Nehantic State Forest Trail is a 6.6 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near East Lyme, Connecticut that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
The land is mostly covered with a second growth of hardwoods. There are a number of good trout streams in the forest. Paths are wide and generally easy to use. It is extremely quiet and there is a lot of wildlife the further into the forest you travel. The trail head and paths are unmarked, but clear. You can choose to follow the access roads, the horse trails, or the footpaths, all of which intersect and wind throughout the forest. There are many small creeks, waterfalls and some larger waterways that are great for small kids, dogs or other shallow-water activities. Much of the trails are clean and free from trash, with relatively few markers of people. A few access roads lead to the powerlines adjacent Hartman Park, and are fun to climb, and provide beautiful views, especially in the early summer and fall. The paths are best suited for casual hiking and beginner mountain biking, some rocky faces, downed trees and other features make it an interesting path. Dogs are allowed, technically only while on-leash, but there are many dogs who are not kept on leash. Horses, ATVs and off-road vehicles also frequent some of the wider access roads.
Nehantic State Forest is accessible from multiple spots along the road, but there is no marked entrance or designated parking. The trails are accessible year-round. There are no trash cans or bathroom facilities, all waste must be carried out. Despite the official website's listing of picnic benches, there are none.
Email: deep.stateparks@ct.gov Telephone: (860) 424-3200/(866) 287-2757 (Toll Free in CT) Fax: (860) 424-4070
From I-95 Southbound: Take Exit 70 and go straight at bottom of exit, travel through 2 traffic lights, turn right at the third light at the intersection of Route 156 and Route 1. Follow Route 156 for approximately 3 miles. Forest entrance is on the right. From I-95 Northbound: Take Exit 70 and turn left off the ramp onto Route 156 Northbound. Follow Route 156 for approximately 3 miles. Forest entrance is on the right.
January 18, 2021
November 21, 2020Took both dogs and both kids on a few of the trails. Relaxing and beautiful. You can adventure out and make your hikes as easy or as difficult as you please.
November 18, 2020very nice quiet my dog had a blast
April 14, 2020
September 18, 2019From parking you’re walking 2 miles on a gravel road before you get to the actual park. Best to just go directly to the parking area in front of the park on grassy Hill. Paths are either gravel, sand or both.No scenic views just a woodsy forest.
August 28, 2019February 11, 2019Easy wide trail.
February 11, 2019Easy wide trail.
July 23, 2016Is there a parking area? Following the directions from this site, we were brought to the middle of a road. No parking in sight. Following the compass on the record park, we walked on the road for a mile. Doing this for cub scouts so didn't think it was too safe.
July 6, 2016not much past nature watching
June 24, 2016
First to ReviewFollowed the forest road off Holmes Rd. Very easy walk.
January 18, 2021December 30, 2020October 31, 2020September 20, 2020May 24, 2020May 18, 2020May 10, 2020May 9, 2020May 7, 2020May 3, 2020April 29, 2020April 7, 2020April 1, 2020October 13, 2019August 3, 2019May 19, 2019
