Lovers Leap State Park, Fairfield County Travel Guide

Lovers Leap State Park, located in New Milford, Connecticut, is a captivating destination where natural beauty intertwines with local legend. This 160-acre park straddles the Housatonic Gorge, offering visitors a variety of outdoor activities, historical exploration, and stunning views.The park's name originates from a poignant legend about Princess Lillinonah, the daughter of Chief Waramaug, and her forbidden love. According to the tale, the princess and her lover, faced with insurmountable obstacles, leapt to their deaths from the cliffs overlooking the Housatonic River. While the historical accuracy of the legend is debated, it adds a layer of mystique and romance to the park's atmosphere.Visitors can explore a network of hiking trails that wind through diverse woodlands and rocky terrain. The trails lead to the iconic Lovers Leap overlook, which provides panoramic views of the river valley and surrounding hills. The park also features the 1895 Berlin Iron Bridge, a historic lenticular truss bridge listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Other historical remnants include the ruins of the Bridgeport Wood Finishing Company factory and the Hurd estate, featuring the vine-covered "yellow cat tea house".The park is divided into three sections, each offering a unique perspective on the park's history and natural features. The Waramaug Loop Trail, located near the parking area, provides access to viewpoints and the ruins of the Indian Spring House. The Lovers Leap Trail leads to the rock formation that gives the park its name, while other trails explore the remnants of the Catherine Judson Hurd estate.