Snowmobiling - CT State Parks and Forests

Snowmobiling in Connecticut

Snowmobiling is available at the following State Forests: American Legion in Barkhamsted, Cockaponset in Chester & Haddam, Housatonic in Sharon, Mohawk in Cornwall, Natchaug in Eastford, Naugatuck in Beacon Falls, Nipmuck in Union, Pachaug in Voluntown, Peoples in Barkhamsted, Pootatuck in New Fairfield, and Shenipsit in Stafford.

Trail Directory

COCKAPONSET STATE FOREST, Chester
Cedar Swamp Block

Directions: From the traffic circle at the junction of Routes 80 and 81, in Killingworth, proceed easterly on Route 80 for 4.0 miles taking a left at Winthrop onto Cedar Swamp Road. Continue 1.1 miles on paved road then 0.1 mile on a gravel road to the intersection of Cedar Swamp Road and Pine Ledge Road. The shoulders of the intersection are wide enough to provide parking for approximately 4 vehicles with trailers.

Trail Description: The Cockaponset Cedar Swamp Block snowmobile trail runs generally in a north and east direction from the starting point. Unplowed forest roads provide a smooth, easy grade with sufficient width for two-way traffic. The 6-mile trail is entirely wooded and passes through dense growths of mountain laurel.

Trail Maps

The Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) offers snowmobile trail maps for each of its areas. These maps are available from the following locations:

Bureau of Outdoor Recreation	Eastern District Office	Western District Office
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation State Parks Division 79 Elm Street Hartford, CT 06106-5127 (860) 424-3200	Eastern District Office 209 Hebron Road (Rt. 66) Marlborough, CT 06447 (860) 295-9523	Western District Office 230 Plymouth Road Harwinton, CT 06791 (860) 485-0226

Highway Crossing

In Connecticut, snowmobiles may not be operated on public highways. When crossing public highways is unavoidable, a licensed operator may proceed if the crossing is made at ninety degrees to the direction of the road and where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing. Motor vehicles using the highway have the right-of-way. The crossing snowmobile must be completely stopped before entering the traveled portion of the roadway.

Hours

8 a.m. to sunset.

Operation

Except for operation on private lands, snowmobile operators must be over sixteen and properly licensed.

Parking Area Snow Removal

Parking areas are normally plowed during scheduled weekday hours of operation. Snowmobilers are advised that plowed parking may not be available on weekends or in the early morning after fresh snowfall.

Policies and Procedures

Snowmobiling is permitted on certain state-owned properties through posted, written, conditional permission directed to the general public for the use of defined trails. It is also permitted on all state-owned water bodies. The DEEP will deny permission to use trails which have insufficient snow cover or are unsafe; when sanitation or parking facilities are at capacity; or when staffing is inadequate.

Prohibited Areas

Snowmobiling is prohibited upon all lands managed by DEEP including all state parks, forests and wildlife management areas, except upon those areas named herein and specified upon official DEEP snowmobile trail maps.

Registration

Snowmobiles must be registered to be operated on public land in Connecticut. Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles for registration information. Vehicle identification numbers must be displayed on each side of the front section of the snowmobile in addition to display on the rear registration plate. The registration certificate must be carried on the vehicle when it is being operated.

Snow Depth

Six-inch minimum required.

Speed

Maximum 20 m.p.h. as posted.

Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection