There are two ways to get here: the paved road and the gravel road. If you have a 4x4 or another high clearance vehicle, even bikes, you can do the unpaved road. Google did me a solid and took me on the unpaved road, which at the beginning is bumpy and soft, and seems very doable, but quickly turns rocky and hilly, and eventually goes berserk and turns into a road with big cracks, branches that are down, water puddles and brooks, a beautiful place to walk but not for a luxury four door sedan rental, which is what I always rent and ride. I'm joking, I rent two door vehicles, cheap gas, you know. Anyway, I went a bit too far hoping for the road to patch up and be normal, but after a few craters I knew that this road was a trail more than a road. So, if you are coming to Mohawk Mountain, do not leave the unpaved road because it will lead you to the main entrance and not where I was, which I never will know if it even leads to Mohawk Mountain since I aborted it after the second knock on the transmission. Oh! Yes, no way to turn around either, so I had to undo a large part of the trail on reverse. Good thing I know how to drive well! Other than that, this place is really cool. The name may be borrowed from an offshoot of the larger Iroquois nations, the Mohawk-Iroquois, which occupied New York, not Connecticut. As far as I know, the name of the tribe that may have inhabited this area is disputed. read more

Mohawk State Forest - Parks Near Me - Goshen, Connecticut

I've been coming up here since I was a teenager! It's such a fun place to feel on top of the world and hang out. It's never "crowded" per se so it's peaceful and surrounded by nature. I like to bring a book when the temp is right and enjoy. read more

Mohawk State Forest is one of the best parks/forests I've visited in CT. It has a great network of trails, as well as a nice drive with pretty vistas, located just off of Route 4 for the north entrance. It reminds me of Shenandoah National Park, but in miniature. There are picnic areas (with pit toilets, even) so there's a nice variety of places to have a picnic lunch. The Mohawk Trail (a Connecticut Blue-Blazed Trail, and former AT route) winds through the park, with multiple spots to park and hike. There are also fantastic spots to take in the view, such as at the Mohawk Tower. This seemed to be one of the most popular spots in the park, there was barely any spot to park in and take in the view. There's also a couple of ponds for fishing and water recreation. The park is adjacent to Mohawk Mountain Ski Area, so in the winter, the park becomes a cross country ski area, with multiple trails for skiing and several snowmobile trails. This is definitely a 4-season park to spend a lot of time in! read more

See all

Come here and get lost!! Mohawk is one of those places that you come to forgot the world and it's easily done walking around here. This place is huge! Extremely huge!! I hit the trails in Colombus weekend and I did not see one other person than the parking lot. I walked around for over 6 hours and did not see one soul. The trails are massive and easily takes hours to walks through one and the scenery changes throughout. The bog part is a must section to see since it's mind blowing how it formed. read more

See all

This 3,300 acre state forest is a gem whether you are the L.L. Bean outdoorsy type or someone who prefers a less strenuous approach to the outdoors. It offers miles of not-too challenging hiking trails, gorgeous vistas and dozens of picnic areas (and of course skiing in winter). The walking trails take you through well-blazed paths; there are numerous entry points for long walks and short strolls. And you can drive your car right up to the most scenic spot atop 1,600-foot high mohawk Mountain. The views there out towards, we believe, the Berkshire and Taconic mountain ranges are lovely, especially so if you can catch the colors right in the fall. There's a tall fire tower there but it is not accessible. Along the gently curving drive to that site is the Cunningham Tower, just several hundred yards off the road. The remains of what was a two-story circular stone tower are a marvelous sight; the second story is gone completely and the interior stone step have been removed. But what's left is a compelling structure, a bit damaged by vandals, that seems rich in history. It was built around 1915 to replace a wooden observation tower. Trees have gown up such that now even a second story would probably yield no views. It also looks as if there ought to be some eerie stories attached to it; we've never heard of any, but feel free to make some up when you visit. All in all, this forest is a great space in which to spend a little or a lot of time. The picnic areas are plentiful and the forest is so beguiling and relaxing. We've seen a few animals here and there -- came across a small but lively snake the other day -- but nothing that should threaten a wonderful outdoors experience for the entire family. And it's free! read more

