Home › Connecticut › Thomaston › Mattatuck State Forest
Mattatuck State Forest
4.5 ★★★★★ 235 Google reviews · Running trail in Thomaston, Connecticut · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Mattatuck State Forest's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Begun with a donation of land in 1925, this undeveloped state forest now spans some 4,500 acres.
What runners say about Mattatuck State Forest
“Very snowy, icy underfoot, but most beautiful view of the Branch Brook - partially frozen and winding through snow laden trees.”
We only hiked one small portion of the mattatuck Forrest but we found the trails to be well maintained, scenic and fun. A great place to escape into a little nature in CT. WE hiked to "leathermans cave" it was a fun hike with a pretty nice mix of challenge and ease with a very nice reward at the end.
Great hike with some decent elevation gain and rock scrambles. Part of it is also very flat and runs along side the rushing water which is very calming.
Can be beautiful as well as a bit rugged in places with miles of hiking trails to enjoy! The overlook from the 'rock' has been a favorite for years as well as Leatherman's caves.
My dog and I love coming here early mornings. Although beware 07/30/23 blue trail is very muddy . Mud puddles as wide as the trail wear Good shoes that you don't mind getting dirty. Mattatuck forest is one of my favorite forest to unwind & look at the beautiful forest CT has.
Trail conditions & character
“Very snowy, icy underfoot, but most beautiful view of the Branch Brook - partially frozen and winding through snow laden trees.”
“Follow the Blue trail across the street,cross over Rte 6 and up the trail to Leatherman's Cave - very steep and rocky in some areas!”
“Follow the Blue trail across the street,cross over Rte 6 and up the trail to Leatherman's Cave - very steep and rocky in some areas!”
Plan your run at Mattatuck State Forest
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitect.gov
- Phone(860) 567-5694
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Thomaston
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Rock House
4.7 ★★★★★ 42 reviews
Rock formations and a cave, along with scenic views and hiking trails.
Mattatuck Trail
4.2 ★★★★☆ 6 reviews
Black Rock State Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,474 reviews
439-ac. park featuring multiple campsites, hiking trails & ponds for fishing & swimming.
Field 1 - Veteran's Memorial Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 76 reviews
Clean park featuring a playground, fields, swings and picnic tables.
