Connecticut / Naugatuck Valley Planning Region / Thomaston

Northfield Brook Lake Group Shelters

Closed — Closed for the season. Group shelters available for reservation mid-April through mid-October. Park grounds open for day use during daylight hours year-round.

About

Northfield Brook Lake Group Shelters provides two reservable picnic shelters along a small scenic lake in the Naugatuck Valley of west-central Connecticut. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this 208-acre day-use recreation area offers peaceful outdoor experiences in a region where public recreation space is highly valued. Each shelter accommodates up to 100 people and includes picnic tables and fire grills, making them ideal for group gatherings and special events. The park offers diverse recreational opportunities beyond the shelters. A 1.7-mile self-guided hiking trail winds along Northfield Brook upstream and through the forested hillside, showcasing the area's mixed pine and hardwood forest that produces brilliant fall foliage displays. The 8-acre lake provides fishing for state-stocked trout as well as warmwater species including bass. The park features a swimming beach, horseshoe pits, and picnic tables and fire grills scattered throughout the grounds. Park rangers offer educational programs on weekends covering natural resources and water safety. Wildlife is abundant at Northfield Brook Lake. White-tailed deer, beaver, red fox, raccoon, gray squirrel, and cottontail rabbits frequent the area, while bird species including Canada geese, wood ducks, great blue heron, osprey, and American kestrel can be spotted around the lake. While the shelters are available for reservation seasonally, the park welcomes day-use visitors during daylight hours throughout the year. The nearby town of Thomaston offers convenient access to amenities, and the scenic Northwest Hills region provides opportunities for exploring quaint New England towns.

Directions

From Route 8 southbound, take exit 38, turn right onto South Main Street, then right at the next light onto Route 254 and proceed 2 miles north. From Route 8 northbound, take exit 38, turn left onto South Main Street, then left at the third light onto Route 254 and proceed 2 miles north.

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