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. Rocky Neck State Park is also closed until further notice due to a brush fire. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at a 'very high' or 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Paugnut State Forest

Getting Here

Forest Location

Torrington and Winchester

Directions

For parking safety reasons, Paugnut Forest is best accessed from the abutting Burr Pond State Park. To reach the Burr Pond parking areas, follow Route 8 south from its intersection with Route 44 in Winsted for 2.7 miles and take the Pinewoods Road exit. Go right at end of exit and follow Pinewoods .22 miles turning left onto Winsted Road. Follow Winsted Road 1.0 miles and turn right onto Burr Mountain Road. Follow for .5 miles to Burr Pond State Park entrance on left where trail heads into forest may be found. The northern section is across Burr Mountain Road; the southern section may be accessed by following trails south (away from Burr Mountain Road).