Your guide to the heart of Litchfield County:
Discover local stories, hidden gems, and must-know events.

Mohawk Mountain
Mohawk Mountain is the state’s oldest and largest ski area. The family owned and operated resort offers down-hill skiing and snow boarding, with 19 open ski trails, 5 ski lifts and snowmaking coverage on 95 percent of the mountain. Daily night skiing (except on Sundays).

46 Great Hollow Road
Cornwall
(off Rte. 4)
[email protected]
860.672.6100
www.mohawkmtn.com

Ski Sundown
Fifteen trails serviced by 5 lifts with one hundred percent snowmaking coverage offering varied terrain choices for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. Day and night skiing and snowboarding from early December through late March. Full service rental and repair shop, snowsports shop, modern and spacious lodge with two self-service food courts, apres ski lounge and mountain view decks. Showsports School offers group and private lessons for ages 4 and up.

126 Ratlum Road
(off Rtes. 44 & 219)
New Hartford
860.379.7669
www.skisundown.com

Cross-Country Skiing, Ice Skating, Sledding & Snowshoeing

Black Rock Park
439-acre Black Rock offers a variety of outdoor activities. Steep, wooded ledges covered with pine, hemlock and oak provide the setting for Black Rock Pond. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and ice skating.

Route 6
Thomaston
860.677.1819

Burr Pond State Park
Burr Pond is the 343-acre site of Borden’s first condensed milk factory in the U.S. A scenic path encircles the 88-acre pond contained in the Park. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and ice skating.

Route 8
Torrington
860.482.1817

Dennis Hill
Dennis Hill, a 240 acre estate. A unique summit pavilion, located at an elevation of 1627 feet, is a popular attraction. Winter activities include cross-country skiing.

Route 272 south
Norfolk

Drady Rink
Open weekday mornings for skating: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesdays from 9 to 10:15 a.m., and Fridays from 9 to 11:15 a.m. through February. The fee is $5 per skater per session.

Canterbury School
101 Aspetuck Avenue
New Milford

Hotchkiss School Rinks
Ice skating.

11 Interlaken Road
Lakeville

Housatonic Meadows State Park
Located in the rock-strewn valley of the Housatonic River amid the rugged hills of the Northwestern uplands, the 451-acre Housatonic Meadows is an ideal setting. Limited cross-country skiing.

Route 7
Sharon
860.927.3238

John A. Minetto State Park
This 678-acre Park was once the location of the first house constructed in the Town of Winsted. The rolling, open land was formerly known as Hall Meadow after the adjacent Hall Brook. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and ice skating.

Route 272
Torrington

Linen Rink
Ice skating. Open to the public for family skates on Sundays from 4:45 to 7 p.m.

Gunnery School
99 Green Hill Road
Washington

Macedonia Brook State Park
Macedonia Brook became the property of the State in 1918 through a gift from the White Memorial Foundation in Litchfield. Two peaks within the Park are near 1,400 feet in elevation and offer outstanding views of the Catskills and Taconic mountains. Winter activities include cross-country skiing.

159 Macedonia Brook Road
Kent
860.927.3238

Mohawk Mountain State Forest
With rugged hills, deep forests, panoramic vistas and 30 miles of trails, Mohawk Mountain State Forest in Cornwall is the ideal place for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Explore the Mohawk Trail, once part of the Appalachian Trail. The trail leads to Mohawk Tower, which offers a breathtaking view of the rolling Litchfield Hills. The cross-country skiing trail is another option that offers a sampling of the mountain’s diverse landscape. Those in need of snowshoes can rent them at the nearby Housatonic River Outfitters, Inc. in Cornwall Bridge.

Mohawk Mountain Ski Area
46 Great Hollow Road
Cornwall
(off Rte. 4)
[email protected]
860-672-6100
www.mohawkmtn.com

Mt. Tom State Park
Mt. Tom is one of the oldest parks in the state park system; it is named for the mountain within its boundaries. There is a stone tower on top of the mountain which is a favored destination among hikers. The summit of Mt. Tom is 1325 feet above sea level, 125 feet higher than its Massachusetts counterpart. The tower trail is about a mile long and rises some 500 feet. Winter activities include ice skating.

Rte. 202
Litchfield
860.424.3200

Nadal Rink
Ice skating.

