Barkhamsted is a town in Litchfield County, Connecticut, United States. It includes seven villages: West Hill, Mallory, Center Hill, Washington Hill, Pleasant Valley, and Riverton. Its population is 3,647 as of the 2020 census, down from 3,799 in 2010. The town was incorporated in 1779.
Squire’s Tavern
The Squire’s Tavern in Barkhamstead is a historic building that is open for tours. The tavern was built in the early 1800s as a stop for travelers on the East River Road. The Ullman family sold the property to the State in 1929 and the Barkhamsted Historical Society acquired a lease in 1996.
Albert Slade was born December 17, 1829 in Barkhamsted. He was 44 years old when he began keeping the journal. The journal records the names of his friends and people who visited the farm. It also records trips he and his family took, including trips to New Hartford and the “mountain.” The diary was written around the time that a map of Barkhamsted, CT, was published by the F.W. Beers Co. of New York. The map also identified Barkhamsted by name. Slade died at age 79.
The small town of Barkhamsted is located in southern Litchfield County. It was first settled in the mid-1700s and incorporated in 1779. Its name was likely derived from Berkhamsted, England, which was a popular destination for early settlers. The word “barkhamsted” is derived from borough, which means “mountain” and hamsted, which means “place.” The town has several historic sites, including the Pleasant Valley section where John Brown spent his youth. The People’s State Forest provides opportunities for hiking and access to the Farmington River.
The town of Barkhamsted contains a beautiful forest with towering white pines. This forest was purchased by the state in 1924 for eight dollars an acre. It contains 14 miles of hiking trails and a Native American historic site. There is also a campground and cabins near the river.
Squire’s Reservoir
Located near the People’s State Forest and Route 20, Squire’s Reservoir is a great place to enjoy a day in the fresh air. The lake is stocked with fish, so visitors can enjoy fishing from a boat or shore. For a fun day out in the water, you can also head to the town’s East Beach, where you can swim Thursday through Sunday.
The town of Barkhamsted is nestled on the Farmington River, and was established in the mid-17th century. It was named after Berkhamstead, England, which was a popular destination for early settlers. The name is a combination of the word borough, meaning “mountain,” “ham,” and “sted,” which means “place.” The town is home to a historical marker dedicated to the freedom fighter John Brown, who spent part of his youth in the Pleasant Valley section. The town is also home to the American Legion/People’s State Forest, where you can go hiking and camp.
The Saville Dam is an earthen embankment dam that was built on the Farmington River in 1936. It is 1,950 feet (590 m) long and features an uncontrolled spillway at the west end. The reservoir fills with water, supplying Hartford with water for more than three million people. The reservoir took several years to fill with water, but it was completed in 1948.
Near the Town of Barkhamsted is the Peoples State Forest, an area that is home to 3,124 acres. The state purchased the land for $8 an acre, and the forest has been managed for recreation and saw-timber production. The park also features a Native American historic site and scenic hiking trails.
Golf at Tunxis Plantation Country Club
If you want to enjoy a challenging round of golf in Barkhamsted, Connecticut, consider playing at the 18-hole Tunxis Plantation Country Club. This golf course is open to the public and offers a great challenge for golfers of all skill levels. In the winter, the area is the perfect place to cross-country ski along miles of trails.
There is also the 3,000-acre People’s Forest, which has over 30 miles of hiking trails. Many of these trails are perfect for families with small children. Nearby, the town’s historic district features the Barkhamsted Historical Society Museum, which is housed in an 1830s Greek Revival farmhouse. The museum features exhibits about the history of the town and area. There’s also plenty of fishing to be had on the Farmington River. A variety of fishing opportunities are available, including bass, perch, and catfish.
Cross-country skiing at Peoples State Forest
In addition to the trails for cross-country skiing, Peoples State Forest in Barkhamsted, Connecticut, also offers a state-run museum and nature center. The museum features exhibits on forestry, native animals, and local history. It is open seasonally on Friday and Monday and is a great place to learn more about the area.
The American Legion and Peoples State Forests, combined, span over three thousand acres. They are divided by the West Branch of the Farmington River, which is a designated Wild and Scenic River by the National Park Service. Both state forests provide hiking, biking, and river-based recreation. The forests are home to several 200-year-old white pine picnic groves and offer over 11 miles of trails. There are also many historic sites to visit, such as the Barkhamsted Lighthouse.
The forest’s trails are perfect for beginners. Near the Barkhamstead Reservoir, the Tunxis Trail runs through beautiful forest area. This trail provides a peaceful scenic ski. Along the way, you’ll see Kettle Brook, Indian Caves, and a variety of trees. Dogs are allowed on the trail, but they need to be on a leash.
The forest also offers hiking trails, a stocked pond, and log cabins. The state forest also has several miles of trails for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. While visiting the state forest, you can also enjoy other activities such as fishing or picnicking at the lake.
Visit the Peoples State Forest
The Peoples State Forest Nature Museum is a state-run attraction that is located on Greenwood Road in Barkhamsted, Connecticut. It contains exhibits on forestry, local history, and rock formations. Open seasonally on Friday and Monday, the museum is a great place to learn about the local environment and the forest’s native wildlife.
Visitors to the Peoples State Forest can hike or enjoy a picnic on the grounds. The trail, which winds through the forest, features views of the river valley and historic mill sites. You can also camp in the campground, which provides thirty spacious campsites near the river. Founded in 1924, the Peoples State Forest is home to many attractions, including towering white pines in the Matthies Grove Recreation Area, a 14-mile network of hiking trails, and a Native American historic site. The forest is also managed for firewood production, saw-timber production, and wildlife habitat.
The Peoples State Forest in Barkhamsted is home to many exciting hiking trails, including the Jessie Gerard Trail. This relatively unknown hike has breathtaking views and varied terrain. The trail begins at a small parking area off East River Road, which is accessible from Route 181. The trail also features a kiosk for maps and information.
The Peoples State Forest is a sprawling park, with a trail system that takes you to some of the most beautiful sites in the park. Hiking at Peoples State Forest is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the region, and there are a number of short and long trails available to suit different skill levels. The parking lot is guarded, so you don’t have to worry about driving through it.
The Peoples State Forest is home to a large grove of 200-year-old white pines that provides excellent picnic spots. It also offers hiking trails that lead to historic sites and a soapstone quarry, and an old Native American settlement.
