Burr Pond Picnic Shelter

Closed — Closed for the season through March 31, 2026. Reopens April 1, 2026 for day use only. Peak season runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Reservations available via ReserveAmerica starting January 3, 2026 for dates through November 27, 2026.

About

Burr Pond Picnic Shelter sits within Burr Pond State Park in western Connecticut's Northwest Hills region. The park surrounds an 85-acre man-made pond created in 1851 when Milo Burr dammed the confluence of several mountain streams to power local industry. The site gained historic significance as the location of the world's first condensed milk factory, and today a bronze tablet marks the former mill site just below the falls. The pavilion-style picnic shelter can accommodate up to 80 people and is available for day use reservations only through ReserveAmerica. No overnight camping is permitted. Park facilities include restrooms, a boat launch, food concessions during peak season, and multiple picnic areas. The pond offers opportunities for swimming at a designated beach area, fishing for sunfish and other freshwater species, and non-motorized boating including canoe and kayak rentals from Memorial Day to Labor Day. A 2.5-mile hiking trail loops around the pond through varied forest terrain suitable for beginners. The park also offers opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife viewing, photography, and mountain biking. During winter months when facilities are closed, the area is used for cross-country skiing and ice skating. Note that parking is limited and the park may close to new arrivals once capacity is reached, even for shelter reservations.

Directions

Off Route 8 North: Exit 46. At the end of the ramp, turn left onto Pinewoods Road. At the first stop sign, turn left onto Winsted Road. Follow Winsted Road for approximately 1 mile, and turn right at the blinking yellow light marked with a park sign. The park is 1 mile down on the left.

Nearby Campgrounds