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Shenipsit State Forest

166 Chestnut Hill Road

Stafford Springs, CT 06076

Shenipsit State Forest

860-684-3430

Shenipsit State Forest began in 1927 with the purchase of land at the summit of Soapstone Mountain in Somers to erect a fire tower to keep a lookout over the forests of the eastern woodlands. Over time, additional acreage was purchased to form the sprawling 7,078 acres state forest we have today in Ellington, Somers and Stafford.

Shenipsit is dominated by nearly pure stands of oak, particularly red oak, as a result of repeated clear-cutting for charcoal production and as a result of fire.  All of this occurred prior to State ownership. Oak reproduction favors the open, full-sunlight conditions created by clear-cutting and by fire. Additionally oak seedlings and saplings almost always re-sprout from the root collar and grow vigorously after the above-ground part of the tree has been killed. Oak trees produce valuable timber as well as important wildlife food – acorns are an important source of nutrition for deer, turkey, squirrels and other wildlife. 

There is an abundance of recreation opportunities at Shenipsit State Forest. The two primary attractions are the wonderful hiking along the Blue-Blazed Shenipsit Trail which passes over Soapstone Mountain and the amazing views from the Soapstone Mountain observation tower. While the original fire tower is long gone, today’s tower stands specifically for the public’s recreational viewing. As one of only two observation towers in Eastern Connecticut (the other being the monument at Fort Griswold State Park in Groton), the vistas afforded from this vantage point are spectacular as visitors can take in scenes from the Connecticut River Valley to the Springfield skyline.

ActivitiesCross-Country SkiingFishingHikingHistoric MuseumHorseback RidingHuntingMountain BikingObservation TowerPicnickingSnowmobilingLetterboxing

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AARP Events for Hanna City

AARP Events for Hanna City

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  SIT TO FIT EXERCISES

  Monday, Mar 17, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. CT

  Facebook and YouTube

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• Featured Event

  SIT TO FIT EXERCISES

  Tuesday, Mar 18, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. CT

  Facebook and YouTube

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• Featured Event

  YOGA & MEDITATION

  Wednesday, Mar 19, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. CT

  AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA

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											<div>166 Chestnut Hill Road</div>
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						<p style="text-align: justify;">Shenipsit State Forest began in 1927 with the purchase of land at the summit of Soapstone Mountain in Somers to erect a fire tower to keep a lookout over the forests of the eastern woodlands. Over time, additional acreage was purchased to form the sprawling 7,078 acres state forest we have today in Ellington, Somers and Stafford.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Shenipsit is dominated by nearly pure stands of oak, particularly red oak, as a result of repeated clear-cutting for charcoal production and as a result of fire. &nbsp;All of this occurred prior to State ownership. Oak reproduction favors the open, full-sunlight conditions created by clear-cutting and by fire. Additionally oak seedlings and saplings almost always re-sprout from the root collar and grow vigorously after the above-ground part of the tree has been killed. Oak trees produce valuable timber as well as important wildlife food &ndash; acorns are an important source of nutrition for deer, turkey, squirrels and other wildlife.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There is an abundance of recreation opportunities at Shenipsit State Forest. The two primary attractions are the wonderful hiking along the Blue-Blazed Shenipsit Trail which passes over Soapstone Mountain and the amazing views from the Soapstone Mountain observation tower. While the original fire tower is long gone, today&rsquo;s tower stands specifically for the public&rsquo;s recreational viewing. As one of only two observation towers in Eastern Connecticut (the other being the monument at Fort Griswold State Park in Groton), the vistas afforded from this vantage point are spectacular as visitors can take in scenes from the Connecticut River Valley to the Springfield skyline.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">ActivitiesCross-Country SkiingFishingHikingHistoric MuseumHorseback RidingHuntingMountain BikingObservation TowerPicnickingSnowmobilingLetterboxing</p>		</div>
		

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											<div>166 Chestnut Hill Road</div>
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							<span>Stafford Springs</span>,
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												<span>06076</span>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-684-3430</div>
				
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						<p style="text-align: justify;">Shenipsit State Forest began in 1927 with the purchase of land at the summit of Soapstone Mountain in Somers to erect a fire tower to keep a lookout over the forests of the eastern woodlands. Over time, additional acreage was purchased to form the sprawling 7,078 acres state forest we have today in Ellington, Somers and Stafford.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Shenipsit is dominated by nearly pure stands of oak, particularly red oak, as a result of repeated clear-cutting for charcoal production and as a result of fire. &nbsp;All of this occurred prior to State ownership. Oak reproduction favors the open, full-sunlight conditions created by clear-cutting and by fire. Additionally oak seedlings and saplings almost always re-sprout from the root collar and grow vigorously after the above-ground part of the tree has been killed. Oak trees produce valuable timber as well as important wildlife food &ndash; acorns are an important source of nutrition for deer, turkey, squirrels and other wildlife.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There is an abundance of recreation opportunities at Shenipsit State Forest. The two primary attractions are the wonderful hiking along the Blue-Blazed Shenipsit Trail which passes over Soapstone Mountain and the amazing views from the Soapstone Mountain observation tower. While the original fire tower is long gone, today&rsquo;s tower stands specifically for the public&rsquo;s recreational viewing. As one of only two observation towers in Eastern Connecticut (the other being the monument at Fort Griswold State Park in Groton), the vistas afforded from this vantage point are spectacular as visitors can take in scenes from the Connecticut River Valley to the Springfield skyline.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">ActivitiesCross-Country SkiingFishingHikingHistoric MuseumHorseback RidingHuntingMountain BikingObservation TowerPicnickingSnowmobilingLetterboxing</p>		</div>
		

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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Shenipsit State Forest</h1></header>

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											<div>166 Chestnut Hill Road</div>
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							<span>Stafford Springs</span>,
							<span>CT</span>
												<span>06076</span>
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					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Forests/Shenipsit-State-Forest" target="_blank">Shenipsit State Forest</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-684-3430</div>
				
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						<p style="text-align: justify;">Shenipsit State Forest began in 1927 with the purchase of land at the summit of Soapstone Mountain in Somers to erect a fire tower to keep a lookout over the forests of the eastern woodlands. Over time, additional acreage was purchased to form the sprawling 7,078 acres state forest we have today in Ellington, Somers and Stafford.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Shenipsit is dominated by nearly pure stands of oak, particularly red oak, as a result of repeated clear-cutting for charcoal production and as a result of fire. &nbsp;All of this occurred prior to State ownership. Oak reproduction favors the open, full-sunlight conditions created by clear-cutting and by fire. Additionally oak seedlings and saplings almost always re-sprout from the root collar and grow vigorously after the above-ground part of the tree has been killed. Oak trees produce valuable timber as well as important wildlife food &ndash; acorns are an important source of nutrition for deer, turkey, squirrels and other wildlife.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There is an abundance of recreation opportunities at Shenipsit State Forest. The two primary attractions are the wonderful hiking along the Blue-Blazed Shenipsit Trail which passes over Soapstone Mountain and the amazing views from the Soapstone Mountain observation tower. While the original fire tower is long gone, today&rsquo;s tower stands specifically for the public&rsquo;s recreational viewing. As one of only two observation towers in Eastern Connecticut (the other being the monument at Fort Griswold State Park in Groton), the vistas afforded from this vantage point are spectacular as visitors can take in scenes from the Connecticut River Valley to the Springfield skyline.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">ActivitiesCross-Country SkiingFishingHikingHistoric MuseumHorseback RidingHuntingMountain BikingObservation TowerPicnickingSnowmobilingLetterboxing</p>		</div>
		

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											<div>166 Chestnut Hill Road</div>
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							<span>Stafford Springs</span>,
							<span>CT</span>
												<span>06076</span>
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										<a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Forests/Shenipsit-State-Forest" target="_blank">Shenipsit State Forest</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-684-3430</div>
				
