Loading...

Bennett's Pond State Park in Connecticut, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: . Check linked official notices before travel.

Bennett's Pond State Park in Ridgefield, Connecticut, offers a walking visit around a former estate and its pond landscape. The 460-acre park adjoins a larger open-space network extending into Danbury. Use the state park's own map to choose your route: its trails are designated for foot travel only.

A pond walk with room to extend it

  • Map-led exploring: Color-blazed routes and marked segment distances help you build a walk rather than follow an assumed single loop.
  • Former estate setting: The property was once part of manufacturer and nurseryman Louis D. Conley's much larger estate.
  • Connected open space: Neighboring protected land offers a broader setting, but property boundaries still matter when planning a longer outing.

Prepare for a foot-trail visit

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

TopicDetails
AdmissionThe Connecticut Office of Tourism lists admission as free.
Visit window8 a.m. to sunset. State recreation areas operate as conditions permit; check current access before traveling.
Seasonal huntingFall archery hunting for deer is allowed. Deer hunting with firearms is prohibited. Consult the current hunting season dates.

Know your route and the season

Tell someone where you plan to walk and when you expect to return. DEEP advises trail visitors to check whether hunting is active and to wear bright orange for added visibility. Read the park-specific hunting notice before a fall outing.

Stay within permitted routes

Follow blazed trails and respect signs at property boundaries. A path continuing beyond state land does not automatically give permission to enter the next property. Keep dogs controlled on a leash no longer than 7 feet and remove their waste. Leave plants and rocks in place, and avoid disturbing or feeding wildlife.

Planning a bus-group visit

Groups arriving by bus need a state bus permit. Contact Reserve America at 877-668-2267 at least 14 days before the visit. Confirm the arrival arrangements rather than assuming a bus can use a small trailhead parking area.

Bennett's Farm Road access

The state tourism listing gives 572 Bennett's Farm Road, Ridgefield, CT 06877. The official DEEP map marks the park entrance and parking on Bennett's Farm Road. Segment distances are in miles. Its boundaries are approximate, so follow current signs when routes meet neighboring open space.

Nearby protected areas

Seth Low Pierrepont State Park Reserve is another Ridgefield destination, with mapped access from Barlow Mountain Road. Weir Farm National Historical Park is in nearby Wilton at 735 Nod Hill Road. Its parking area cannot accommodate RVs, buses, trailers, or other large vehicles, so check arrangements before adding it to a group trip.

Build a walk from the trail map

Choose your turning point before leaving the entrance, using the map's colored routes and junction distances. This lets a short outing stay short even where the trail system connects with more open space. Follow the map's foot-only designation and any current posted restrictions.

Trailhead parking and preparation

The official map identifies an entrance parking area. Park only in designated spaces. Bring the supplies needed for your chosen walk and keep a downloaded map available. The state's trail guidance explains preparation, pet control, and how to report a hazard.

Part of Ridgefield's open-space landscape

From private estate to state park

Louis D. Conley's estate once exceeded 1,500 acres. Today's state park preserves a 460-acre portion within roughly 1,800 contiguous acres of open space across Ridgefield and Danbury. That wider setting explains why a visit requires attention to individual trail and property rules.

Contact Connecticut State Parks

For state park information, call 860-424-3200 or email [email protected]. Ask about current trail conditions or group arrangements before your visit.

Average weather in Bennett's Pond State Park

Temp max Temp min Rain Snow
Jan 2 °C -5 °C 55 mm 17 cm
Feb 3 °C -5 °C 54 mm 28 cm
Mar 8 °C -1 °C 56 mm 18 cm
Apr 14 °C 4 °C 88 mm 1 cm
May 20 °C 11 °C 95 mm 0 cm
Jun 24 °C 16 °C 102 mm 0 cm
Jul 28 °C 20 °C 102 mm 0 cm
Aug 27 °C 19 °C 84 mm 0 cm
Sep 23 °C 15 °C 95 mm 0 cm
Oct 17 °C 10 °C 109 mm 0 cm
Nov 10 °C 3 °C 76 mm 4 cm
Dec 5 °C -1 °C 91 mm 13 cm

Other parks nearby

More parks in Connecticut

National parks in USA

User Reviews

Share your experience! Your honest feedback helps others make informed decisions.

Login to add new review