Pachaug State Forest - Green Falls Area

October 13, 2010 12:00 am • Last Updated: August 16, 2018 2:14 pm

By Day staff

Green Falls Pond is a picturesque spot for hiking, swimming, fishing and picnikcing. There is also a cartop boat launch there; no motorized boats are allowed.

Pachaug State Forest - Green Falls Area

Towns: Voluntown and North Stonington

Directions: Take I-95 north to exit 92 (Routes 2 & 49); left off exit on Route 2 West. At traffic circle, take the first exit onto Route 184; in 3/4 mile take slight left onto Route 49. Follow for about 9 miles. A small wooden sign off Route 49 (across from field with a windmill) marks the left turn onto Green Falls Road and forest entrance; go about 3 miles down dirt road to parking area.

Where to Park: Parking area off Green Falls Road at pond. Another parking area is located off Fish Road, at Laurel Loop Trail.

Description: This area of the state's largest forest has Narragansett, Nehantic and Pachaug trails trail sections, part of the Connecticut Forest & Park Association's blue-blazed trail system.The blue/red pond loop trail is roughly two miles of moderately difficult hiking. Parts of the trail are steep and narrow; other parts are very rocky.Blue-blazed trails are for foot travel only, but on the Pachaug Multi-use Trail, mountain bikes, horses and off-road motorcycles are allowed.

Regulations: Dogs on leash permitted; no alcohol in camping areas; closes at sunset.

Amenities: Composting toilets; swimming area; camping area; cartop boat launch (no motors); picnic tables; pond is stocked with trout.

Natural Features: Green Falls Pond and Green Falls River are some of the main features in this section of the forest.

Fees: None for day use; fees for camping.

Things to note: Narragansett and Pachaug trails continue beyond forest into Rhode Island. Hunting is permitted in sections of the forest in season.

Owned by: State Department of Environmental Protection

More information: http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2716&q=325072&depNav_GID=1650

A small sign off Route 49 marks the turn onto the entrance road.

Blue blazes and markings maintained by the Connecticut Forest & Park Association mark the main trails.

A white pine has anchored its roots around a large rock.

Sections of the trail are very rocky.

Green Falls pond is a picturesque spot for hiking, swimming, fishing and picnicking. There is also a cartop boat launch there; no motorized boats are allowed.

The red dot trail goes atop a dam at one end of Green Falls Pond.

Sun shines through tall oaks and pines on a bright fall day.

Oaks are the dominant hardwood in the in the areas near the pond loop trail.

A woolly caterpillar climbs up the moss-covered trunk of a tall pine.

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