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						<p style="text-align: justify;">Shenipsit State Forest began in 1927 with the purchase of land at the summit of Soapstone Mountain in Somers to erect a fire tower to keep a lookout over the forests of the eastern woodlands. Over time, additional acreage was purchased to form the sprawling 7,078 acres state forest we have today in Ellington, Somers and Stafford.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Shenipsit is dominated by nearly pure stands of oak, particularly red oak, as a result of repeated clear-cutting for charcoal production and as a result of fire. &nbsp;All of this occurred prior to State ownership. Oak reproduction favors the open, full-sunlight conditions created by clear-cutting and by fire. Additionally oak seedlings and saplings almost always re-sprout from the root collar and grow vigorously after the above-ground part of the tree has been killed. Oak trees produce valuable timber as well as important wildlife food &ndash; acorns are an important source of nutrition for deer, turkey, squirrels and other wildlife.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There is an abundance of recreation opportunities at Shenipsit State Forest. The two primary attractions are the wonderful hiking along the Blue-Blazed Shenipsit Trail which passes over Soapstone Mountain and the amazing views from the Soapstone Mountain observation tower. While the original fire tower is long gone, today&rsquo;s tower stands specifically for the public&rsquo;s recreational viewing. As one of only two observation towers in Eastern Connecticut (the other being the monument at Fort Griswold State Park in Groton), the vistas afforded from this vantage point are spectacular as visitors can take in scenes from the Connecticut River Valley to the Springfield skyline.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">ActivitiesCross-Country SkiingFishingHikingHistoric MuseumHorseback RidingHuntingMountain BikingObservation TowerPicnickingSnowmobilingLetterboxing</p>		</div>
		

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											<div>166 Chestnut Hill Road</div>
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							<span>Stafford Springs</span>,
							<span>CT</span>
												<span>06076</span>
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					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Forests/Shenipsit-State-Forest" target="_blank">Shenipsit State Forest</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-684-3430</div>
				
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						<p style="text-align: justify;">Shenipsit State Forest began in 1927 with the purchase of land at the summit of Soapstone Mountain in Somers to erect a fire tower to keep a lookout over the forests of the eastern woodlands. Over time, additional acreage was purchased to form the sprawling 7,078 acres state forest we have today in Ellington, Somers and Stafford.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Shenipsit is dominated by nearly pure stands of oak, particularly red oak, as a result of repeated clear-cutting for charcoal production and as a result of fire. &nbsp;All of this occurred prior to State ownership. Oak reproduction favors the open, full-sunlight conditions created by clear-cutting and by fire. Additionally oak seedlings and saplings almost always re-sprout from the root collar and grow vigorously after the above-ground part of the tree has been killed. Oak trees produce valuable timber as well as important wildlife food &ndash; acorns are an important source of nutrition for deer, turkey, squirrels and other wildlife.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There is an abundance of recreation opportunities at Shenipsit State Forest. The two primary attractions are the wonderful hiking along the Blue-Blazed Shenipsit Trail which passes over Soapstone Mountain and the amazing views from the Soapstone Mountain observation tower. While the original fire tower is long gone, today&rsquo;s tower stands specifically for the public&rsquo;s recreational viewing. As one of only two observation towers in Eastern Connecticut (the other being the monument at Fort Griswold State Park in Groton), the vistas afforded from this vantage point are spectacular as visitors can take in scenes from the Connecticut River Valley to the Springfield skyline.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">ActivitiesCross-Country SkiingFishingHikingHistoric MuseumHorseback RidingHuntingMountain BikingObservation TowerPicnickingSnowmobilingLetterboxing</p>		</div>
		

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											<div>166 Chestnut Hill Road</div>
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							<span>Stafford Springs</span>,
							<span>CT</span>
												<span>06076</span>
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					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Forests/Shenipsit-State-Forest" target="_blank">Shenipsit State Forest</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-684-3430</div>
				
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						<p style="text-align: justify;">Shenipsit State Forest began in 1927 with the purchase of land at the summit of Soapstone Mountain in Somers to erect a fire tower to keep a lookout over the forests of the eastern woodlands. Over time, additional acreage was purchased to form the sprawling 7,078 acres state forest we have today in Ellington, Somers and Stafford.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Shenipsit is dominated by nearly pure stands of oak, particularly red oak, as a result of repeated clear-cutting for charcoal production and as a result of fire. &nbsp;All of this occurred prior to State ownership. Oak reproduction favors the open, full-sunlight conditions created by clear-cutting and by fire. Additionally oak seedlings and saplings almost always re-sprout from the root collar and grow vigorously after the above-ground part of the tree has been killed. Oak trees produce valuable timber as well as important wildlife food &ndash; acorns are an important source of nutrition for deer, turkey, squirrels and other wildlife.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There is an abundance of recreation opportunities at Shenipsit State Forest. The two primary attractions are the wonderful hiking along the Blue-Blazed Shenipsit Trail which passes over Soapstone Mountain and the amazing views from the Soapstone Mountain observation tower. While the original fire tower is long gone, today&rsquo;s tower stands specifically for the public&rsquo;s recreational viewing. As one of only two observation towers in Eastern Connecticut (the other being the monument at Fort Griswold State Park in Groton), the vistas afforded from this vantage point are spectacular as visitors can take in scenes from the Connecticut River Valley to the Springfield skyline.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">ActivitiesCross-Country SkiingFishingHikingHistoric MuseumHorseback RidingHuntingMountain BikingObservation TowerPicnickingSnowmobilingLetterboxing</p>		</div>
		

