Collis P. Huntington State Park wilderness guide
State Park · CT

Collis P. Huntington State Park

Collis P. Huntington State Park in Connecticut offers a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts, with its mixed woodlands and serene ponds ideal for hiking and wildlife observation.

State Park1,0174+ Trails
DesignationState Park
Total Wilderness Area1,017
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About Collis P. Huntington State Park

Collis P. Huntington State Park in Connecticut offers a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts, with its mixed woodlands and serene ponds ideal for hiking and wildlife observation.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located in the rolling hills of Redding and Bethel, Connecticut, Collis P. Huntington State Park stretches across 1,017 acres of forested landscape. The park is named after the 19th-century railroad magnate Collis Potter Huntington. Its diverse habitats include woodlands, fields, and wetlands, providing a sanctuary for a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and an array of bird species. Visitors can enjoy over 20 miles of trails that meander through the forest and around the park's five ponds. These trails are suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The park also features sculptures created by Anna Hyatt Huntington, the wife of Archer Milton Huntington, who established the park in honor of Collis. The tranquil environment and scenic beauty of the park make it a popular destination for picnicking, fishing, and photography.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Collis P. Huntington State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Sculptures by Anna Hyatt Huntington✦ Five scenic ponds perfect for fishing and photography✦ Diverse trails suitable for various outdoor activities✦ Rich wildlife habitat supporting diverse species
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Collis P. Huntington State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Collis P. Huntington State Park
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Collis P. Huntington State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Collis P. Huntington State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Collis P. Huntington State Park
Park Recreation

Horseback Riding

Available in Collis P. Huntington State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Collis P. Huntington State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Collis P. Huntington State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Collis P. Huntington State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Redding, Connecticut
⌖ 2.19 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Redding, Connecticut

Redding, Connecticut offers outdoor lovers quiet hiking, paddling, and biking amid forests and reservoirs. With peaceful preserves and seasonal skiing options, it’s a great spot for low-key adventure and nature connection.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for cross-country skiing
Explore Town
Bethel, Connecticut
⌖ 3.78 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Bethel, Connecticut

Bethel, CT, offers outdoor lovers easy access to gentle hiking trails, calm paddling spots, and quiet cycling routes amid peaceful wooded preserves. Ideal for a low-key nature break with seasonal snowshoeing in winter.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Ridgefield, Connecticut
⌖ 4.71 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Ridgefield, Connecticut

Ridgefield, Connecticut offers woods, lakes, and quiet trails perfect for hiking, paddling, and seasonal skiing. Experience outdoor adventures framed by New England charm and cultural landmarks.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for cross-country skiing
Explore Town
Danbury, Connecticut
⌖ 5.54 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Danbury, Connecticut

Danbury, CT offers outdoor enthusiasts a perfect mix of hiking, biking, and water sports set against the charming backdrop of New England. Enjoy trails, lakes, and local events year-round.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Lewisboro, New York
⌖ 7.55 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lewisboro, New York

Lewisboro, NY is a quiet town rich with forest trails, reservoirs for paddling, and peaceful outdoor spots. Ideal for hiking, bird watching, and seasonal skiing, it offers a natural retreat within reach of NYC.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for cross-country skiing
Explore Town
Easton, Connecticut
⌖ 7.82 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Easton, Connecticut

Easton, Connecticut is a peaceful spot for outdoor lovers seeking gentle hiking, mountain biking, and paddling amid quiet rivers and natural preserves. It’s ideal for day trips to relax and explore New England’s woodlands and wetlands.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Collis P. Huntington State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Seniors-Only Tour (2025)
ADVEXPEDITION
Ridgefield, Connecticut
Guided TourADV Bookable

Seniors-Only Tour (2025)

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield invites seniors 60+ to engage with contemporary art through a specially designed one-hour gallery tour. Led by a knowledgeable museum educator, this experience offers meaningful insight amid calm surroundings.

Guided TourAges 60+ • One Hour • Up to 25 PeopleCertified Outfitter
From$5
Book Trip
All Ages Discovery Tour
ADVEXPEDITION
Ridgefield, Connecticut
Guided TourADV Bookable

All Ages Discovery Tour

Discover contemporary art in a lively, interactive museum tour perfect for all ages. Dive into stories behind bold installations and creative expressions in Ridgefield, Connecticut.

Guided Tour1 Hour • Free • Tour our Current Exhibitions!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Belden Island → Stony Creek
ADVEXPEDITION
Branford, Connecticut
Sightseeing TourADV Bookable

Belden Island → Stony Creek

Discover the stunning scenery and maritime history of Long Island Sound with a scenic ferry ride between Stony Creek and Belden Island. Perfect for an easy day trip or family outing, this journey is a window into Connecticut’s coastal charm.

Sightseeing TourAll Ages • Includes One Way Ticket • Starting at $7Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Half-Day Packed-Snack Ride into Bridger-Teton Forest
ADVEXPEDITION
Monroe, Connecticut
HorseADV Bookable

Half-Day Packed-Snack Ride into Bridger-Teton Forest

A three-hour saddle outing that carries riders into remote forest country for a packed lunch and extended time in the bridle, useful for planning what to bring and what to expect.

HorsePT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Little Spirit Lift Tickets - Lower Mountain Only
ADVEXPEDITION
Southbury, Connecticut
SkiADV Bookable

Little Spirit Lift Tickets - Lower Mountain Only

Flexible half- and full-day lift tickets for the lower mountain in Southbury make for a friendly, affordable winter day on gentle, groomed runs. Perfect for beginners, families, and anyone easing back into skiing—choose a 9 a.m. or noon start to fit your schedule.

SkiFor all ages • Half Day & Full Day OptionsCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Baby Beast Norwalk, CT
ADVEXPEDITION
Norwalk, Connecticut
PrivateADV Bookable

Baby Beast Norwalk, CT

Ready for a hassle-free private fishing trip in Norwalk? Join Pelagic Beast on the Baby Beast for a fun-filled day with all gear provided and no license needed!

PrivateOpen Boats and Private Charters for 1-4 peopleCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Greens Ledge Lighthouse Tour
ADVEXPEDITION
Norwalk, Connecticut
AttractionADV Bookable

Greens Ledge Lighthouse Tour

Sail from Bayley Beach to Greens Ledge Lighthouse for a rare, close-up look at a restored offshore beacon. This 75–90 minute tour aboard the Lightkeeper Charlie Erdmann mixes maritime history, conservation, and dramatic Long Island Sound scenery.

AttractionTour Historic Greens Ledge Lighthouse in Long Island SoundCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip