Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Press Releases

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03/21/2022

DEEP Announces 2022 Sky’s the Limit Hiking Challenge

Program Showcases State Parks and Forests to Promote Outdoor Recreation with its “Best Kept Secrets"

(HARTFORD)— Are you ready for an outdoor adventure exploring CT State Parks? Curious to discover some best kept secrets and build your awareness of CT’s history, nature, or landscapes? The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) State Parks and Public Outreach Division is thrilled to announce this year’s The Sky’s The Limit (“STL”) Hiking Challenge!

 

Take the challenge and get outside for some fresh air to experience this year’s STL theme, “Best Kept Secrets.” Discover sunken boats, native plant gardens, scenic view sheds, battlegrounds, caves, and more! Walk as many of the challenges as desired, photo documenting along the way.

 

Participants who hike or walk 15 of the 20 trails receive a “Sky’s the Limit” hiking staff medallion and a certificate for their efforts.  For hiking all 20 locations, 50 participants will receive a hand-carved hiking staff made by the DEEP Sawmill; names of all who complete the 20 designated hikes will be randomly drawn.

 

“Sky’s the Limit is a great way to explore Connecticut’s state parks and forests while joining others in a friendly challenge to visit all 20 locations handpicked by those who know the parks best – the staff of our state parks system,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Our state parks and forests, which are free to enter for those driving Connecticut registered vehicles thanks to the Passport to the Parks program, are such tremendous resources for us here in our state. We hope you’ll accept the challenge and discover (or re-discover) some of our Parks system’s “Best Kept Secrets!”


Please visit: Skys the Limit 2022 (ct.gov)for hiking challenge locations and other details.

The Connecticut State Park system was founded in 1913 with the creation of the State Park Commission. One year later the Commission purchased its first land, about four acres in Westport for what became Sherwood Island State Park. Today, Connecticut has 110 state parks and 32 state forests attracting more than 9 million visitors each year, generating over $1 billion in economic activity for the state and supporting 9,000 private sector jobs. Those driving Connecticut registered motor vehicles are provided free entrance to the parks thanks to the Passport to the Parks program. For more information on Connecticut State Parks visit: www.ct.gov/deep/stateparks  

For more information on this year’s The Sky’s The Limit Hiking Challenge, contact Kristen Bellantuono at (860) 278-6726.

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Contact

DEEP Communications  
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110