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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10/09/2024

DEEP and CFPA Highlight Fall Hiking Opportunities, Offer Tips for Safe Fall Hiking

Fall Is a Great Time to Enjoy Connecticut’s State Parks and Forests, Which Are More Accessible to Residents Thanks to the Passport to the Parks Program

(HARTFORD) — Ahead of the long holiday weekend, Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CFPA) invite residents and visitors to enjoy this year’s vibrant Fall foliage from the many vantage points offered by DEEP’s State Forests, Parks, Greenways, and CFPA’s Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails.

Fall is a great time to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage in our State Parks and Forests, which are easily accessible thanks to the Passport to the Parks program. It’s also important for hikers to be safe when out on the trail this season, by planning ahead for shorter days and cooler temperatures, being bear aware, protecting yourself from mosquitos, and being aware of hunting seasons.

“Connecticut’s fall foliage season is always stunning,” said Katie Dykes, Commissioner of DEEP. “The crisp weather and vibrant colors are a treat, and the Passport to the Parks Program makes it easier for residents to decide to go for a quick hike or catch a view of the foliage without having to worry about paying an entrance fee. Our interactive Fall Foliage Report indicates when foliage color typically peaks in each part of the state. We encourage leaf-peepers and hikers to visit ctparks.com to help plan your trips to State Forests and Parks near you or across the state, especially as some of the most popular parks can reach capacity on weekends. It’s also important for folks to be mindful of precautions they should take to ensure a fun and safe experience on the trail.”

“Connecticut’s forests, parks, and trails are incredible resources year-round,” said Andy Bicking, Executive Director of Connecticut Forest & Park Association. “The beautiful Fall foliage provides an extra incentive to explore them now. Whether you’re with friends, family, or enjoying a quiet walk alone, it’s always important to be prepared. Our interactive map of the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails System is another great tool for planning your leaf-peeping hikes.”

Trees in the northern corners of the state are starting to experience peak foliage color this week, and those colors are expected to extend to the lower river valleys and shoreline by early November. For the current foliage report, an explanation of why tree leaves change colors, and tips for where to view Fall foliage, visit portal.ct.gov/deep/forestry/foliage/connecticuts-fall-foliage.

“As the experts don’t always agree, I am downplaying the excessive wet weather this summer and predicting colors will be more dependent on the cool nights of late September and early October,” said Christopher Martin, State Forester and Director of DEEP’s Division of Forestry. “Based on recent temperatures, we can expect colors to be a little later than normal but just as vibrant as ever."

Hikers are encouraged to plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable experience:

  • Check the time of sunset as the days get shorter, and dress in layers for cooler temperatures.
  • Wear an article of fluorescent orange clothing such as a vest or hat to remain easily identifiable when visiting or near hunting areas, and avoid early mornings and evenings when hunters are most active. Information about Connecticut hunting seasons and hunting areas is available at portal.ct.gov/deep/hunting/hunting-and-trapping-information.
  • Take precautions against mosquito and tick bites such as wearing insect repellent and covering bare skin, especially during dusk and dawn. These insects remain active until they experience persistent freezing temperatures, and West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis has been detected in several areas. The latest test results and safety tips are available at portal.ct.gov/mosquito.
  • Be Bear Aware! Wildlife such as black bears, are very active in the fall as they seek to maximize their food intake in preparation for winter. Keep dogs on a short leash to protect them and wildlife, carry a whistle to help make your presence known, and enjoy observing from a distance. For tips on bear encounters while hiking, which are applicable to most wildlife, visit portal.ct.gov/deep/wildlife/bears/the-basics-of-living-with-black-bears.
  • On multi-use trails, follow recommended trail etiquette guidelines to help users pass one another safely. These and other recommended guidelines are available on Connecticut Trail Finder.

Passport to the Parks:

Since 2018, the Passport to the Parks program has allowed residents driving Connecticut-registered vehicles to enter all 142 State Parks and Forests for free. Connecticut is the only state in the Northeast to offer this benefit. This program supports the operation of State Parks and is funded through a fee charged every three years when vehicle registrations are renewed. By comparison -residents pay $22 to visit Hammonasset just for just one day—similar to what residents pay for three years of access to all 142 Connecticut State Parks and Forests through the Passport program.

To celebrate the impact of Passport to the Parks and the Legislature’s approved increase to Passport, DEEP unveiled in June two amazing Works Progress Administration-style graphics that DEEP’s own Joe Cunningham designed. We’ve since completed three more designs, including Rocky Neck State Park, and, just in time for Halloween, designs for two of our spookier-sounding parks, Satan’s Kingdom and Devil’s Hopyard! T-shirts showcasing these five fantastic graphics (Hammonasset, Satan’s Kingdom, Talcott Mountain, Rocky Neck, and Devil’s Hopyard), are available to the public for purchase, and we will add posters for sale soon. To check out the T-shirts, visit our Shop CTParks website: Shop CT State Parks (ctparks.com). The shirts are available online for $23 in all five designs and in multiple colors. Any net proceeds go to the Passport fund—so you both get an awesome T-shirt and help support this great program.

“Passport to the Parks provides for safe, consistent operations of State Parks, funding the 600+ seasonal staff we hire annually to support operations of campgrounds, boat launches, State Parks, and State Forests, Commissioner Dykes said. “I’m so glad to celebrate the success of this program with these amazing graphics designed in-house at DEEP.” 

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Contact

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