Kent School
Macedonia Road
Kent

Norfolk Ice Skating Rink
Ice Skating.

23 Mountain Road
Norfolk

Peoples State Forest
Along the Farmington River, this forest features hiking and cross-country ski trails. There are several tranquil trails here, including the Agnes Bowen Trail (Orange) which is a traditional 1930’s ski trail. Distance – 2.5 miles.

East River Road
Barkhamsted
860.379.2469

Pratt Nature Center
A year-round resource where you can spend time enjoying the joys of nature in a carefully maintained environment. Miles of trails for snowshoeing are perfect for a family outing.

163 Papermill Road
New Milford
860.355.3137

Lufkin Rink
They offer three family skates to the public each year. They also offer lessons to students and their siblings who wish to learn to glide across the ice.

Rumsey Hall
201 Romford Road
Washington

Salisbury School Rink
Ice skating.

251 Canaan Road
Salisbury

Topsmead
Topsmead is an English tudor mansion set on 511 acres. During the summer the house is open for tours. The grounds are open year-round and feature hiking, sledding, and cross country skiing.

Buell Road
Litchfield
860.567.5694

White Memorial Foundation
The White Memorial has miles of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It is located in Litchfield on 4,000 acres, free and open to the public.

80 Whitehall Road
Litchfield
860.567.0857
www.whitememorialcc.org

Hopkins Vineyard & Macricostas Preserve
Bredeson Outdoor Adventures offers guided snowshoeing here.

Hopkins Vineyard
25 Hopkins Road
New Preston
860.868.7954
www.bredeson.com/warren

Ice Fishing and Ice Boating

Yes, Ice boating. There are ice yachts and people who race around them when it’s safe on Bantam Lake. Read more about it here.
You will also find many people ice fishing on Bantam Lake. Before dropping your line into the icy waters, you must get a permit. Permits may be purchased at local town halls, tackle shops, or through the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s store.

Bantam Lake
At 947 acres, Bantam Lake sits as the largest natural body of water in the State of Connecticut. It is fed by Bantam River and Whittlesey Brook in the western part of the state. Fishing is excellent and there are more than an average of 20 annual bass fishing tournaments per year. Ice fishing is very popular here.
Bantam Lake, Morris

Lake Waramaug
Bass enthusiasts can head to Lake Waramaug in Kent, rated one of the state’s “Top Winter Bass Lakes” by New England Game & Fish magazine. Covering more than 656 acres, it is Connecticut’s second-largest natural lake. During the winter season, anglers can pursue largemouth and smallmouth bass, brown trout, chain pickerel and yellow perch.
Lake Waramaug, New Preston

Sleigh Rides

Wood Acres Farm

The 25-acre property—like a Currier and Ives scene, with two ponds—has been in his family for five generations. Ken, a farrier, began running sleigh rides in 1972; they do more than 200 in a good season.

68 Griffin Road
Terryville
860.583.8670
woodacresfarm.com

Loon Meadow Farm
Offerings include a two-passenger antique surrey sleigh (for couples) and the larger 10-passenger sleigh pulled by two horses. Winter sleigh rides are offered in antique sleighs complete with cozy lap robes, jingling sleigh bells and hot, mulled cider. Special accommodations for groups can be arranged.

41 Loon Meadow Dr.
Norfolk, 06058
(Jct. Rtes. 44 & 182)
(860) 542-6085
http://www.loonmeadowfarm.com
[email protected]

Interlaken Inn
Interlaken Inn’s “Sleigh Ride Package” is available through most of the winter, and includes the sleigh ride, dinner, an overnight room and breakfast the next morning.

Interlaken Inn Resort and
Conference Center
860.435.9878
800.222.2909
www.interlakeninn.com

 

Even during the cold, dark days of winter Litchfield County offers up plenty of activities for everyone. Whether you’re a winter sport enthusiast or prefer to stay indoors on blustery days, check out this list of things to do for inspiration. And for more fun check out our list of sugar houses to visit for some home-made local maple syrup.

1. Don your skis and goggles and hit the slopes of Mohawk Mountain in Cornwall, and Ski Sundown in New Hartford, for some alpine skiing. They offer tubing as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Prefer cross country skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking instead? White Memorial Conservation Center in Litchfield, Macedonia State Park in Kent, Flanders Nature Center in Woodbury, and Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy in Litchfield offer many trail and tour options.

