Wharton Brook State Park

Wharton Brook State Park is a small protected area in Wallingford, Connecticut. When the park was first opened in 1918, it was a place where car drivers could stop, have their cars serviced, and enjoy a scenic picnic by the Wharton Brook while they waited. Many historians consider the site as one of the first rest stops though no service area exists today.

Fishing

Wharton Brook State Park is an especially popular destination for fishermen. In addition to Wharton Brook itself, which meanders along the edge of the park, the park also includes a medium-sized lake that is fed by the brook. This lake is full of a number of different fish species, but the big draw is trout; Connecticut has designated Wharton Brook Park as a state trout park, and as a result it is restocked several times a year.

Swimming

The lake at Wharton Brook State Park is also a popular swimming destination. When summers get balmy, dozens of locals cool off at Wharton Brook. The swimming area is separated from the fishing areas, and lifeguards are present during normal operating hours, making this a nice swimming spot for the whole family.

Picnicking

If fishing and swimming are not your thing, then you can still find a peaceful retreat via one of the park's public picnic areas. Sit in the quiet and secluded shade of one of the many stands of trees or spread out a blanket on a sandy knoll overlooking the lake.

Wharton Brook State Park in Connecticut was one of the first rest stops in New England; today it is one of the best fishing and swimming spots in the area.