540.

A ranger prepares a canoe for launch while a mother and son look on.

Getting ready to head out on the Salt Pond Paddle trip.

A ranger gets into a canoe headed out over the calm surface of a pond.

Headed out on the Salt Pond.

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From Thomaston, 2 miles north on CN 254.

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Permits info

Important Information

Hikers must take IGBC approved bear resistant food storage containers in this area. Free loan out of these containers is available at Grand Teton permit stations with a valid backcountry permit.

Facilities

NORTHFIELD BROOK LAKE GROUP SHELTERS Campground

List of Campsites

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 and other outdoor activities.

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 hiking 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. 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.

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 geese, wood ducks, great blue heron, osprey and American kestrel.

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.

Recreation Areas and Campground Database