3. Go ice fishing at one of the many lakes or ponds. (Bantam Lake, Mount Tom Pond, Burr Pond and Saltwater Pond, Mohawk Pond, East Twin Lake, etc.) But please read about ice safety before you go.

4.  See a theatrical production at the Warner Theatre in Torrington.

5. Visit the Sharon Audubon Society in Sharon where you can explore their visitor’s center, learn about their wildlife rehabilitation clinic, and participate in programs and events.

6. Curl up with a good read at one of Litchfield County’s independent indie bookstores like House of Books in Kent, Hickory Stick Bookshop in Washington, or Honeybee Books and Tea in New Milford.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Visit the Railroad Museum of New England in Thomaston to learn about the region’s rich rail history.

8. Cozy up with a warm hot chocolate and a delicious pastry at The Smithy Cafe in New Preston, Marty’s Cafe in Washington Depot, 45 Main in Kent, or Arethusa A Mano in Bantam.

9. Sample some delicious hard cider and purchase some local food stuffs at Hogan’s Cider Mill in Harwinton, which has been making cider since 1912. The second floor of their barn is also filled with quirky antiques to explore (not for purchase), including a phone booth from the 1800s.

10. Go for a Holiday themed train ride with the Railroad Museum of New England and pretend you’re on the Polar Express.

11. Book yourself a spa treatment at one of the Northwest Corner’s full-service spas like The Spa at Litchfield Hills in Litchfield, The Winvian Farm Spa in Morris, Byrde + the b or The Well at Mayflower Inn in Washington.

12. Taste the local liquor and wine in the tap rooms of area vineyards Walker Road Vineyards in Woodbury and Hopkins Vineyard in Warren, and the tasting rooms at Litchfield Distillery and Mine Hill Distillery.

13. Take the time to meander through lifestyle and apparel shops J. Seitz, Plain Goods, Privet House, Pergola, and DK Schulman in New Preston,  WKND in Warren, George Home and Favorite in Washington, Terston in Kent, and Oliphant, R. Derwin, and Milton Market in Litchfield.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14. Scavenge for vintage finds at The Housatonic Trading Company in Bantam, THE HUNT in New Milford, George Champion Modern Shop or Maison St. Germain in Woodbury.

15. Learn about Native American life in the Washington area during the 16th century at The Institute for American Indian Studies where you can visit a life-size replica of an Algonquin village with wigwams and longhouses constructed using traditional techniques. Try out their award-winning Wigwam Escape room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16. Work on your fitness by exercising indoors at gyms like New Milford Fitness and Aquatics Club in New Milford, Studio Lakeville in Lakeville, W. Rhythm Fitness & Wellness Studio in Kent, or Litchfield Hills Fitness in Litchfield.

17. Perhaps yoga is more your thing when it comes to indoor winter exercise? Try a class at EVOLVE Yoga in New Milford, Charym Yoga in Litchfield, or Caroline Kinsolving and Julie Haesche in Washington. Caroline and Julie are both Readers Choice Winners! Check out some hot yoga at Sanctuary Power Yoga in Torrington.

18. Stay warm and catch a show at the Infinity Music Hall in Norfolk.

19. Enjoy some down-home country comfort food at a barbecue restaurant like When Pigs Fly in Sharon or Wood’s Pit BBQ in Bantam.

20. As soon as Bantam Lake freezes with ice thick enough for sailing, enjoy the ice yachts flying across the surface on weekends and also some weekdays.

 

21. Check out your local library to find out what programs, events, and talks they are offering this winter.

22. Visit one of Litchfield County’s many art galleries. Check out the many art galleries housed in the Kent Barns in Kent, KMR Arts, Eckert Fine Art in Washington, and The Gallery in Woodbury.

23. Go ice fishing at a local lake or pond, but please read about ice safety before you go.

24. Explore locally made ceramics at Bantam Tileworks, Guy Wolf Pottery, and Dumais Inc. in Bantam, Jane Herold Pottery in West Cornwall, and Cornwall Bridge Pottery in Cornwall.

25. Peruse Whiting Mills in Winsted. These old former mill buildings now house an eclectic mix of artists, craftspeople, retail shops, and small manufacturing companies who all offer their wares for sale.

