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Kettletown State Park: A Lakeside Retreat

Explore scenic trails and lakeside views at Kettletown State Park in Southbury/Oxford, CT. A natural escape with a rich history.

4.5

Kettletown State Park, nestled in Southbury and Oxford, CT, offers a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. With over 600 acres bordering Lake Zoar, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, picnic spots, and a serene escape into nature. Note that the campground is closed for the 2025 season due to flood damage.

A brief summary to Kettletown State Park

Local tips

  • Check the official CT DEEP website for updates on trail closures and park conditions before visiting.
  • Bring appropriate footwear for hiking, as some trails can be rocky and steep.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy at the shaded picnic areas, but remember that alcohol is prohibited.
  • Be aware that swimming is not allowed in Lake Zoar at Kettletown State Park.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From I-84, take Exit 15 and head south on CT Route 67. Turn right at the first traffic light if coming from the west, or the second if coming from the east, onto Kettletown Road. Continue for about 3 miles, then turn right onto Georges Hill Road. The park entrance is approximately 0.6 miles down on the left. Parking: A parking fee is required. For vehicles registered in Connecticut, the fee is $9. For out-of-state vehicles, the fee is $15. These fees are typically charged on weekends and holidays from April to late September. Be prepared for limited parking during peak season.

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Discover more about Kettletown State Park

Kettletown State Park, spanning 605 acres in Southbury and Oxford, Connecticut, provides a diverse landscape for outdoor enthusiasts. The park's history is rich, with the area originally inhabited by the Pootatuck Indians. Legend says that early colonists traded a brass kettle for hunting and fishing rights, hence the name 'Kettletown'. Lake Zoar, the fifth largest freshwater body in Connecticut, borders the park, created in 1919 by the Stevenson Dam. While swimming is not allowed, the park offers over six miles of hiking trails with scenic overlooks. The trails vary in difficulty, with some rocky and steep climbs, and others meander along streams and ridges. The William Miller Trail is a popular option, showcasing a variety of rocks and glacial erratics. Visitors can explore historical charcoal hearths along the trails, remnants of the area's past. The park is open year-round from 8:00 a.m. to sunset for day use activities. However, the campground, including the Pomeraug, Crest, and Brook Trails, is closed for the 2025 season due to flood damage sustained in August 2024. The day-use areas and the Miller Trail have been reopened. Kettletown State Park offers a variety of activities, including hiking and picnicking. While pets are allowed on leashes in picnic areas and on hiking trails, they are not permitted on the beach or in the campground. Alcohol is prohibited within the park.

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