Salmon River State Forest: A Natural Escape
Explore Connecticut's natural beauty: hiking, fishing, and history await at Salmon River State Forest in Colchester, CT.
Salmon River State Forest, spanning nearly 7,000 acres, offers a diverse landscape for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike through forests, fish in the Salmon River, and explore the historic Comstock Covered Bridge, the only remaining covered bridge in eastern Connecticut.
A brief summary to Salmon River State Forest
- Route 16, Colchester, Connecticut, 06415, US
- +1860-424-3000
- Visit website
- Monday 8 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
- Thursday 8 am-5 pm
- Friday 8 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit the Comstock Covered Bridge, the only remaining covered bridge in eastern Connecticut, for a picturesque photo opportunity.
- Wear orange during hunting season and be cautious.
- Explore the Salmon River Trail, a 6.7-mile blue-blazed trail that offers scenic views of the river and connects to Day Pond State Park.
- Bring your fishing gear and try your luck in the Salmon River, known for its trout and Atlantic salmon restoration efforts.
Getting There
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Driving
From Colchester, CT, head west on Route 16. The Salmon River State Forest is located directly off Route 16. Look for parking areas along the road. Parking is free.
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Walking
From the center of Colchester, follow Route 16 west. The forest boundary begins approximately 5 miles from the town center. Exercise caution as you walk along the road. There are no sidewalks for a portion of the route.
Discover more about Salmon River State Forest
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Chatham Historical Society
4.5 km
Explore the Chatham Historical Society in East Hampton, CT, where local history comes alive through fascinating exhibits and engaging programs.
Saint Clements Castle & Marina
10.3 km
Explore the elegance of Saint Clements Castle & Marina, a historic venue blending luxury, beauty, and nature in Portland, Connecticut.
Thankful Arnold House
13.9 km
Discover the rich history of the Thankful Arnold House in Haddam, Connecticut, a charming non-profit attraction offering insights into early American life.
Connecticut Steam Brownstone Memorial
15.6 km
Discover the rich history of Portland, Connecticut, at the Connecticut Steam Brownstone Memorial, a stunning homage to 19th-century quarrying and steam technology.
Quarry View
15.8 km
Explore Quarry View, a historical landmark in Portland, Connecticut, showcasing the region's rich quarrying heritage and natural beauty.
East Haddam Historical Society
16.0 km
Explore East Haddam's rich history at the East Haddam Historical Society, where heritage comes alive through engaging exhibits and local stories.
Main Street Historic District
16.0 km
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Middlesex County Historical Society
16.8 km
Discover the captivating stories and rich heritage of Middlesex County at the historical society, a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Old Remington Rand Facility
17.3 km
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Edward Augustus Russell House
17.3 km
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Rocky Hill Stone Company
17.4 km
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Historical Society of Glastonbury
17.4 km
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Glastonbury Historic District
17.9 km
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Hadlyme Ferry Historic District
19.7 km
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Millers Pond State Park
20.0 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Sunrise State Park
10.3 km
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Machimoodus State Park
11.1 km
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Haddam Island State Park
12.7 km
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Haddam Meadows State Park
13.3 km
Experience the tranquility of Haddam Meadows State Park, a scenic haven for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the beauty of the Connecticut River.
Cotton Hollow Preserve
13.4 km
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Brainard Homestead State Park
14.3 km
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Gay City State Park
14.4 km
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River Highlands State Park
15.1 km
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Chapman Falls
15.4 km
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Devil's Hopyard State Park
15.8 km
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East Haddam Swing Bridge
16.0 km
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Cockaponset State Forest
16.1 km
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Eagle Landing State Park
16.2 km
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Harbor Park
16.5 km
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Chapman Pond Preserve
16.7 km
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Essential places to dine
Esca Restaurant & Wine Bar
16.9 km
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Luce Restaurant
16.9 km
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Castle Cuisine
19.3 km
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River: A Waterfront Restaurant and Bar
20.7 km
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Marker 37
21.1 km
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The Charles
21.1 km
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River Tavern
21.4 km
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Ruth's Chris Steak House
23.6 km
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Arena Patio Restaurant
23.6 km
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The Flying Monkey Grill & Bar
23.9 km
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Market Restaurant
23.9 km
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Adriatic Restaurant
24.0 km
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First and Last Tavern Hartford
24.9 km
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Guilty Kitchen & Lounge
25.7 km
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Fire at the Ridge
25.8 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Stop & Shop
4.6 km
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Little Fish Gallery & Gift
4.7 km
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Higganum Village Market
14.0 km
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Two Wrasslin' Cats Coffee House & Cafe
14.6 km
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Swingbridge Fine Wine & Spirits
15.7 km
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Sweet & Savory
15.9 km
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Goodspeed's Station Country Store
16.0 km
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River Valley Provisions
16.4 km
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Mariella Creations
17.7 km
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A New Page
18.5 km
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Hadlyme Country Market
19.7 km
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Old Wethersfield Country Store
21.2 km
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Heirloom Market at Comstock Ferre
21.3 km
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The Space Chester
21.4 km
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Pet's Choice
23.2 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Marlborough Tavern
4.1 km
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Corvo Bar and Grill
8.8 km
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Tavern On The Hill
10.2 km
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The Road Runner Pub
14.1 km
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The Truck Bar – Higganum, CT
14.4 km
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Cactus Bistro, Bar, and Grill
14.5 km
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Birch Hill Tavern
14.6 km
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Cotton Hollow Kitchen
14.7 km
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Yankee Cider Company
15.4 km
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Higher Grounds at 32 Main
15.6 km
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Gelston House
16.0 km
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Morina Restaurant
16.6 km
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The Beamhouse
16.7 km
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Celtic Cavern
16.8 km
Discover the culinary delights of Celtic Cavern, a gastropub in Middletown offering a unique menu and inviting atmosphere for food lovers.
Conspiracy
16.9 km
Discover a captivating bar experience at Conspiracy in Middletown, where unique cocktails and an intriguing atmosphere await you.