26. Gift yourself personal training sessions with Rika Keck of NY Integrated Health in Washington Depot or Suzanne Blaicher of Fit Coach in the Hills.

27. Connect with nature and visit a local nature center such as the Pratt Nature Center in New Milford, the Flanders Nature Center in Woodbury, or the White Memorial Conservation Center in Litchfield.

28. Go for a walk at a local preserve, but be cautious of icy conditions!

29. Visit the covered bridge in West Cornwall—breathtaking in every season.

30. Sip brews at Housatonic River Brewing, Kent Falls Brewing in Kent, Woodbury Brewing in Woodbury, or Clocktown Brewing in Thomaston.

31. Go for a horse drawn sleigh ride at Wood Acres Farm!

 

Maple syrup is produced from the sap of maple trees, which is collected from late winter through early spring and processed in sugar houses located throughout Litchfield County. Many sugar houses are open to the public. You can view their boiling process and buy their maple syrup and products. To be sure sugar houses are in operation, always phone ahead. Some years are better than others. Looking for more fun winter activities for you and the family? Check out 30 Things to do in Litchfield County this Winter!

Anstett’s Sugar Farm
The Anstett family welcomes you to tour their farm specializing in maple syrup for the past 30 years. Check the web site for hours and boiling times during the months of January through April. Hours are by appointment only during the off season, please call to schedule a time.

542 East Greenwoods Road
Norfolk
860.542.5013

Brookside Farm
Open for visits mid-February through March. Maple syrup sold year round. Please call ahead.

79 East Chestnut Hill Road
Litchfield
860.567.3805

Brothers and Sons Sugarhouse
Open year round. Watch syrup being made during February and March. Free tours. Sugarhouse is accessible to the handicapped. Groups welcome. Call ahead.

998 Saw Mill Road
Torrington
860.489.2719

Dutton’s Sugarhouse
Visitors may watch sap collection and syrup being made during February and March. Groups always welcome. Call ahead.

28 Sunny Ridge Road
Washington
860.868.0345

Flanders Nature Center Maple Sugar House
Each year Flanders taps and collects sap from dozens of trees at the nature center and around town. They have a lovely sugar house which is open for tours.

Sugar House at 
Flanders Nature Center and Land Trust
5 Church Hill Road
Woodbury
203.263.3711, ext. 12
www.flandersnaturecenter.org

Great Brook Sugarhouse
Operated by The Youth Agency, the Sugarhouse is open to the public and syrup is sold year round. Educational tours of the sugaring operation are available. Call for info and availability. Open house weekends, which include displays of early sugaring techniques, are held during March. Call ahead for dates and time.

140 Park Lane
(Route 202)
New Milford
860.354.0047

Hilljack Sugar Shack
Open 7 days a week 8:00am- 6:00pm. There are extended hours for sugaring season. Visitors are encouraged to stop by anytime. Free tours of facilities. School groups welcome. For tours larger than 7, please call ahead to schedule.

74 Wilson Road
Litchfield
860.482.6052

Institute for American Indian Studies
They offer an annual Maple Sugaring Festival in March.

38 Curtis Road
(off Route 199)
Washington
860.868.0518
www.iaismuseum.org

Kasulaitis Farm and Sugarhouse

Open 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sunday. See syrup being made in mid-February to the end of March. Phone ahead. Maple syrup sold year round.

69 Goose Green Road
Barkhamsted
860.379.8787

Laurel Brook Farm Maple Syrup. Open all year. Phone ahead.

390 Norfolk Road
(at Route 44)
East Canaan
860.824.7529

Sullivan Farm
For the next 5 weeks, through the end of March, the staff and students will be tapping over 1600 trees and producing some of Connecticut’s finest Maple Syrup.

140 Park Lane
New Milford
860.354.0047

West Hill Sugarhouse
Maple syrup for sale year round. Sugarhouse open during the season. Small groups welcome. Call ahead.

525 West Hill Road
New Hartford
860.379.9672

Woodbury Sugarshed
Sugarhouse open to the public. Saturdays and Sundays from February 28 through March 28 for maple syrup demonstration hours 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Open daily year round. Phone ahead.

41 Washington Road
Woodbury
203.263.4550
[email protected]
www.woodburysugarshed.com