The Mattatuck Trail is a 42-mile Blue-Blazed hiking trail that crosses the Western Highlands of Connecticut from Wolcott to Cornwall. This point-to-point route climbs through hardwood forests, past waterfalls and reservoirs, and over Mohawk Mountain (1,683 feet), Connecticut's highest point on the trail system. It is classic New England backpacking: dense woodlands, old stone walls, historical sites including Leatherman Cave, and long views of the Taconic and Berkshire Mountains.
The trail works well for backpackers wanting a moderate 3-4 day trip with well-maintained infrastructure and some cultural history along the way. It passes through eight Connecticut towns (Wolcott, Plymouth, Thomaston, Watertown, Morris, Litchfield, Warren, and Cornwall) and crosses Mattatuck State Forest, Black Rock State Park, the White Memorial Conservation Center (a 4,000-acre wildlife sanctuary), and Mohawk State Forest. Navigation is straightforward thanks to consistent blue blazing, though some sections cross wet terrain that requires careful footing.
Backpack camping permits are free but required and must be obtained at least 14 days in advance of your trip. Submit applications to the appropriate CT DEEP district office:
Key restrictions: - One night maximum per campsite (true backpacker sites only) - Designated sites only; dispersed camping is prohibited - No pets at backpack camping sites - Groups limited to 10 people (recommended) - Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult - Human waste must be buried 50+ feet from trail, 200+ feet from water - Leave No Trace principles strictly enforced
Waterbury Reservoir lands require leashed pets and foot travel only. Hunting is permitted in state forests along the trail, so wear blaze orange during hunting season (peak: third Saturday in October through December).
Visit the CT DEEP Backpack Camping page for permit applications.
September through October is the best window: fall foliage, cooler temperatures, stable weather, and fewer insects. It is also the most popular time to hike.
May through June brings pleasant spring conditions, with mountain laurel blooming in late May and early June, abundant water, and green woods. Expect muddy sections, standing water on low-lying segments, and more mosquitoes.
July and August are hot and humid, and the swampy sections become particularly difficult. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
November through April sees far less traffic. Winter backpacking is possible but calls for microspikes on icy sections, gaiters for snow, and trekking poles. Expect frozen or semi-frozen stream crossings, fragile ice on swamps, and difficult footing on the steep rocky ascents. The early sunset (4:30-5:00 PM in winter) limits daily mileage. Snow cover typically lasts December through March at higher elevations.
Critical timing note: Plan around hunting season if hiking late October through December. Blaze orange clothing is essential.
The Mattatuck Trail passes numerous streams, ponds, and the Mad River, and water is generally reliable spring through fall. Specific water features include:
Seasonal reliability: Water sources are abundant April through November. Summer droughts (July-August) can reduce smaller streams to trickles, so plan to carry 2+ liters between sources. Winter means breaking through ice or melting snow. Always treat water.
Swampy sections: Expect standing water and mud west of South Eagle Road and in the White Memorial Conservation Center areas, especially after rainfall.
Resupply options:
No mail drops are practical along this trail due to limited on-trail post office access.
Hunting season: State forests along the Mattatuck permit hunting year-round, with peak activity from the third Saturday in October through December. A blaze orange vest and hat are mandatory for safety during this period.
Water crossings: The trail crosses the Naugatuck River at Reynolds Bridge (a road bridge) and numerous smaller streams. Most streams are easy rock hops in normal conditions but get harder during spring runoff or after heavy rain. Fragile ice in winter is a slip hazard, so use trekking poles.
Steep, rocky terrain: The approaches to Crane's Lookout and Mohawk Mountain involve steep ascents and descents over rocky footing, and the trail drops steeply through the boulder scramble at Leatherman Cave. These sections are treacherous when wet; allow extra time.
Weather exposure: The trail is mostly wooded, but Mohawk Mountain's summit and several ridgeline sections leave hikers exposed to wind and lightning. Watch the forecast and stay off ridges during thunderstorms, which are common on July and August afternoons.
