Peoples State Forest

#TakeaHike right up the Jessie Gerard trail in Barkhamsted, CT! It's mostly uphill but a fairly short hike. There's a beautiful stream halfway up as well that spills over into an awesome waterfall. There is one switchback turn that you want to go left on the blue/yellow trail instead of continuing on the solid blue trail but other than that it's very straight forward. You could make it more adventurous on the way up or down and do the waterfall trail which is a bit more work. When you get to the top it's stunning vistas for a far as you can see. You can even see the Farmington River winding its way through the trees below. It's my happy place. I spend lots of time meditating up here in all of the seasons. ❤️

Visit Peoples State Forest

Activities

Plan a trip to see Peoples State Forest

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

INNSiDE by Meliá New York Nomad

Manhattan

￥248,675

per person

Apr 19 - Apr 23

found 2 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Osaka (KIX) to New York (JFK)

9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,008 reviews)

Great location would 100% come back

Reviewed on Jan 22, 2026

Lotte New York Palace

Manhattan

￥354,578

per person

Mar 28 - Apr 2

found 4 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Tokyo (TYO) to New York (JFK)

9/10 Wonderful! (1,723 reviews)

Everything was excellent!!

Reviewed on Jan 23, 2026

Park Lane New York

Manhattan

￥356,002

per person

Mar 28 - Apr 2

found 4 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Tokyo (TYO) to New York (JFK)

8.4/10 Very Good! (1,667 reviews)

Amazing Stay! Room was plenty big enough for all 4 of us and the staff went above and beyond for everything. Gorgeous lobby and rooms with super fun bathrooms! With central park at your doorstep you really cant ask for more

Reviewed on Jan 20, 2026

Popular places to visit

Peoples State Forest Nature Museum

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Peoples State Forest Nature Museum during your travels in Riverton.

Harts Island

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Harts Island during your travels in Barkhamsted. Stroll along the lakeside or experience the area's festivals.

Old School House Museum

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Old School House Museum in Barkhamsted. Stroll along the lakeside or experience the area's festivals.

Tatro Pond

You can take time to visit Tatro Pond during your travels to Winchester.

Ames Plaza Shopping Center

You can do some window-shopping at Ames Plaza Shopping Center during your trip to Barkhamsted. Take in the live music in this relaxing area.

American Mural Project

You can spend time studying the exhibits at American Mural Project in Winchester.

Best Lodging Options Near Peoples State Forest

Check availability on hotels close to Peoples State Forest

Simsbury 1820 House

731 Hopmeadow St Simsbury CT

Americas Best Value Inn Torrington CT

395 Winsted Rd Torrington CT

Avon Old Farms Hotel

279 Avon Mountain Rd Avon CT

Sheraton Hartford Hotel at Bradley Airport

1 Bradley International Airport Windsor Locks CT

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Hartford - Bradley Airport

64 Ella Grasso Turnpike Windsor Locks CT

Motel 6 Windsor Locks, CT - Hartford

3 National Dr Windsor Locks CT

Days Inn by Wyndham Windsor Locks / Bradley Intl Airport

185 Ella Grasso Turnpike Windsor Locks CT

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bradley Airport by IHG

600 Spring St Windsor Locks CT

DoubleTree by Hilton Hartford - Bradley Airport

16 Ella T. Grasso Turnpike Windsor Locks CT

See all 1,933 properties in Peoples State Forest

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.