Roosevelt Forest, The Quiet Corner Travel Guide

4.6 (308)

Discover Stratford's Roosevelt Forest: A historic urban oasis with hiking trails, diverse wildlife, and tranquil natural beauty.

Roosevelt Forest, a 401-acre urban oasis in Stratford, Connecticut, offers a diverse landscape of mixed deciduous forest, wetlands, and a serene pond. Established during the Great Depression as a WPA project, it provides recreational opportunities and protects local wildlife.

A brief summary to Roosevelt Forest

Monday 7 am-8:30 pm
Tuesday 7 am-8:30 pm
Wednesday 7 am-8:30 pm
Thursday 7 am-8:30 pm
Friday 6:30 am-8 pm
Saturday 6 am-10 pm
Sunday 6:30 am-8 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Roosevelt Forest.

Bring comfortable shoes for hiking the trails, as some paths can be uneven.
Visit during the spring or fall for the best views of wildflowers or fall foliage.
Keep pets on a leash at all times to protect wildlife and respect other visitors.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Connecticut Science Center

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk

Mystic Seaport Museum

Castle Craig

Silver Sands State Park

Explore Roosevelt Forest on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Roosevelt Forest, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From I-95, take exit 32 and head north on Main Street. Continue straight, staying right at the fork with River Road to remain on Main Street. Turn right onto Chapel Street, then make a slight right onto James Farm Road. Follow James Farm Road until you see a small sign for Roosevelt Forest on the left. Turn slightly left onto Peters Lane and follow it to the main parking lot at the end. Parking is free. Be aware that the parking lot is small and can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Limited shoulder parking is available on Peters Lane.
Public Transport

The Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority (GBTA) provides bus service to the area. From the Stratford train station, take the B route bus towards Bridgeport. Get off at the intersection of Main Street and James Farm Road. From there, walk north on James Farm Road for approximately 1.5 miles, then turn left onto Peters Lane and follow it to the forest entrance. A single bus fare is $1.75. This option involves a significant walk.

Discover more about Roosevelt Forest

Roosevelt Forest, nestled in the northern part of Stratford, CT, is a testament to community and conservation. This 401-acre urban forest, established in the 1930s during the Great Depression, was conceived as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The land was acquired by Donald D. Sammis, then Stratford's Town Manager, to provide jobs and recreational space for townspeople.The forest features a diverse ecosystem, including mixed deciduous woodlands with trees like maples and oaks, as well as coniferous trees such as pines and spruces. Wetlands, vernal pools, and a pond contribute to the area's biodiversity, making it a haven for various species of mammals, insects, reptiles, and amphibians. Roosevelt Forest serves as a wildlife sanctuary, offering a natural habitat within an urban setting.Visitors can explore marked trails suitable for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The forest also includes amenities such as picnic tables, picnic shelters, cooking pits, and a dog park. While overnight camping isn't permitted, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops have established campgrounds within the forest. Please note that a shooting range is also located within the forest for use by the Stratford Police Department.