James L. Goodwin State Forest: A Guide to Visiting

James L. Goodwin State Forest is at 23 Potter Road in Hampton, Connecticut. The forest covers more than three square miles and 2,000 acres in eastern Connecticut, with the Goodwin Conservation Center also located on its grounds.

James L. Goodwin gave his nearly 2,000-acre personal forest to Connecticut in 1964 to support education about general, wildlife and forest conservation. Today, its trails and facilities offer several ways to spend time among the forest’s varied landscapes.

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Goodwin State Forest trails include marked woodland routes, the blue-blazed Natchaug Trail and the former railroad bed of the Air Line State Park Trail. The forest has 14 miles of trails in total, with more than 10 miles of white-, red- and yellow-marked routes around Pine Acres Lake and Brown Hill Pond and through other forest landscapes.

The Natchaug Trail follows the west bank of Pine Acres Lake, passes Black Spruce Pond and an overlook on Orchard Hill, then continues toward the Natchaug River and Route 198.

For a different kind of outing, the Air Line Trail crosses Potter Road a few hundred feet from the Conservation Center. Its level, graveled surface is used for hiking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding.

Educational signs along portions of the Air Line Trail and the Blue/Yellow loop trail cover forest history, ecology and management. The forest also has an equestrian trail, so you can choose from more than one way to explore its outdoor routes.

Pine Acres Lake is listed at 135 acres, and its boat launch is across from the Conservation Center. Electric motors are permitted on the lake; gasoline motors are prohibited.

The Goodwin Conservation Center is an environmental education facility owned and operated by Connecticut DEEP. Its programs serve the public, schools, educators and people who use Connecticut’s forests.

Next to the center, the Richard D. Haley Native Plant Wildlife Gardens cover 1.5 acres. Native trees, shrubs and perennials provide food and cover for wildlife. A small nature museum beside the center explains the natural sciences of forestry.

The Conservation Center does not have regular opening hours listed. The Friends of Goodwin Forest says the center and museum operate part-time, so call ahead before planning around a visit to these facilities. The forest and Richard Haley Native Wildlife Garden are open year-round from sunup to sundown.

The forest is open daily from half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset, and admission is free. Hours for the Conservation Center and museum differ from the forest’s access hours, so don’t assume they’ll be open during your visit.

Dogs are allowed on leash. The forest also has one campsite for qualified youth groups, with space for up to 40 campers; advance reservations are required. Buses are allowed but must be scheduled in advance, subject to reservations and availability. For current access details, check the official site before you go.

The official listing gives accessibility as “N/A,” so it does not provide an accessibility rating for the forest. If you need specific information about a route or facility, contact the forest at (860) 455-9534.

If you’re considering another outdoor stop, the Mansfield Hollow State Park guide covers its trails, water and access.

The forest itself offers several ways to shape an outing: follow a marked trail, take the Air Line route, visit the native plant gardens or spend time by Pine Acres Lake. If you’re hoping to include the Conservation Center or nature museum, call ahead because those facilities operate part-time.

Is James L. Goodwin State Forest free to visit?

Yes. Admission to the forest is free.

How many trails are in Goodwin State Forest?

The forest has 14 miles of trails, including marked routes and the Natchaug and Air Line State Park trails.

Can you take a boat on Pine Acres Lake?

The boat launch is across from the Goodwin Conservation Center. Gasoline motors are prohibited.

Are dogs allowed in the forest?

Yes. Dogs are allowed on leash.