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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]
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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Shenipsit State Forest</h1></header>

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				<p>
					<div>
											<div>166 Chestnut Hill Road</div>
											<div>
							<span>Stafford Springs</span>,
							<span>CT</span>
												<span>06076</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Forests/Shenipsit-State-Forest" target="_blank">Shenipsit State Forest</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-684-3430</div>
				
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						<p style="text-align: justify;">Shenipsit State Forest began in 1927 with the purchase of land at the summit of Soapstone Mountain in Somers to erect a fire tower to keep a lookout over the forests of the eastern woodlands. Over time, additional acreage was purchased to form the sprawling 7,078 acres state forest we have today in Ellington, Somers and Stafford.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Shenipsit is dominated by nearly pure stands of oak, particularly red oak, as a result of repeated clear-cutting for charcoal production and as a result of fire. &nbsp;All of this occurred prior to State ownership. Oak reproduction favors the open, full-sunlight conditions created by clear-cutting and by fire. Additionally oak seedlings and saplings almost always re-sprout from the root collar and grow vigorously after the above-ground part of the tree has been killed. Oak trees produce valuable timber as well as important wildlife food &ndash; acorns are an important source of nutrition for deer, turkey, squirrels and other wildlife.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There is an abundance of recreation opportunities at Shenipsit State Forest. The two primary attractions are the wonderful hiking along the Blue-Blazed Shenipsit Trail which passes over Soapstone Mountain and the amazing views from the Soapstone Mountain observation tower. While the original fire tower is long gone, today&rsquo;s tower stands specifically for the public&rsquo;s recreational viewing. As one of only two observation towers in Eastern Connecticut (the other being the monument at Fort Griswold State Park in Groton), the vistas afforded from this vantage point are spectacular as visitors can take in scenes from the Connecticut River Valley to the Springfield skyline.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">ActivitiesCross-Country SkiingFishingHikingHistoric MuseumHorseback RidingHuntingMountain BikingObservation TowerPicnickingSnowmobilingLetterboxing</p>		</div>
		

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		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Hanna City</h2>
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	<div class="wrap">
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										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-balance-stability-exercise-class-31725-virtual-2zntxjmjqgn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SIT-TO-FIT-EXERCISES">SIT TO FIT EXERCISES</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Mar 17, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
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					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-balance-and-stability-exercise-class-31825-virtual-xtnmpfxdd8c.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SIT-TO-FIT-EXERCISES">SIT TO FIT EXERCISES</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 18, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-yoga-meditation-31925-virtual-s4nx59k4d73.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-YOGA-MEDITATION">YOGA & MEDITATION</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Wednesday, Mar 19, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/hanna-city-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
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											<div>166 Chestnut Hill Road</div>
											<div>
							<span>Stafford Springs</span>,
							<span>CT</span>
												<span>06076</span>
											</div>
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								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Forests/Shenipsit-State-Forest" target="_blank">Shenipsit State Forest</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-684-3430</div>
				
