Tucked into Connecticut’s quiet northeast corner, Quaddick State Forest spreads across 1,109 acres of rolling woodland in Thompson, Windham County — part of the rural landscape known locally as “The Last Green Valley.” This state forest offers a genuine escape from the more heavily trafficked parks closer to Hartford and the coast, rewarding visitors with unhurried trails through mixed hardwood and hemlock groves.

The forest’s standout feature is Quaddick Reservoir, a scenic body of water shared with neighboring Massachusetts that anchors much of the recreational experience here. Fishing is popular along the reservoir’s wooded shoreline, with anglers targeting largemouth bass, yellow perch, and chain pickerel. A network of unmarked trails and old forest roads winds through the property, providing solid terrain for hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing when winter snow cooperates. Hunting is permitted in season, so plan accordingly and wear blaze orange during fall.

Birdwatchers will find the mix of wetland edges and mature forest canopy productive for warblers in spring and raptors during fall migration. The relatively low foot traffic means wildlife sightings — white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and the occasional red fox — are common for those who move quietly.

Visit in mid-October for peak foliage, when the hardwoods put on one of Windham County’s best displays. Late spring brings wildflowers and the return of migratory songbirds. Come prepared with a trail map on your phone — signage is minimal, which is part of the charm but worth noting for first-time visitors.

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• Blackwell Brook Bridge — Covered Bridge in Connecticut
• Connecticut State Route 169 — Scenic Byway in Connecticut
• Sassafras Point Light — Lighthouse in Rhode Island
• Fuller Rock Light — Lighthouse in Rhode Island