Osbornedale State Park
Located in the Naugatuck Valley hills in Derby and Ansonia, Osbornedale State Park was once the forested hunting grounds of the Paugussett Indians. In 1956, the land was bequeathed to the people of Connecticut for a state park by Frances Osborne Kellogg, granddaughter of John W. Osborne, one of the Naugatuck Valley's early industrial entrepreneurs. The Osborne family owned numerous metalworking, and fabric product factories in the area, in the 1800's and 1900’s.Included on the grounds are the original farmhouse, now a museum, and Mrs. Kellogg’s plantings and gardens. Farm fields and wood lots are now part of the park. The Kellogg Environmental Center, located on-site, offers workshops, exhibits, nature activities, and lectures for the public. Through hands-on programs, families learn about nature and the environment. The Center offers weekend and youth summer programs, wildlife monitoring projects, nature walks, and family workshops.
Harkness Memorial State Park
Mrs. Mary Stillman Harkness bequeathed the beautiful Harkness Estate to the people of Connecticut in 1950. The 304-acre park’s focal point is the 42-room, Italianate mansion named "Eolia," after the "island home of the Greek god of wind." Its most striking feature is the lavish, formal gardens surrounding the mansion, designed by Beatrix Farrand. Eolia’s is one of only three Farrand garden designs remaining in the world, including the East Gardens of the White House.Eolia delights with spectacular gardens and panoramic views of the Long Island Sound. Activities at the park include mansion tours, saltwater fishing, and picnicking. Facilities are available for weddings, private parties, seminars, conferences, luncheons and teas.
Pachaug State Forest
Covering 24,000 acres, Pachaug is the largest state forest in Connecticut, and includes 54 miles of roads and trails. Three of Connecticut’s Blue-Blazed trails pass through the forest. The Nehantic Trail extends over Mount Misery, the most popular hiking destination in the forest, offering excellent views.The Forest has an unusual white cedar swamp and a rare rhododendron sanctuary. Rhododendrons may be viewed from the Herman Haupt Chapman Area off Route 49 where there is a boardwalk and handicapped accessible trail. They are also found in the Wyassup block of the Forest in North Stonington off the Narragansett Trail, off Route 49, one mile north or Route 138. Wild rhododendrons bloom almost a month later than the domesticated variety, and the best time for a visit is late June. The 26-acre rhododendron sanctuary has been designated a Natural Area Preserve.
Visitor activities at Pachaug include camping, picnicking, freshwater fishing, boating, horseback riding, motorcycling, and mountain biking.