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						<p style="text-align: justify;">Shenipsit State Forest began in 1927 with the purchase of land at the summit of Soapstone Mountain in Somers to erect a fire tower to keep a lookout over the forests of the eastern woodlands. Over time, additional acreage was purchased to form the sprawling 7,078 acres state forest we have today in Ellington, Somers and Stafford.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Shenipsit is dominated by nearly pure stands of oak, particularly red oak, as a result of repeated clear-cutting for charcoal production and as a result of fire. &nbsp;All of this occurred prior to State ownership. Oak reproduction favors the open, full-sunlight conditions created by clear-cutting and by fire. Additionally oak seedlings and saplings almost always re-sprout from the root collar and grow vigorously after the above-ground part of the tree has been killed. Oak trees produce valuable timber as well as important wildlife food &ndash; acorns are an important source of nutrition for deer, turkey, squirrels and other wildlife.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There is an abundance of recreation opportunities at Shenipsit State Forest. The two primary attractions are the wonderful hiking along the Blue-Blazed Shenipsit Trail which passes over Soapstone Mountain and the amazing views from the Soapstone Mountain observation tower. While the original fire tower is long gone, today&rsquo;s tower stands specifically for the public&rsquo;s recreational viewing. As one of only two observation towers in Eastern Connecticut (the other being the monument at Fort Griswold State Park in Groton), the vistas afforded from this vantage point are spectacular as visitors can take in scenes from the Connecticut River Valley to the Springfield skyline.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">ActivitiesCross-Country SkiingFishingHikingHistoric MuseumHorseback RidingHuntingMountain BikingObservation TowerPicnickingSnowmobilingLetterboxing</p>		</div>
		

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		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Hanna City</h2>
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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Shenipsit State Forest</h1></header>

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											<div>166 Chestnut Hill Road</div>
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							<span>Stafford Springs</span>,
							<span>CT</span>
												<span>06076</span>
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					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Forests/Shenipsit-State-Forest" target="_blank">Shenipsit State Forest</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-684-3430</div>
				
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						<p style="text-align: justify;">Shenipsit State Forest began in 1927 with the purchase of land at the summit of Soapstone Mountain in Somers to erect a fire tower to keep a lookout over the forests of the eastern woodlands. Over time, additional acreage was purchased to form the sprawling 7,078 acres state forest we have today in Ellington, Somers and Stafford.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Shenipsit is dominated by nearly pure stands of oak, particularly red oak, as a result of repeated clear-cutting for charcoal production and as a result of fire. &nbsp;All of this occurred prior to State ownership. Oak reproduction favors the open, full-sunlight conditions created by clear-cutting and by fire. Additionally oak seedlings and saplings almost always re-sprout from the root collar and grow vigorously after the above-ground part of the tree has been killed. Oak trees produce valuable timber as well as important wildlife food &ndash; acorns are an important source of nutrition for deer, turkey, squirrels and other wildlife.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There is an abundance of recreation opportunities at Shenipsit State Forest. The two primary attractions are the wonderful hiking along the Blue-Blazed Shenipsit Trail which passes over Soapstone Mountain and the amazing views from the Soapstone Mountain observation tower. While the original fire tower is long gone, today&rsquo;s tower stands specifically for the public&rsquo;s recreational viewing. As one of only two observation towers in Eastern Connecticut (the other being the monument at Fort Griswold State Park in Groton), the vistas afforded from this vantage point are spectacular as visitors can take in scenes from the Connecticut River Valley to the Springfield skyline.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">ActivitiesCross-Country SkiingFishingHikingHistoric MuseumHorseback RidingHuntingMountain BikingObservation TowerPicnickingSnowmobilingLetterboxing</p>		</div>
		

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							<span>Stafford Springs</span>,
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												<span>06076</span>
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					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Forests/Shenipsit-State-Forest" target="_blank">Shenipsit State Forest</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-684-3430</div>
				
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						<p style="text-align: justify;">Shenipsit State Forest began in 1927 with the purchase of land at the summit of Soapstone Mountain in Somers to erect a fire tower to keep a lookout over the forests of the eastern woodlands. Over time, additional acreage was purchased to form the sprawling 7,078 acres state forest we have today in Ellington, Somers and Stafford.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Shenipsit is dominated by nearly pure stands of oak, particularly red oak, as a result of repeated clear-cutting for charcoal production and as a result of fire. &nbsp;All of this occurred prior to State ownership. Oak reproduction favors the open, full-sunlight conditions created by clear-cutting and by fire. Additionally oak seedlings and saplings almost always re-sprout from the root collar and grow vigorously after the above-ground part of the tree has been killed. Oak trees produce valuable timber as well as important wildlife food &ndash; acorns are an important source of nutrition for deer, turkey, squirrels and other wildlife.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There is an abundance of recreation opportunities at Shenipsit State Forest. The two primary attractions are the wonderful hiking along the Blue-Blazed Shenipsit Trail which passes over Soapstone Mountain and the amazing views from the Soapstone Mountain observation tower. While the original fire tower is long gone, today&rsquo;s tower stands specifically for the public&rsquo;s recreational viewing. As one of only two observation towers in Eastern Connecticut (the other being the monument at Fort Griswold State Park in Groton), the vistas afforded from this vantage point are spectacular as visitors can take in scenes from the Connecticut River Valley to the Springfield skyline.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">ActivitiesCross-Country SkiingFishingHikingHistoric MuseumHorseback RidingHuntingMountain BikingObservation TowerPicnickingSnowmobilingLetterboxing</p>		</div>
		

