Paugussett State Forest is a state forest located in Newtown, Connecticut, offering a natural sanctuary along the Housatonic River and near Lake Lillinonah and Lake Zoar. The forest features diverse terrain, including pristine woodlands, hardwood forests, tranquil ponds, and babbling streams, making it suitable for a variety of outdoor pursuits. This landscape provides opportunities for several sports like hiking, jogging, mountain biking, road cycling, and more.
Paugussett State Forest provides opportunities for outdoorโฆ
92
Routes
4.8
(30)
Average rating
518
People visited

14
hikers
3.88km
01:02
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

12
hikers
5.27km
01:29
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
hikers
4.06km
01:08
70m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
hikers
6.22km
01:43
100m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(3)
30
riders
12.2km
01:06
160m
160m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(3)
15
riders
5.79km
00:30
50m
50m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(3)
36
riders
18.8km
01:41
310m
310m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
11
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3
runners
23.3km
02:32
130m
130m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
runners
7.31km
00:58
190m
190m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
runners
6.33km
00:46
50m
50m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

6.88km
00:49
100m
100m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.
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28
riders
70.4km
03:36
750m
760m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

10
riders
55.9km
02:36
590m
590m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

8
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

8
riders
53.0km
02:28
470m
470m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(1)
11
riders
27.1km
01:40
120m
120m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
riders
43.8km
03:00
890m
890m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

2
riders
42.4km
03:01
840m
840m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
riders
39.8km
02:39
510m
510m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(1)
11
riders
13.7km
00:54
60m
60m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
riders
27.8km
01:50
400m
400m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
riders
19.9km
01:18
250m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
riders
30.3km
01:56
360m
360m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Paugussett State Forest offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, jogging, mountain biking, and road cycling. The forest features diverse terrain suitable for these sports, with routes available for different skill levels.
Paugussett State Forest features an extensive network of hiking trails, including the blue-blazed Lillinonah Trail in the Upper Block and the Zoar Trail in the Lower Block. These trails offer a mix of forest and riverside scenery. For more details, refer to the Hiking in Paugussett State Forest guide.
Yes, Paugussett State Forest is a destination for mountain biking, particularly with trails like "Upper Gussy" and "New Mulikin" in the Upper Block. These trails offer singletrack with descents, climbs, and technical features. More information is available in the MTB Trails in Paugussett State Forest guide.
Paugussett State Forest offers trails suitable for families, ranging from easy walks to moderate hikes. These routes traverse woodlands and riverside areas, providing accessible outdoor experiences. The Family-friendly hikes in Paugussett State Forest guide provides specific options.
The forest's main natural features include its location along the Housatonic River and its proximity to Lake Lillinonah and Lake Zoar. It also contains pristine woodlands, hardwood forests, tranquil ponds, and babbling streams. Unique points of interest include a Native American village site and the "Kissing Oaks" formation.
Information regarding dog-friendly policies for Paugussett State Forest is typically available through the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). Visitors should check official park regulations for specific rules on pets.
Paugussett State Forest features more than 10 routes on komoot, with over 1,500 visitors having shared their experiences. The routes have an average rating of 4.59 out of 5 stars, indicating a positive user experience.
Komoot offers several guides for Paugussett State Forest, covering various activities and interests. Examples include Hiking in Paugussett State Forest, MTB Trails in Paugussett State Forest, and Road Cycling Routes in Paugussett State Forest.
The official website for Paugussett State Forest is part of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) website. Information can be found at portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Forests/Paugussett-State-Forest.
While specific paved road cycling routes are not prominently featured within the state forest itself, the general area around Paugussett State Forest offers appealing road cycling opportunities. Routes such as the Barn Hill โ Walnut Tree Hill loop provide scenic views. The Road Cycling Routes in Paugussett State Forest guide details options.
Paugussett State Forest is home to abundant wildlife. Common sightings include white-tailed deer, bobcats, and various bird species. The diverse habitats within the forest support a range of animal life.

