Mohawk State
Forest located off Rt. 4
in Cornwall is one of the state's
largest parks. Mohawk State Forest
offer hikers a 30 mile trail
system. The trails traverse open
fields, through deep forests, and
up steep mountain sides. The views
from Mohawk Mt. are spectacular.
Mohawk State Forest is extremely
well maintained and is visited by
tens of thousands of people each
year. It's also a popular
destination for rock climbers, and
amateur scientists who love to
absorb the diverse ecosystem and
natural settings. (In the
wintertime, Mohawk has designated
areas for cross country skiing and
snowmobiling.) Though it may seem
like Mohawk would be crowded with
a lot of people it's not really
like that most of the time. The
park is big enough that you can
always find a quiet section to
explore and 90% of the people who
visit don't venture far from their
cars. In fact, most people like to
park at a scenic overlook or
picnic area.
The road system, park benches and
picnic areas make Mohawk the
perfect destination for those who
might have limited mobility but
would love to have access remote
areas. But if you're the type that
likes to get a workout while
"getting away from it all", the
trail system is loaded with
possibilities. It's best for
anyone visiting the park to check
the maps at the main parking lot
or follow the signs to the
ranger's station for updated trail
information. Whether you are
training for a triathlon or would
like to pull your car up to a
spectacular vista, Mohawk State
Forest is a top 5 spot for sure.
Warning: I was at Mohawk State
Forest in September of 2001. While
there I noticed a West Nile Virus
warning posted throughout the
park. I don't know the full extent
of the flu warning but it should
be obvious that anyone visiting
the park should take the time to
read the warnings and protect
yourself from possible infection.
Visit the ranger's station for
updated and accurate information.
The elderly and small children are
at greatest risk. It's wise to
keep these folks away until the
park can guarantee the situation
is back to normal.
Call the rangers station to get
the latest information. I stayed
away from the swampy areas where
the mosquitoes would be in larger
numbers and stuck to the trails
that took me through the forest
and up to the top of Mohawk Mt.
Directions: If
you're coming from the western
part of Connecticut, the easiest
way to get to Mohawk State Forest
would be to take Route 7 to where
it meets Route 4 in Cornwall.
(If you're coming from the
eastern or middle part, take Route
4 west out of Torrington and
follow the signs for Mohawk State
Forest.)
At the intersection where Rt
7 and 4 meet take Rt 4 East in the
Torrington direction.
Continue on Rt. 4 following
the signs for Mohawk Mountain
State Reservation.
Don't be confused when you see a
sign for Mohawk Mountain Ski
Resort. It's different than the
state park. Mohawk
State Forest official website
Printable
version of the Mohawk
State Forest page
If you have any trail updates to
share or have feedback/questions
please click
here to send email or call
203.788.7665
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