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											<div>166 Chestnut Hill Road</div>
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							<span>Stafford Springs</span>,
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												<span>06076</span>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-684-3430</div>
				
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						<p style="text-align: justify;">Shenipsit State Forest began in 1927 with the purchase of land at the summit of Soapstone Mountain in Somers to erect a fire tower to keep a lookout over the forests of the eastern woodlands. Over time, additional acreage was purchased to form the sprawling 7,078 acres state forest we have today in Ellington, Somers and Stafford.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Shenipsit is dominated by nearly pure stands of oak, particularly red oak, as a result of repeated clear-cutting for charcoal production and as a result of fire. &nbsp;All of this occurred prior to State ownership. Oak reproduction favors the open, full-sunlight conditions created by clear-cutting and by fire. Additionally oak seedlings and saplings almost always re-sprout from the root collar and grow vigorously after the above-ground part of the tree has been killed. Oak trees produce valuable timber as well as important wildlife food &ndash; acorns are an important source of nutrition for deer, turkey, squirrels and other wildlife.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There is an abundance of recreation opportunities at Shenipsit State Forest. The two primary attractions are the wonderful hiking along the Blue-Blazed Shenipsit Trail which passes over Soapstone Mountain and the amazing views from the Soapstone Mountain observation tower. While the original fire tower is long gone, today&rsquo;s tower stands specifically for the public&rsquo;s recreational viewing. As one of only two observation towers in Eastern Connecticut (the other being the monument at Fort Griswold State Park in Groton), the vistas afforded from this vantage point are spectacular as visitors can take in scenes from the Connecticut River Valley to the Springfield skyline.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">ActivitiesCross-Country SkiingFishingHikingHistoric MuseumHorseback RidingHuntingMountain BikingObservation TowerPicnickingSnowmobilingLetterboxing</p>		</div>
		

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											<div>166 Chestnut Hill Road</div>
											<div>
							<span>Stafford Springs</span>,
							<span>CT</span>
												<span>06076</span>
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					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Forests/Shenipsit-State-Forest" target="_blank">Shenipsit State Forest</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-684-3430</div>
				
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						<p style="text-align: justify;">Shenipsit State Forest began in 1927 with the purchase of land at the summit of Soapstone Mountain in Somers to erect a fire tower to keep a lookout over the forests of the eastern woodlands. Over time, additional acreage was purchased to form the sprawling 7,078 acres state forest we have today in Ellington, Somers and Stafford.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Shenipsit is dominated by nearly pure stands of oak, particularly red oak, as a result of repeated clear-cutting for charcoal production and as a result of fire. &nbsp;All of this occurred prior to State ownership. Oak reproduction favors the open, full-sunlight conditions created by clear-cutting and by fire. Additionally oak seedlings and saplings almost always re-sprout from the root collar and grow vigorously after the above-ground part of the tree has been killed. Oak trees produce valuable timber as well as important wildlife food &ndash; acorns are an important source of nutrition for deer, turkey, squirrels and other wildlife.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There is an abundance of recreation opportunities at Shenipsit State Forest. The two primary attractions are the wonderful hiking along the Blue-Blazed Shenipsit Trail which passes over Soapstone Mountain and the amazing views from the Soapstone Mountain observation tower. While the original fire tower is long gone, today&rsquo;s tower stands specifically for the public&rsquo;s recreational viewing. As one of only two observation towers in Eastern Connecticut (the other being the monument at Fort Griswold State Park in Groton), the vistas afforded from this vantage point are spectacular as visitors can take in scenes from the Connecticut River Valley to the Springfield skyline.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">ActivitiesCross-Country SkiingFishingHikingHistoric MuseumHorseback RidingHuntingMountain BikingObservation TowerPicnickingSnowmobilingLetterboxing</p>		</div>
		

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include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118