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Tucked into the scenic rolling hills of the Western Highlands, 439-acre Black Rock State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities. Steep, wooded ledges covered with pine, hemlock and oak provide the setting for Black Rock Pond. The name "Black Rock" is derived from the local graphite deposits which the early settlers of the Naugatuck Valley were allowed to mine by the resident Indians around 1657. Visitors can enjoy the scenery of the Western Highlands while hiking the blue-blazed Mattatuck Trail, which connects the park to the woodland sections of the Mattatuck State Forest.
Location: Black Rock was given to the people of Connecticut in 1926, through the efforts of Black Rock Forest, Incorporated, a citizen's conservation group interested in woodland preservation. Development of access roads and facilities later became part of the Civilian Conservation Corps' economic recovery program in the 1930's, following World War I.
Recreation: Black Rock is a designated Trout Park, so one important activity at the park is stream and pond fishing. Other activities include camping, picnicking, swimming, and field sports. Excellent hiking is available on the Mattatuck Trail, from the Grey Stone section of Waterbury to the Wigwam Reservoir in Morris. This trail offers a scenic view of the Naugatuck Valley, highlighting Black Rock. There are many side trails, where one can see Black Rock Lake, Black Rock Pond, mature forests, and meadows. Hikes can last from 30 minutes to all day.
Nearby: Nearby state parks include Burr Pond State Park, in Torrington, Mt. Tom State Park, in Litchfield, and Topsmead State Forest, also in Litchfield.
Picnic Shelter Cancellation Policy: Refund amounts will be determined as follows: • Cancellations made 30 days or more prior to the picnic shelter reservation: full refund less the $9.00 non-refundable reservation fee and $9.00 cancellation fee • Cancellations made 6 - 29 days prior to the picnic shelter reservation: refund of $145.00 less $9.00 cancellation fee • Cancellations made within 5 days of the picnic shelter reservation: Not eligible for a refund. You can now make a reservation for the day before your arrival and up until 11 months in advance. NOTE: All Parking fees are additional and will be collected on arrival at the gate. ALCOHOL is PROHIBITED at Black Rock. No pets allowed in campground. Some new parking regulations have been applied to specific sites; alerts will display. Additional information can be found at the following addresses. CT State Parks (DEEP) Friends of Connecticut State Parks General Camping Information If you have any questions, please call 1-866-287-2757 or 1-866-CTPARKS. Explore the natural and cultural histories of Connecticut State Parks and Forests through interpretation! Interpretive events are listed on the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection's website. Take a hike, meet a snake, learn about forest heroes, and more! Follow this link to the DEEP's Calendar of Events. Perform a "Keyword" search for this park/forest and then join a program. Additional programs may be offered, so be sure to check with the campground staff. For additional information please call the DEEP Division of State Parks at 860-424-3200. Find interpretive programs: http://www.depdata.ct.gov/calendar/ Heavy weekend use at each park may lead to gate closures if the park fills to capacity. In the event of this happening, no more cars are allowed to enter. Guests should plan to arrive as early as possible to avoid being turned away. (Picnic shelter rental does not guarantee entry to the park.)