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Chatfield Hollow
State Park
Description
Chatfield Hollow State Park, located in Killingworth, Connecticut, offers a diverse array of hiking and walking trails suitable for various skill levels. The park's terrain features dense forests, rocky ledges, tranquil streams, and notable landmarks such as the Indian Caves and a restored waterwheel. One highlight is the Paul F. Wildermann Boardwalk, an 825-foot walkway that allows visitors to traverse an inland swamp without disturbing the delicate ecosystem.
Trail Map
Map Credit: DEEP
Difficulty
Easy
Moderate
The park has trails for all levels, from short flat walks to rocky climbs. Most trails are clearly marked and easy to follow. Some paths, like the Deep Woods and Lookout Trails, include steep sections, roots, and rocks. Others, like the boardwalk and Chimney Trail, are flat and smooth. Overall, the terrain offers something for both casual walkers and more experienced hikers.
History
Before the park was developed, the deep ravines, rocky ledges, and natural shelters of Chatfield Hollow made the area a valuable space for both Native Americans and later colonial settlers. The rock formations now called the Indian Caves likely served as temporary shelters during hunting or seasonal travel. The valley’s natural resources—flowing water, dense woods, and wildlife—made it an ideal spot for early use. While no permanent settlements were confirmed within the hollow itself, nearby areas show signs of long-standing Indigenous presence. These natural features are still accessible by trail today and serve as a reminder of the land’s long human history.
Image Credit: Shoreline Hikes
Image Credit: CT Insider
During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps helped turn this area into a public recreation space. In the 1930s, CCC crews built roads, trails, stone walls, and the rustic Oak Lodge, which still stands near the park entrance. They also dammed Chatfield Hollow Brook to create Schreeder Pond, now a central feature of the park. Their work transformed a remote woodland into a space for hiking, fishing, and family outings. Many of their original structures remain in use today, blending into the landscape with hand-built stonework and timber frames.
Chatfield Hollow officially became a Connecticut state park in 1949. Its creation was part of a larger movement to preserve open space and expand access to outdoor recreation across the state. Over the decades, additional trails, interpretive signs, and facilities were added to support both nature conservation and public use. In 2019, a bronze statue was installed to honor the legacy of the CCC workers who helped shape the park. Today, Chatfield Hollow remains one of the state’s most popular destinations, with its history woven into nearly every trail, bridge, and forest path.
Image Credit: eBay
Pictures
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