Tiny But Mighty, The Smallest State Park In Connecticut Is A Hidden Gem Worth Exploring
Lisa Sammons
Author
When it comes to state parks, you may think bigger is better. We won’t deny it – massive spots like the 26,477-acre Pachaug State Forest are pretty amazing. There’s so much to explore, and with all that space, you can feel miles away from everyone. But there are plenty of small Connecticut state parks that are also worthy of exploration. Ever find yourself wondering what the smallest state park in Connecticut is? Minnie Island State Park lies in New London County’s Gardner Lake and it measures just .88 acres in area – barely bigger than the average backyard! This remote park is only reachable by boat. Check it out:
Related Stories
Few People Know About This Connecticut State Park Featuring Panoramic Views
This Historic Park Is One Of Connecticut's Best-Kept Secrets
This State Park Swimming Hole In Connecticut Must Be On Your Summer Bucket List
For a first-hand look at this tiny but beautiful state park, check out YouTube user Matt Woodward‘s video:
Have you ever visited, or even heard of Minnie Island State Park? We’d love to hear all about your experiences!
For more state parks that fly under the radar, check out this article on another underrated state park in Connecticut.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
State Parks In Connecticut
What are the best state parks in Connecticut?
Some of the best state parks in Connecticut are:
- Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam, home to an impressive stone castle
- Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison, with miles of trails along a sandy shore
- Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford, with beautiful gardens to wander
- Kent Falls State Park in Kent, featuring a stunning waterfall with viewing platforms
- Penwood State Park in Bloomfield, with picturesque forested hiking trails
In total, Connecticut is home to 139 state parks and forests.
What is the biggest state park in Connecticut?
By far the biggest state park in Connecticut is Pachaug State Forest. It covers an area of 26,477 acres spread out over six towns – Preston, Sterling, Voluntown, Plainfield, Griswold, and North Stonington. It was first established in 1928 with just 1,011 acres, and quickly grew over the next several years. It’s divided in the Chapman Area and the Green Falls Area.
You can find numerous activities to do in Pachaug State Forest, such as:
- Hiking
- Biking
- Camping
- Horseback riding
- Swimming
- Snowmobiling
…and lots more. Visit the official Pachaug State Forest website.
What is the most popular state park in Connecticut?
One of the most popular state parks in Connecticut is Sleeping Giant State Park. Designated in 1924 as a state park, Sleeping Giant State Park gets its name from two miles of mountaintop that resemble a large man sleeping. It has over 30 miles of trails that lead through varied terrain, ranging from rugged ridges to secluded woodlands. There are both challenging, moderate, and easy trails, so anyone of any hiking ability can enjoy a trip to Sleeping Giant State Park.
Popular trails at Sleeping Giant State Park include:
- Tower Path, 1.5 miles, an easy trail that leads to a lookout tower with excellent views
- Nature Trail, 1.5 miles, a moderate loop trail
- Red Circle Gorge, 0.75 miles, a difficult trail following a gorge
- Blue Trail, 5.1 miles, a very difficult trail traversing the mountaintop “sleeping giant” from head to toe