A beautiful fall view of a bridge over a river (CTVisit)

Lovers Leap State Park

New Milford, CT

With views for days, industrial history, and Native American lore about star-crossed lovers, Lovers Leap packs a big punch for its relatively small size. Straddling the Housatonic River along the northern edge of Lake Lillinonah, the 160-acre park is jam-packed with hiking trails, dramatic vistas of the river gorge, and historic ruins.

Four miles of trails lead through centuries of land-use history. Head northeast to one of the parkā€™s signature features, an 1895 Berlin Iron Bridge ā€” one of four remaining iron lenticular truss bridges in Connecticut ā€” towering 100 feet above the river gorge. Across the bridge on the other side of the park, the Lovers Leap Trail heads southeast 1,200 feet to the rock formation that gives the park its name. From here, tradition has it, that the Pootatuck Indian Chief Waramaugā€™s daughter, Princess Lillinonah, and her lover plunged to their deaths. The view to the south overlooks a now submerged Goodyear Island. In the northwest section of the park near the water, check out the factory ruins, an old estate, and other vestiges of the industrial era. 

Views from the Park
Location

178 Short Woods Road
New Milford, CT 06776

Details

Open Daily
(8:00 a.m. ā€“ Sunset)

Contact

Main (203) 312-5023

Couple looking out over vista at Lovers Leap State Park
Activities

Overview

Body

Lovers Leap is a walk-in park with hiking trails, scenic vistas, and historic ruins. The 160-acre park is divided into three sections, each featuring a different appreciation for the park history.

Hiking

Historic

Nature

Picnicking

Fees

Free

Accessibility

N/A

Pets

Yes, on leash