Dennis Hill Picnic Shelter

Closed — Closed for the season. The shelter operates seasonally from late April through early November. Reservations can be made through the Connecticut State Parks reservation system.

About

Perched at the summit of Dennis Hill State Park in Norfolk, this picnic shelter occupies one of Connecticut's most scenic locations. The 90x50-foot pavilion sits at 1,627 feet elevation on what was once the estate of Dr. Frederick Shepard Dennis, a noted New York surgeon who gifted the property to Connecticut in 1935. The shelter provides 360-degree panoramic views across the Litchfield Hills, with sightlines extending to Haystack Mountain, Mt. Greylock, the Green Mountains, and on clear days, parts of New Hampshire. The pavilion retains the architectural character of its origins as a summer residence and later served as a World War II lookout post. Today it's available for group rental and can accommodate up to 150 people. The site includes four picnic tables and composting toilet facilities. Access to the summit is via a paved road that's open seasonally, or by hiking trails available year-round. The location is particularly spectacular during fall foliage season when the surrounding hardwood forest transforms into brilliant autumn colors.

Directions

From I-91, take Exit 32B for Route 44 towards Norfolk. In Norfolk, turn south onto Route 272/Litchfield Road for about 2.5 miles. The park entrance is on the left.

Nearby Campgrounds