Topsmead State Forest: A Glimpse into Litchfield's Past
Discover a serene escape into nature and history at Topsmead State Forest, a preserved Tudor estate in the Litchfield Hills of Connecticut.
Topsmead State Forest, the former summer estate of Edith Morton Chase, offers a serene escape into nature and history. Explore the Tudor-style cottage, stroll through formal gardens, and wander along scenic trails in this preserved early 20th-century estate in Litchfield, Connecticut.
A brief summary to Topsmead State Forest
- Litchfield, Connecticut, 06759, US
- +1860-567-5694
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit during the summer or early fall to enjoy the formal gardens in full bloom and take a free guided tour of the historic Chase Cottage.
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching, as Topsmead's grasslands are an Important Bird Area.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy on the grounds, but remember that Topsmead is a 'Carry In-Carry Out' State Forest, so be prepared to take all trash with you.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking the trails, and be aware of ticks, especially in taller grasses.
- Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after them.
Getting There
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Driving
Topsmead State Forest is located off Route 118 in Litchfield, CT. From Litchfield Center, take Route 118 east for 1.5 miles, then turn right onto East Litchfield Road. Take the first right onto Buell Road; Topsmead will be the first road on the right. The main entrance and parking lot are a short distance down Chase Road, which is the first right off Buell Road. Parking is free.
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Public Transport
The closest public transportation to Topsmead State Forest is via CT Transit bus to Litchfield. From Hartford, CT Transit operates a bus to Litchfield St @ Hungerford St three times a day; the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 3 minutes. From there, it is approximately 2 miles to Topsmead State Forest, and a taxi or ride-sharing service would be required to complete the journey. Taxi fare from Litchfield center to Topsmead is typically $15-$25.
Discover more about Topsmead State Forest
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