American Legion State Forest

Campsites face the Framington River's West Branch.

Rugged terrain with steep, rocky hillsides define the landscape of this 782-acre forest in Barkhamsted. The initial 213 acres of the forest were a gift from the American Legion.

The Buck Trail, which winds through the old-growth forest past cascading streams and the ruins of a cheese box mill, climbs the Tremendous Cliffs and offers good views of the river valley. In spring, the trail is lined with wildflowers.

The trail, which is two miles round-trip, is also used by cross-country skiers and snowshoers.

The Austin Hawes Campground has about 30 spacious sites along the West Branch of the Farmington River.

In fall, the forest is open to deer hunting by lottery.

The forest entrance is two miles north of Pleasant Valley on West River Road.