Penwood State Park

Enjoy a day or week at Penwood State Park in the state of Connecticut. This attractive park is located on Talcott Mountain in the town of Bloomfield. Boasting a total area of 787 acres, it is adjacent to Talcott Mountain State Park. Many visitors spend time at both parks while in the area.

History

This state park was once the private estate of Curtis H. Veeder, an American industrialist. It was donated to the state of Connecticut in 1944 because Veeder wanted residents to enjoy the chance to experience nature on the property in the same manner that he had. Lake Louise, one of the park's main attractions, is actually named after Veeder's wife.

Activities

Hiking and biking are the primary activities offered to patrons of Penwood State Park. There are approximately 9 miles of trails through the park, with a combination of old asphalt and dirt surfaces. The trails are considered of intermediate difficulty for biking and have gradual elevation changes. The same trails are shared by hikers and cross-country skiers in the winter, so patrons must use caution. The steep cliffs provide beautiful views, but many are not equipped with guard rails and can pose a danger for the inexperienced. There is a parking lot at the base of the trail that is kept clear in the winter.

For hikers and bikers, there are few parks more intriguing in the state of Connecticut than Penwood State Park. While visitors must use caution, it is possible to revel for hours in the view from the park's steep cliffs.