As a "city slicker" as my dad puts it (the guy born in New Jersey), I have a long history living across the road from this mountain. He does the walk every day by himself and back. Thus whenever I'm up there he forces me to do the walk while my mom avoids it like it were an afternoon of church. Through every muggy, disgusting summer of bugs and frigid, impossible winters I have dragged my butt up and down this park. As a young girl in little Doc Marten mary janes whining and plotting an equal intolerable demise on my father, to a now older disgruntled girl but lugging a digital camera like a tourist. Saw it, lived it, shoplifted the t-shirt. It's not difficult to navigate on or off the path, very straightforward with lots of little camp buildings, picnic stops and hidden treasures along the way. There used to be this beautiful overlook that kids carved their initials in on the top on Mohawk Mountain (not the ski resort), but was torn down. There is still off one of the paths is an open stone castle-y building. For those who want to be on the driving path, on the other side towards the overpass has an equally impressive overlook. I recommend walking for better wildlife views. For photographers, nature enthusiasts, people who want to get their groove on with some trees, it's what you dream about. read more

See all

I came to Mohawk a few years ago with my dog, and for various reasons hadn't come back before today. I completely forgot how long and windy it is to get to the top. There may be a trail in there that goes from top to bottom through the woods. I could be sure if I looked it up, but maybe another time. What I am sure about it don't park at the bottom and start walking up the road. It's not that kind of park. Keep driving, and as you go up the hill, you'll see many opportunities for picnicking and overlooks, and as another review said, "easy to moderate hiking trails ideal for short sojourns." (Steven H. said it so perfectly, I hope the quote is okay!) The top is gorgeous, today provided the accompaniment background music of drones. My dog, an expert in his field, declared the area positively sniffable and would still be roaming around up there, chasing the trail of something had he not been put back in the car. Take sun precautions though, especially up at the top! It's a very open area, comparatively close to the sun. read more

Winter is no excuse! Get outside and experience the great outdoors like never before. Put on a pair of good hiking boots, bundle up, and tread the trodden trails (do I hear Dave Matthews Band in the background?) of Mohawk State Forest in 18 inches of snow. How, you say? Chances are that the snow-covered hiking trails will be packed down by the snowshoeing patrons that came before you. The result? "Snow-booting!" [Trademark Jason M. of Berlin, CT] For obvious reasons, you can't trek that fast in the snow. But if you find the blue trail where it meets Tornado Road, a good hike will take you to the summit in about 40 minutes. 360 degree views from the top, quite stunning when all of New England is blanketed in the white stuff. If you're feeling richer, and don't like physical activity, there's always the ten miles of designated trails for snowmobiling. No matter what, it's a pleasant place to be one with nature. read more

great walking, views from mountain top, swimming in Mohawk Pond. Fall leaves are splendid w mix of red and gold from oak, maple , beech and birch. In off season you can play in steep meadows that become sky slopes in winter read more

There are a lot of ways to enjoy this spot. I like hiking and camping so I'm going to recommend getting on the blue blazed Mohawk Trail and hiking the entire length with some good friends. If you have children there's an awesome summer hike where you start from the boat launch, hike up the mountain, picnic at the top (someone can even drive a cooler with some food up there) and then hike down to the campground/picnic area (make sure to stop for cool clean fresh spring water along the way before backtracking for a swim at the boat launch. If you're older and can swim well the rocks across the way make a great hangout away from people and cars. Nothing here is too challenging. You can do the entire trail in a day easy if you keep moving. I loved it. I loved slogging through the swamped out overflowed beaver dam area. I loved coming up over the hill to see the amazing views below. I loved seeing some wildlife (deer, turkeys and an owl). I loved just spending time on the trail and not being in the office. I'd love to come back here with smaller kids and do a baby hike. I'll make up stories about ghosts and zombies and werewolves in the gutted out "castle" and talk about sea monsters as we wade around in the lake. I'll cook them hot dogs and they can cook me marshmallows. It could be a great day. Put one together for yourself! read more

See all

This is a very pretty state recreation area in the Litchfield hills with a number of nice scenic overlooks and a variety of easy to moderate hiking trails ideal for short sojourns. Particularly nice in the fall. read more

This is a very very good place to visit with family and friends for a peaceful picnic day. This is within an hour's drive from most parts of Connecticut and it is a pleasant surprise. As we entered the forest, we could drive through the forest until the top vista point. There are many scenic points in between where you can stop and watch the spectacular scenery. There are a lot of picnic areas with tables along the drive in the forest. You can have a great lunch with your family and friends in a very peaceful environment. I had been there in 2010 summer with my family and then, again visited with my friend's and my families. My friend's family too liked the place very much and thanked us for recommending this place. The view from the top vista point is awesome. For a day's trip, we clubbed Mohawk Forest with Housatonic Meadows State Park during our first visit. For our second visit, we clubbed Mohawk Forest with the Kent Falls. Both were great days! The countryside drive is also awesome and rewarding. read more