Wildlife: White-tailed deer, red fox, and black bears live in the area. Store food properly at campsites: hang it or use bear-resistant containers. Coyotes are common but generally avoid humans.
Navigation: Blue blazes are well-maintained, but junctions can be confusing where the Mattatuck meets local trails in White Memorial and Mohawk State Forest. Carry the Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CFPA) trail map or a GPS track.
Muddy, wet sections: Low-lying areas stay swampy through summer. Expect standing water and poor footing, particularly after rain. Waterproof boots or gaiters are recommended spring through fall.
Southern Terminus (Wolcott): Peterson Park, Wolcott. Free parking available. From I-84, take Exit 27 to Route 69 North and follow signs to Peterson Park (over 65 acres with trail signage).
Northern Terminus (Cornwall): Mohawk State Forest. The trail ends at its junction with the blue-blazed Mohawk Trail. Parking is available at the Mohawk Mountain trailhead on Route 4. Some access points, including Mount Tobe Road and Town Hill Road, have limited parking (3-4 vehicles).
Mid-trail access: - Black Rock State Park (Watertown/Thomaston): Major access point with an established campground (78 sites, 4 cabins, open late May through Columbus Day). Entrance 0.5 miles on Route 6. Reservations via Reserve America (1-877-668-2267). - White Memorial Conservation Center (Litchfield): Central access with parking at 80 Whitehall Road. Additional trail parking at various points throughout the 4,000-acre property. - Highway 63 (Beaver Pond area): Parking lot provides northern section access.
Public transportation: Limited. Waterbury has bus and train service (Metro-North New Haven Line) for southern terminus access. From Waterbury station, take a taxi or rideshare to Peterson Park, approximately 10 miles.
Shuttle services: No dedicated trail shuttles exist for the Mattatuck. Backpackers typically arrange car spots at both termini or use rideshare services (Uber/Lyft available in larger towns).
Road conditions: All trailhead access roads are paved and suitable for standard vehicles. No high-clearance requirements.
Nearest airports: Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Hartford is 50 miles east. Car rental required.
Plan conservatively: Connecticut's one-night-per-campsite rule forces a precise itinerary. Get your permit 2+ weeks out and have backup plans in case your preferred sites are unavailable.
Campsite strategy: Designated backcountry sites are limited and reservable, so scout frontcountry alternatives too. Black Rock State Park Campground (mile 15-18 area) makes a comfortable mid-trail basecamp with facilities if you want one easier night. White Memorial's Windmill Hill tent campground ($25/night, tent-only) is another option near the trail's midpoint.
Avoid NOBO crowds: Hike southbound (Cornwall to Wolcott) to reach Mohawk Mountain's summit views early in your trip and to finish near public transit in Waterbury.
Water strategy: Carry 2 liters of capacity even when water looks abundant. Mid-summer droughts can catch hikers out, especially in the northern sections approaching Mohawk Mountain.
Leatherman Cave: Don't skip this historical site between Bidwell Hill Road and Route 6 in the Black Rock area. The boulder scramble passes through narrow gaps and "rooms" where the legendary 19th-century vagabond sheltered during his 365-mile, 34-day circuit between Connecticut and New York. The cave remains one of the trail's most popular features.
Fall foliage timing: For peak colors, aim for the first two weeks of October. Check Connecticut fall foliage reports before booking permits.
Winter considerations: For a winter trip, start early (7:00 AM) to use all the daylight you have. The 4:30 PM sunset holds most backpackers to 8-12 miles per day. Favor the southern sections, which are less exposed and at lower elevations.
Alternate uses: The trail is for hiking only. No bikes, horses, or motorized vehicles; respect these restrictions to maintain access.
Connect with locals: Stop at the White Memorial Conservation Center Museum (80 Whitehall Road, Litchfield) for trail updates, wildlife information, and current campsite conditions. Staff know the seasonal water reliability and recent trail maintenance well.
Fastest Known Time: The Mattatuck has an active FKT community, and accomplished ultrarunners hold the current records. Most backpackers complete the trail in 3-4 days at a comfortable pace.
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