Higganum Reservoir State Park - Higganum, Connecticut

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Higganum Reservoir State Park: A Tranquil Escape in Connecticut

Higganum Reservoir State Park presents a beautiful and relatively secluded natural area located in the heart of Connecticut. Situated at Address: Higganum, CT 06441, United States, this park offers a unique blend of scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. The park’s phone number is Phone: 8604243000, and visitors can find comprehensive information, including park alerts and maps, on the official website: Website: ct.gov. It’s designated as a State park and a popular Tourist attraction, consistently receiving positive feedback from those who visit.

Location and Key Features

Higganum Reservoir is a relatively small lake, spanning approximately 31 acres and measuring 3,700 feet in length. The park’s terrain is characterized by rolling hills and woodlands, providing a pleasant backdrop for outdoor activities. The park’s location, close to Route 81, makes it accessible, though navigating to the hiking trails requires a bit of careful driving. Specifically, accessing the trails and fishing areas is best done via Dish Mill Road, which transforms into a narrow, unpaved dirt road, demanding a vehicle capable of handling slightly rough conditions.

Recreational Opportunities

While the park isn’t known for extensive hiking trails, there are options available for those seeking a short walk. However, visitors should be aware that some trails have experienced wear and tear due to off-road vehicle use. The primary attraction for many is the lake itself. There’s a boat launch area located at the southern end of the reservoir, although it isn’t always clearly marked. Boat access is primarily car-top boating, adding to the rustic charm of the experience. The parking area near the dam, situated at the northern end of the lake, offers a vantage point for observing the structure, though a dedicated trail isn’t present, and traversing the tall grass is not recommended.

Family-Friendly Aspects

Higganum Reservoir State Park is generally considered a Good for kids destination. The lake offers opportunities for enjoying the water, and the relatively short, accessible trails make it suitable for families with young children. The park’s overall atmosphere encourages a relaxed and enjoyable experience for all ages. Kid-friendly hikes are readily available, though planning is advised due to the terrain.

Important Notes & Considerations

• Dogs Allowed: Pets are welcome at the park, allowing owners to enjoy the outdoors with their companions.
• Access Road: As noted, Dish Mill Road requires a vehicle with reasonable ground clearance.
• Limited Trail Infrastructure: Trail maintenance is ongoing, and some trails may be uneven or overgrown.

The park currently boasts an Average opinion: 4.4/5 based on 97 reviews on Google My Business, reflecting a strong positive sentiment among visitors. It’s clear that many appreciate the park's peaceful atmosphere and unique character.

For the most up-to-date information on park hours, conditions, and any temporary closures, we strongly encourage visitors to explore the official website at ct.gov. Detailed planning and awareness of the access road are vital for a smooth and enjoyable visit.

We recommend contacting the park directly through their website to inquire about specific activities or to arrange any necessary permits. Enjoy your time at Higganum Reservoir State Park

👍 Reviews of Higganum Reservoir State Park

mcruccivideo

3/5

Google maps does not direct you correctly. Use Dish Mill Rd for access to hiking, fishing, car-top boating. It becomes a rough one lane dirt road. The boat launch area is at southern part of lake and is not marked. The narrow lake is 31 acres and 3,700 feet long per Wikipedia.
The “hiking” trails did not tempt me as I had limited time and they seem abused by off road vehicles.
The small parking lot for view of the dam is at most northern end of lake on RT 81. Did not see the dam as there is no trail and didn’t want to walk thru the high grass.

Andrzej

3/5

Not my favorite state parks in the area.
Is poorly maintained and many dirt bike and quats in the area. Next to this park is route 9 highway, so it's pretty loud, I won't come back there again.

Tom P.

5/5

Nice place along the Connecticut River, but too many people in the summer come here and leave garbage behind.

Jason Z.

3/5

Some of the reviews stated hiking; there are no hiking trails here. Not much room for walking but it does have a nice waterfall.

Paul A.

1/5

Google maps brings us to a private road which the owner signs, Google is wrong and redirects to a road down the street!

Eugene A. Y. (.

5/5

This is an extremely Scenic location, if you enjoy hiking and just spending time Outdoors then I recommend going to this area. There is a dam that you can stand by and just watch the water as it goes by, it is very peaceful and Serene. I did not see much Wildlife but it could be due to the fact that it was overcast when I went. I enjoyed walking the trail and chatting, while holding hands with my date. Period a very nice I recommend taking the whole family.

Michele M.

4/5

I love coming here all year round its so peaceful.walking/hiking trails i bring my dogs on to get mine and their excercise.we also like to swim at the little beach area

Michael L.

4/5

Nice picturesque views.